Public Relations Manager to the CEO

Remote in United States (eastern time zone preferred)

Mercy For Animals aims to end industrial animal agriculture by constructing a just and sustainable food system. We envision a world where animals are respected, protected, and free

As a leading farmed animal advocacy organization, we know that achieving this goal requires a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work environment—one that welcomes and sparks new perspectives and innovative ideas. If you are passionate about our mission, driven to make a big impact for animals, and eager to be part of a dedicated team, join us!

We currently seek a part-time public relations manager to the CEO to join our executive office. In this role you will help end factory farming by supporting Mercy For Animals’ CEO with writing and communications. This role aims to ensure a high profile for the CEO’s and Mercy For Animals’ thought leadership on food, farming, animal rights, and sustainability. Securing media coverage and speaking appearances for the CEO will be a key focus.  

You will do invaluable work:

• Support the CEO in her role as chief spokesperson and thought leader for the organization through U.S. and global media

• Plan and execute her book tour (or tours)

• Cooperate with her publisher and publicity firm on her book release 

• Research and draft a wide variety of communications, including feature articles, web news, and podcasts, for and on behalf of the CEO

• Use Mercy For Animals’ photographic resources where appropriate

• Identify opportunities for the CEO to comment and be interviewed regarding the daily-news and current-affairs agendas

• Proactively sell in stories to the media in support of the CEO’s communications

• Determine and manage the CEO’s communication channels 

• Accompany the CEO to speaking engagements and other events to support her and maximize media opportunities

• Organize events involving the media that are attended or hosted by the CEO

• Proactively book speaking events and manage these events once secured 

• Write articles for external and in-house publications where required

• Ensure relevant sections of Mercy For Animals’ website are updated, including the media kit and www.leahgarces.com

• Deal with media inquiries and draft prompt reactive responses with relevant colleagues as needed

• Build media lists and outlet lists for various opportunities

• Monitor relevant media articles

• Coordinate with Mercy For Animals’ regional operations and representatives

• Contribute to the development of campaign and communications strategies from a media perspective

• Develop relationships with broadcast, podcast, online, and print journalists

• Manage and control a media database and dissemination of information to the media

• Communicate regularly with media contacts in person and by phone and writing

• Identify upcoming events that could spotlight the organization’s focus issues

• Organize media events, such as press conferences and briefings

• Work closely with internal departments to manage effective development and implementation of documentary production and broadcast opportunities

• Recognize opportunities to use our photo and video resources in close collaboration with the media team

• Ensure that external parties properly use and accredit our photos and videos and convey our messages and brand accurately

• Cooperate with the media teams in monitoring on a rotating basis the amount of Mercy For Animals-related coverage and circulate this information to staff

• Gather and collate data on the amount of coverage and its publicity value

• Attend public relations department meetings as needed and support the public relations director in preparing statistical analyses for reports

• Ensure capture of television and radio broadcast coverage

• Travel internationally as needed

• Work outside office hours as needed, provide a 24-hour press service along with media-team colleagues, and arrange outside office hours in accordance with procedures

• Take care of yourself and others in line with our employee handbook

• Act in accordance with Mercy For Animals’ core values and ethics

• Comply with data-protection legislation and the organization’s personal-information and privacy protection protocols

• Provide formal and informal training on your areas of expertise to staff, interns, trustees, and others at the request of your supervisor or other senior departmental management

• Contribute to the overall aims of Mercy For Animals  

• Adhere to all organizational policies and procedures

• Perform any other duties assigned by team leader

Your qualifications will take our executive office to the next level:

• Proven track record of dealing with national and international media

• Demonstrated ability to proactively develop opportunities presented by the daily-news agenda and wider current-affairs agenda

• Outstanding research and writing skills

• Proven ability to write blogs, features, opinion pieces, and press releases that lead to positive media exposure

• Proven track record of securing high-profile media opportunities for a nonprofit organization

• Demonstrated success in placing opinion pieces and letters to the editor

• Ability to plan, write, and implement media strategies for a range of campaigns and activities

• Ability to successfully pitch our expertise, messages, and resources through both spoken and written word

• Resourcefulness and ability to create opportunities to gain maximum exposure for the CEO’s key campaigns and book (or books)

• Effectiveness and composure in a busy press office and agility to deal with changing priorities and deadlines

• Succinct and effective articulation of our key messages to the public 

• Close attention to detail

• Excellent working knowledge of all media platforms and expertise in raising the profile of a campaigning organization

• Self-starting, enthusiastic team player who is ready to help colleagues and stakeholders

•  Ability to deal with people sensitively, assertively, and diplomatically

• Sensitivity to social and cultural issues

• Project management experience (preferred)

• Useful media contacts (preferred)

• Experience working with high-profile figures (preferred)

• Journalism qualifications (preferred)

• Proficiency in another language, such as Spanish or Portuguese (preferred)

• Readiness to assist with functions, protests, etc. (preferred)

• Commitment to the mission and values of Mercy For Animals

• Commitment to continued personal and organizational growth in diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice principles

About Your Team Leader

Leah Garcés is the CEO and president of Mercy For Animals and author of Grilled: Turning Adversaries into Allies to Change the Chicken Industry. With more than 20 years of leadership experience in the animal protection movement, she has partnered with corporations, communities, and governments on her mission to build a better food system.

She is the founder of Mercy For Animals’ Transfarmation™ program, working to transition factory farmers from industrial animal agriculture to production of specialty crops, such as mushrooms and hemp. Her book about this program and the way to transition to a just and sustainable food system is due to be published by Beacon in fall 2024. Leah oversaw international campaigns in 14 countries at the World Society for the Protection of Animals and launched Compassion in World Farming in the United States. Her work has been featured by national and international media outlets, including the New York Times, the Washington Post, BuzzFeed, VICE, and the Chicago Tribune. She has presented at global forums, including TEDx, RIO+10, and the World Health Organization’s Global Forum for Health Research. She was proud to be called a “moral weirdo” by philosopher Will MacAskill and named in Vox’s Future Perfect 50 list of scientists, thinkers, scholars, writers, and activists building “a more perfect future.” 

Compensation and Benefits 

Earn an annual salary of $50,000, depending on qualifications, and enjoy a commute-free life as a remote team member in addition to a collaborative and innovative work environment. As a part-time employee, you must commit to at least 18 hours per week and not exceed 34 hours per week. You are eligible for sick leave and participation in a 401(k) retirement plan with a dollar-to-dollar employer match of up to 3 percent of your annual salary.

Application Details

We consider traditional and nontraditional qualifications and carefully review each application, resume, and cover letter. Feel encouraged to go outside a traditional cover letter and state how you would add to our culture; what we would gain from having you on our team; and how you align with our organizational vision, mission, and values. 

*Please note that we cannot accept candidates from California, Colorado, New York, or Washington due to minimum exempt salary requirements in these states.

Our Commitment to You

Mercy For Animals is a globally minded organization. We are committed to the principles of equity and justice, and our culture celebrates authenticity—enabling every team member to shine. All employment decisions are based solely on individual qualifications, job needs, and job requirements, and potential team members of every color, orientation, age, gender, origin, veteran status, and ability are encouraged to apply. We strive to include candidates from historically marginalized communities and those from or in communities impacted by environmental, social, and economic injustice. 

Come as you are, and help us transform our society and construct a truly compassionate food system.

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