Senior Public Relations Coordinator

Company Overview

Youth Villages has been a national leader in the implementation of research-based treatment philosophies in the field of children's mental and behavioral health. Our commitment to helping troubled children and their families find success spans 30+ years and includes a comprehensive array of programs and services. 

If you are looking for a positive career move where you are meeting the challenges of life and striving to make a positive difference, then Youth Villages is the place for you. We are looking for people with a strong sense of purpose and focus to continually build confidence in yourself and our organization.

Position Summary

The Senior PR Coordinator oversees public relations initiatives working with teams in the Strategy Department with specific focus on strategic communications and public relations plans, programs and projects. Conducts media relations and provides assistance to build national and regional awareness of Youth Villages among the department’s key stakeholder groups both state and national. This position will be integral in supporting PR efforts around growth of the organization. Performs other related duties as assigned or directed to meet the goals and objectives of the department.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develops and leads the implementation of comprehensive, strategic public relations plans for teams under the Chief Strategy Officer, with focus on strategic growth across the existing and future footprint and thought leadership around its various services, programs and events. 
• Conducts national media relations to support overall organizational and departmental objectives. Works with the news media both proactively and reactively. Is on call 24/7 for journalists. 
• Monitors the child welfare/juvenile justice/social services environment, news coverage, and issues to stay apprised of situations that might affect Youth Villages or that Youth Villages can be part of as an expert source. Ensures appropriate responses are prepared and implemented. 
• Works in tandem with the digital strategy team and communications leadership liaison to develop plans and project manage needs for the department.
• Conducts PR activities accurately, timely, within budget parameters and in a way that supports operational goals. 
• Regularly evaluates the effectiveness of PR plans, strategies and tactics and reports on status of plans and results of work. 
• Conducts market and primary research to aid in forming strategic plans and in evaluating results of PR tactics. 
• Counsels strategy leadership and staff on public relations matters, conducting media training and coaching staff for news media interviews. 
• Works with internal communications for any specific campaigns, programs and projects focused on our employees.
• Leads the creation of media and communications materials such as news releases, news advisories, fact sheets, talking points, speaking points, press kits, etc. as well as programs and events such as news conferences and training classes. Leads department proofreading and editing tasks. 
• Interviews people from all Youth Villages stakeholder groups and writes stories, copy, speeches, news releases, etc. for various uses. 
• Helps identify and prepare young people and families for speaking opportunities, in tandem with state PR coordinator and assistant director of communications.
• Works with the other Communications teams to support overall department goals. 
• Works closely with other Youth Villages departments and outside vendors as necessary to ensure all programs and projects are successful, accurate, and timely. 
• Monitors Youth Villages coverage in the news media, preparing and archiving monthly reports and ensuring clip files are properly maintained. 
  

Location

The Communications Department is located in Memphis, Tennessee. However, this is a remote position with the option for a hybrid work arrangement if located near a Youth Villages office.

Travel

The job involves some travel periodically based on need, including occasional travel to Youth Villages’ national headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee. May have to be present in person for media interviews, reporter meetings, prep with families, etc. or events/panels/speaking engagements if deemed necessary.

Education/ Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field (relevant work experience to be considered in place of related degree)
  
• Minimum of 3-5 years of direct experience in public relations leading media relations on local, regional and national levels
• Experience working within the government and/or child welfare sector a plus

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug Coverage and Vision
401(k)
2 weeks paid vacation
12 paid sick days per year
11 paid holidays

Paid Parental Leave
Mileage & Cell Phone Reimbursement (when applicable)

Tuition reimbursement and licensure supervision

Growth & development through continuous training

Clinical and administrative advancement opportunities

Youth Villages is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Youth Villages is committed to not only advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace but also in our work with children and young adults. We know that children, families and young people of color can face inequity in child welfare and justice systems, and we train our employees to build the skills they need to work with the communities that we serve, as well as, other employees from different cultures and backgrounds. Youth Villages is opposed to racism in any of its forms and is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity. We believe that respect for each other is crucial in the work that we do each day.