Overview:

Company Overview

Youth Villages has been a national leader in the implementation of research-based treatment philosophies in the field of children's mental and behavioral health. Our commitment to helping troubled children and their families find success spans 30+ years and includes a comprehensive array of programs and services. 

If you are looking for a positive career move where you are meeting the challenges of life and striving to make a positive difference, then Youth Villages is the place for you. We are looking for people with a strong sense of purpose and focus to continually build confidence in yourself and our organization.

Position Summary

Under the general supervision of the director of communications, the senior public relations coordinator for Georgia spearheads various communications and public relations plans, programs and projects; conducts media relations; works to build local and regional awareness of Youth Villages among the general public and key stakeholder groups; with focus on marketing and communication planning and execution, event promotion, reputation management, campaigns, for the state of Georgia. Supports digital PR strategy for Youth Villages alongside the social media team in helping to identify and engage with reporters, social influencers, etc. Acts as connector for internal communications needs and employee engagement, as needed. Performs other related duties as assigned or directed to meet the department's goals. Works closely with the department of development to support fundraising and awareness needs among donors. Ideal candidate should have strong media relations experience (with existing relationships with media in Atlanta, in particular), impeccable writing skills, and experience coordinating multiple projects and tasks.

Responsibilities:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This position is located in Atlanta, Georgia, based out of our Atlanta and Douglasville (Inner Harbour Campus) locations on a hybrid schedule.

Assists the director of communications with the development and implementation of comprehensive, strategic public relations plans for Youth Villages and its various services, programs and events.

Conducts strategic media relations in key markets to support overall organizational and departmental objectives; works with the news media both proactively and reactively. Is on call 24/7 for journalists and crisis situations.

Stays apprised of situations in key markets, ensuring PR is conducted accurately, timely, within budget parameters and in a way that supports operational goals.

Regularly evaluates the effectiveness of PR strategies and tactics, and reports on status of plans and results of work.

Stays apprised of issues affecting the organization, including competitor work.

Conducts media training and coaches and prepares staff for news media interviews.

Creates media and communications materials such as news releases, news advisories, fact sheets, talking points, speaking points, press kits, etc. Is responsible for ensuring all materials are current and easily accessible to media in media center.

Conducts planning/execution of PR strategy for campaigns, programs and events, such as news conferences, training classes, ribbon-cuttings, groundbreakings, and fundraisers.

Ability to interview families and young people and write stories for various uses.

Ability to work collaboratively across various teams and departments to ensure integration and sharing of information.

Skilled writer with the ability as needed to write copy, including: PSAs, speeches, scripts, news releases and communications materials; assists with editing and proofreading upon request; follows AP Style.

Works closely with digital strategy, as well as other Youth Villages departments and outside vendors as necessary, to ensure all programs and projects are successful, accurate and timely.

Supports crisis communications as necessary alongside national communications team and state leadership.

Works closely with development team to identify opportunities to support fundraising efforts, events, volunteer/mentor recruitment and initiatives targeting key stakeholders.

Monitors Youth Villages coverage in the news media including digital, preparing monthly reports

Performs additional duties at the request of department leadership.

Travel

 Some travel to Memphis for training/meetings will be required. Reliable transportation to travel around the Atlanta metro area and suburbs is required.

Experience growth and development through our continuous training as well as tuition and licensure reimbursement or pursue opportunities to advance both clinically and administratively with Youth Villages

Qualifications:

Education/ Experience

Bachelor's degree in public relations, communications or related field. Three to five years of experience in public relations/communications, with strong media relations, communications planning and event promotion experience preferred. Proven track record of media success and existing relationships with Georgia media outlets, especially in Atlanta, is required to be considered for this position.

Qualifications 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Language Skills

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before stakeholders of organization. Strong newswriting, editing and proofreading skills necessary.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to apply commonsense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. Strong critical thinking skills necessary. Strategic planning skills necessary.

Key Skills and Ability

Ability to write news stories, feature articles and general copy. Ability to take photographs or video suitable for publication and reproduction with a smart phone. Ability to work with little supervision. Ability to communicate well on both verbal and written levels. Understands how to maintain good relations with co-workers, vendors, children and their families, journalists, donors, etc. Ability to use a PC or Mac with Microsoft Office suite.

Mathematical Skills 

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. Ability to calculate advertising equivalency of news stories.

Physical Demands 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug Coverage and Vision

401(k)

2 weeks paid vacation

12 paid sick days per year

11 paid holidays

Paid Parental Leave

Mileage & Cell Phone Reimbursement (when applicable)

Tuition reimbursement and licensure supervision

Growth & development through continuous training

Clinical and administrative advancement opportunities

Youth Villages is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Youth Villages is committed to not only advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace but also in our work with children and young adults. We know that children, families and young people of color can face inequity in child welfare and justice systems, and we train our employees to build the skills they need to work with the communities that we serve, as well as, other employees from different cultures and backgrounds. Youth Villages is opposed to racism in any of its forms and is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity. We believe that respect for each other is crucial in the work that we do each day.