Senior Communications Manager, U.S. and CA

Primary Responsibilities and Duties

• Lead and execute integrated communications strategies across public relations, social media, and rapid-response communications for the United States and Canada
• Oversee media relations efforts, including press strategies, media outreach, spokesperson preparation, and relationship management with journalists, producers, and influencers
• Mentor communications staff across public relations and social media functions, providing strategic guidance, feedback, and workflow oversight
• Collaborate closely with volunteers, celebrity relations, marketing, and creative to amplify campaigns, fundraising initiatives, and cultural visibility
• Partner cross-functionally with the CEO office, fundraising, government affairs and public policy, investigations, and corporate engagement teams to support organizational priorities
• Oversee the development and editing of communications materials, including press releases, statements, talking points, op-eds, blog posts, media pitches, and social content
• Lead rapid-response communications tied to breaking news, investigations, industry trends, and cultural conversations
• Monitor media coverage, social trends, and communications performance, providing strategic insights and recommendations to leadership
• Serve as a spokesperson and media liaison for Mercy For Animals in the United States and Canada
• Ensure all communications activities align with organizational messaging, values, and strategic priorities

Position Requirements

• Five to seven years of experience in communications, public relations, social media, advocacy communications, or related fields
• Demonstrated experience leading integrated communications strategies across earned and digital media
• Experience managing communications campaigns, media relationships, and cross-functional projects within nonprofit, advocacy, mission-driven, or related environments
• Strong leadership and team-management experience, including mentoring staff and overseeing workflows
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex issues into compelling narratives
• Strong understanding of media relations, social media trends, rapid-response communications, and reputation management
• Experience serving as a spokesperson or preparing spokespeople and executives for media opportunities preferred
• Excellent organizational, project-management, and strategic-thinking skills
• Proficiency with communications and project-management tools such as Muck Rack, Meltwater, Asana, Slack, Airtable, and Sprout Social
• Familiarity with The Associated Press Stylebook and strong editorial judgment
• Interest in animal protection, food systems, sustainability, public health, or related issues
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments, regions, and leadership levels
• Willingness to travel one to three times annually for conferences, campaign activities, or organizational retreats
• Commitment to Mercy For Animals’ mission, values, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice principles