Manager of Community Relations and Outreach

About The Humane Society of the Black Hills: HSBH is the Western South Dakota resource for animal adoptions, animal surrender and reclaim, animal licensing and community animal management. The HSBH is an open admission shelter that manages about 4,000 animals each year with the help of generous donors, community support, and hundreds of volunteers.

Job Summary: The Humane Society of the Black Hills (HSBH) seeks a dynamic and passionate individual to serve as our Manager of Community Relations and Outreach Department. This key position is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive strategies to build strong relationships with the community and donors, promote HSBH’s mission and services, and increase public awareness of animal welfare issues. With the Executive Director, the Manager will serve as a liaison between HSBH and the public, cultivating partnerships with local organizations, businesses, schools, and media outlets. This role requires excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills, as well as a deep commitment to animal welfare.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Community Engagement:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive community engagement plan to increase awareness of HSBH’s programs, services, and needs.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with HSBH’s members, other key community stakeholders, including businesses, civic organizations, schools, and government agencies.

Outreach Programs:

• Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of outreach programs and events that educate the public about responsible pet ownership, animal welfare issues, and the importance of adoption.
• Oversee the development and execution of various outreach activities, including presentations, workshops, adoption events, and participation in community festivals and events.

Public Relations and Media Management:

• Serve with the ED as a primary point of contact for media inquiries.
• Develop and distribute press releases, media kits, brochures, and other promotional materials.
• Cultivate relationships with local media outlets to secure positive media coverage for HSBH.
• Manage HSBH’s online presence, including website updates and social media engagement (Instagram and Facebook at minimum), ensuring consistent branding and messaging.

Partnership and Membership Development:

• Act as the primary interface between the Society and its members.
• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and schools to expand HSBH’s reach and impact.
• Negotiate and manage partnership agreements and membership programs, ensuring mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Chair Member Engagement Committee.
• Manage membership contact list, benefits program, and newsletter.
• Organize annual membership meeting and any other membership events.

Fundraising Support:

• Serve on the Fundraising Committee and support fundraising efforts by co-organizing fundraisers with relevant staff, promoting giving opportunities and engaging potential donors.

Data Collection

• Track and analyze data related to community outreach activities to measure effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
• Maintain accurate list of memberships, and monitor newsletter and social media engagement results.

Budget Management and Reporting:

• Develop and manage the budget for community relations and outreach staff and activities, ensuring responsible allocation of resources.
• Develop quarterly report covering departmental events and statistics (such as number of new members and associate members; events held and scheduled; workshops conducted and scheduled; fundraising achievements and opportunities; etc.)

Collaboration:

• Hire and oversee Department staff, staff training, and evaluation.
• Work closely with other HSBH departments and staff, including Animal Care, Adoption, and Veterinary Services, and with Board committees, to ensure cohesive messaging and program delivery.

Other Duties:

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, nonprofit management, or equivalent experience is preferred.
• Proven experience in community relations, marketing, public relations, or event planning, ideally in a nonprofit or animal welfare organization.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to oversee multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills to engage diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with animal welfare issues and humane society operations preferred.
• Proficiency in social media, public relations strategies, and community engagement tools.
• Passion for animal welfare and a commitment to the Society’s Mission.

HSBH is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Note: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $23.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $23