With limited supervision under the Anchorage Animal Care & Control (AACC) Center Manager, the Public Education Manager manages the Volunteer and the Community & Media Engagement Programs for AACC. This position oversees both programs with each program having its own set of goals and objectives. The main goal, for the volunteer program, is to continue to develop a progressive volunteer program which promotes the well-being and adoption of shelter animals. The Community & Media Engagement program aims to increase public awareness of the organization’s roles and services in the community as well create and implement multimedia public relations campaigns and public education outreach. This position oversees the Public Education Assistant.

This position requires a high level of professionalism, initiative, motivation, customer service and ability to use sound judgement while interacting with the public, employees, and volunteers. This position is a member of the AACC Leadership Team and, therefore, is required to lead by example and demonstrate superior teamwork skills.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or GED
• Two years public relations or media experience
• One year experience in volunteer management
• Ability to establish and maintain good rapport with members of the media, vendors, educators and community members.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, to include public speaking and presentations
• Knowledge of the principles and practices associated with effective public relations communication
• Excellent attention to detail, time management and organizational skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite
• Knowledge of desktop, online and commercial publishing methods, software and techniques
• Ability to develop effective PR and social media materials, including their content, layout and overall appearance
• Maturity of judgement and behavior
• Ability to work well independently and in a team format
• Previous supervisory experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• BS or BA degree in related field
• Experience working with animals and knowledge of humane animal welfare

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Volunteer Management:

• Develop a progressive volunteer program which promotes the well-being and adoption of shelter animals
• Recruit and screen prospective volunteers
• Work with professional staff to design volunteer jobs
• Provide volunteer orientations explaining Anchorage Animal Care and Control’s (AACC) function and mission. Discuss Volunteer Program policies, goals and objectives
• Maintain an atmosphere where opinions and suggestions for program development and shelter improvements are encouraged
• Maintain a positive working relationship between staff and volunteers
• Work with the community to develop and maintain AACC’s volunteer Foster and Rescue Programs
• Provide volunteers with opportunities to learn about animal care, training and behavior
• Supervise volunteer’s daily activities
• Keep records regarding volunteer services
• Review and maintain a comprehensive volunteer manual
• Prepare monthly reports detailing volunteer hours and projects
• Provide recognition activities and events for volunteers
• Participate in animal behavior assessment program
• Create and implement specific training, socialization, and/or behavior rehabilitation programs to increase adoptability
• Participate in regular or special training to upgrade or improve job skills, knowledge, performance or professionalism
• Represent Denali Universal Services in a positive, courteous and professional manner
• Other related work as assigned, including cross training on other positions

Community & Media Engagement:

• Coordinate the creative development of all publications and other written materials distributed by the organization both online and print
• Coordinate and establish consistent messages and activities for press releases, publications, social media and website content.
• Manage, monitor, and update social networking outreach for AACC, as well as updating the AACC section of the Municipal website as needed. Current social channels include but are not limited to: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and NextDoor.
• Serve as contact person to cooperatively work with the media and all other interested groups, to include: responding to media inquiries, overseeing media interviews, assisting and training Center staff who speak with the media, write and distribute newsworthy information to the media and arranges all media appearances and interviews.
• Prepare and coordinate multi-media public service campaigns to educate the public about responsible pet ownership, humane animal treatment and other animal related topics
• Work closely with news media, community leaders, and others to increase public awareness of the organization and its roles, services, and objectives
• Coordinate public relations strategy for potentially controversial animal control issues involving the public
• Plan and coordinate dog licensing sales campaign to increase licensing compliance through PR marketing and community outreach
• Coordinate and handle marketing and promotion of special events
• Coordinate various events both away from and at the shelter to educate the public about the function of AACC, as well as responsible pet ownership, humane animal treatment, pet disaster preparedness, safety with animals, and other animal related topics
• Manage ongoing and develop new community outreach programs. Current programs include Pet Food Bank, Shelter Cat Storytime, and Kitten Social Hour held at Horizon House, an assisted living home and low-cost rabies vaccination clinics
• Work with volunteers on outreach programs, photography or adoptable animals and other public relations-related activities
• Attend meetings and corresponds with citizens, state and national organizations, governmental groups, and other humane and animal control agencies to gain new ideas and information pertaining to humane issues
• Provide tours of AACC to members of the public and provide public presentations about AACC’s role in the community, responsible pet ownership, pet disaster preparedness, and safety with animals on request
• Schedule and conduct presentations in the Anchorage School District on responsible pet ownership and safety with animals
• Prepare reports as required work with the Animal Control Advisory Board on Animal Control issues
• Prepare and present PR presentations at the Board meetings, including compiling news clips and website mentions in order to report quantity and quality to Board.
• Act as official spokesperson in conjunction with director, president and other designated personnel, and represents the organization at meetings and functions as assigned
• Participate in animal behavior evaluation programs
• In coordination with AACC management and the Anchorage Health Department, develop and implement planning for emergency pet shelters within the Municipality in the event of a disaster
• Keep appropriate personnel informed of PR activities
• Maintain media contact information and create press materials as needed
• Participate in regular or special training to upgrade or improve job skills, knowledge, performance or professionalism
• When directed, work on weekends and after hours, including doing tasks and to help meet other AACC required functions
• Supervise the Public Education Assistant
• Represent DUS and the Municipality in a positive, courteous and professional manner
• Participate in canine behavior evaluations
• Community food bank monthly reporting
• Coordinate weekly donated spay/neuter surgeries with local veterinary clinics.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Center Manager

BENEFITS

Full-time regular employees have the opportunity to enroll in health insurance, life insurance, and 401k Retirement Plan. Full-time regular employees are provided access to our employee assistance program.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The majority of work is performed in a professional office setting with a wide variety of people with differing functions, personalities and abilities. Some exposure to the shelter’s noisy and odorous environment; may interact with the public in emotional and occasionally hostile situations; care for and handle all animals in a safe, effective and humane manner

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The employee’s work requires routine walking, standing, bending and carrying items. There may be a lack of immediate access to critical medical services as well as urban community services.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

It is DUS’s business philosophy and practice to provide reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

DUS is an equal opportunity employer.