Public Relations Manager (MPI)

If asked to describe the culture at Metropolitan Family Services, we could do that in one word. COMMUNITY! Both our internal culture as well as through the services we provide, community is at the heart of all we do.Metropolitan Family Services (MFS) empowers families to learn, to earn, to heal, to thrive. Part mentor, part motivator, part advocate, since 1857, Metropolitan family Services has been the engine of change that empowers families to reach their greatest potential and positively impact their communities.MFS is currently looking to fill a new full-time role, Public Relations Manager! Within our Metropolitan Peace Academy (MPA) team!SALARY: The average starting salary for this position will fall in the range of $60,000 and $65,000 annually. Where candidates fall in this range will be based on skill and experience level.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:Create and maintain an overall favorable public image for MPI/CP4P by communicating programs, accomplishments and/or points of view, in partnership with the Communications Director and Chief Communications OfficerHelp clarify the organization's point of view to its various audiences through media press releases, leadership media interviews, press conferences, public events. etc.Cultivate relationships with influential print, digital and broadcast journalists, as well as thought leaders within the public safety sector in addition to film and multimedia production outletsWrite media releases, develop and prepare press kits and other press materialsField media questions and serve as first point of contact for media inquiriesStrategize and release information to counter negative publicity and handle crisis and emergency communicationsBrief organizational leadership on communicating with the mediaAssist with writing speeches for organizational leadership at public-facing eventsDevelop and organize promotional eventsDevelop advertising and marketing communications materialMonitor social, economic, and political trends that might affect the organizationPartner with Social Media Manager to write and create digital content for organization's social media outlets, such as regular posts, blogs, tweets, etc.Project management expert, with ability to adhere to critical project timelinesAbility to work special events, as well as handle unexpected deadlines and emergency communicationsMust be able to periodically work evenings/weekendsOther program duties as assignedQUALIFICATIONS:Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Journalism, English, Communications or Marketing with a PR or Advertising concentration, required.5+ years' experience working in public relations field or similar role, required.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:Excellent writing and editing skills and the ability to write compelling copy are a mustMust be deadline-driven and possess the ability to meet important timelines.Must have established print, digital and broadcast media contacts in the Chicago metropolitan area.Strong risk management and evaluation skillsTactical understanding of all primary social media platformsExpert verbal communications skillsBe proactive, reliable, responsible and accurate with an attention to detailAbility to use good judgment, work well under pressure, adapt to change, and work collaboratively with individuals from all culturally diverse backgroundsStrong relationship building skillsStrong strategic and organizational skillsEffective time management skills and ability to complete given tasksSelf-motivated, team and goal-oriented individual with the ability to drive resultsStrong knowledge of Content Management Systems (i.e., WordPress)ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:Satisfactorily pass all screenings and criminal background checks.TRANSPORTATION/TRAVLE REQUIREMENTS:Driving for work required with a personally owned vehicle.PHYSICAL DEMANDS:While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is required to sit and stand for sustained periods of time, frequently talk, hear, use hands and fingers to feel, handle, and operate objects or controls, and occasionally stand, bend, stretch, stoop, kneel and crouch. The employee is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing, and viewing a computer terminal.Metropolitan Family Services puts our people first with a top-of-the-line benefits package. Find out more by clicking here!Some highlights include:Medical Coverage, Dental Coverage, and Vision Coverage.Metropolitan Family Services contributions of $2,000 to individual, and $4,000 to family, HSA accounts, pro-rated to your benefits start date.FREE General Medicine and Behavioral Health Teladoc services provided to all team members.Ascensus 401K plan services with a 4% employer match, vested at 100% on day one of eligibility.And so much more! Make sure you click here to see the full suite of benefits offered!MORE ABOUT US:Metropolitan is Illinois' first comprehensive human services agency and reaches more than 122,970 individuals and families in Chicago, Evanston/Skokie, the southwest suburbs, and DuPage County with services promoting education, economic stability, emotional wellness, and empowerment.Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with DisabilitiesThis employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.