Director of Public Relations

Position: Director of Public Relations

Reports To: Vice President, Strategic Communications

Location: Work from Anywhere

Soles4Souls Mission: Soles4Souls turns shoes and clothing into educational and economic opportunities.

Our CORE values: Transparency, Entrepreneurial, Accountable, Meaningful – represent who we are!

Summary: The Director of Public Relations is responsible for building and protecting Soles4Souls' public image through strategic media relations and executive thought leadership. Reporting to the VP, Strategic Communications, this role serves as a key architect of the organization's external communications strategy, earning meaningful media coverage and positioning Soles4Souls' leadership as influential voices in the nonprofit, sustainability, and social impact space. The Director brings strong media relationships, exceptional storytelling instincts, and the ability to translate mission-driven work into compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive PR strategy that elevates Soles4Souls' brand visibility and mission awareness across national, regional, local, digital, and industry media.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries, building and nurturing relationships with journalists, editors, and producers across relevant beats.

• Proactively pitch story angles, op-eds, and features that highlight Soles4Souls' impact, partnerships, and thought leadership.

• Lead executive thought leadership strategy, identifying speaking opportunities, awards, byline placements, and profile features for senior leadership.

• Develop messaging frameworks, talking points, and briefing materials to prepare executives for media interviews, panels, and public appearances.

• Monitor media landscape and industry trends to identify timely opportunities for Soles4Souls to enter relevant conversations.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, business development, and program teams to align PR efforts with organizational priorities.

• Track, analyze, and report on media coverage and PR performance metrics, providing regular updates to leadership.

• Support long-term communications planning and contribute to organizational strategy discussions.

Skills and Capabilities:

• Strong media relationships and demonstrated ability to earn coverage in top-tier outlets.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with a talent for distilling complex ideas into clear, compelling narratives.

• Strategic thinker who can balance long-term vision with day-to-day execution.

• Collaborative and influential communicator who works effectively across all levels of an organization.

• Thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

• Values transparency, accountability, and meaningful impact.

Qualifications:

• 7+ years of experience in public relations, communications, or media relations.

• Proven track record of securing meaningful media placements and building sustained press relationships.

• Experience developing and executing executive thought leadership programs.

• Nonprofit, social impact, or cause-related communications experience preferred.

• Strong existing media network across relevant beats (nonprofit, retail, sustainability, social impact) is a plus.

• Proficiency in media monitoring and PR tools (e.g., Cision, Muck Rack, or similar).

• Passion for social impact, product philanthropy, and purpose-driven work.

• Valid driver's license.

IF APPLICABLE: Physical Demands:

There may be times when you are working at our warehouse or in a capacity outside of your physical office space. Please note that these physical requirements are not exhaustive, and Soles4Souls may add additional job-related physical demands to these if the need arises:

• Lifting: The ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds if necessary.

• Standing: Must be able to stand for extended periods of time.

• Sitting: Sit for long periods while working at a desk or computer.

• Walking: Walk or move around the work area as needed.

• Bending and Stooping: Occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, or crouch to access equipment or perform tasks.

• Reaching: Reach overhead, horizontally, and down to access materials or equipment.

• Vision: Must have clear vision, including close vision, distance vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

• Hearing: Hear and communicate effectively in person and over the phone.

• Manual Dexterity: Use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls.

• Repetitive Motion: Perform repetitive tasks, such as data entry, for extended periods of time.

• Work Environment: Be able to work in various environments, including indoor and outdoor settings, and be exposed to varying weather conditions if applicable.

Compensation: Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors including skills, depth of work experience and relevant licenses/credentials. Benefits include medical insurance with 80% employer coverage, HRA account, 100% dental insurance & vision coverage, long-term disability, life, 401K with up to 6% employer match, professional development benefits, open FTO and paid parental leave.

S4S is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse staff and strongly encourages applications from candidates of color and other diverse backgrounds.