Public Relations Assistant

Public Relations Assistant Build Relationships. Inspire Giving. Make a Difference for Children and Families.

Burlington United Methodist Family Services, Inc. d/b/a Star of Hope Family Services is seeking a detail-oriented, organized, and creative Public Relations Assistant to join our Resource Development team.

If you are a communications or business professional who enjoys building relationships, managing information, and supporting meaningful community initiatives, this position offers an opportunity to help strengthen the financial support and public awareness that sustain services for children and families.

The Public Relations Assistant plays an important role in donor relations, fundraising support, database management, direct mail communications, and agency outreach. Working closely with the Public Relations and Development Manager and other departments, this position helps identify opportunities to cultivate donor relationships, recognize charitable contributions, promote agency programs, and support the long-term sustainability of Star of Hope Family Services.

What You'll DoAs a Public Relations Assistant, you will manage the agency's donor database, coordinate fundraising communications and mailings, process and acknowledge charitable contributions, and support initiatives designed to cultivate donors and expand community awareness of agency programs.

You will work collaboratively with the Resource Development team, Accounting Department, volunteers, donors, and community partners to ensure accurate records, effective communications, and professional donor stewardship.

Key responsibilities include:

Manage and maintain the agency's donor database, including software updates, address validation, change-of-address processing, and routine data maintenance.

Maintain an effective working relationship with the donor database software vendor.

Coordinate regular database reviews, cleanup, and maintenance to ensure accurate and reliable donor information.

Coordinate the preparation, production, and distribution of direct mail appeals, newsletters, and other internal and external communications.

Maintain an inventory of necessary office, printing, and mailing supplies.

Prepare mailing labels and documentation in compliance with applicable United States Postal Service nonprofit and automated mailing requirements.

Coordinate volunteers in assembling and preparing direct mail appeals, newsletters, and other fundraising materials.

Process and track charitable contributions received through events, direct mail, earned income, major gifts, and planned giving.

Coordinate donation batching, processing, deposits, acknowledgments, and reconciliation activities.

Communicate with the Accounting Department regarding cash receipts, deposits, reconciliations, and financial reporting.

Prepare periodic gift reports, reconciliation reports, donor lists, and other information needed for newsletters, annual reports, and agency publications.

Administer memorial, honorarium, and legacy recognition programs.

Generate and distribute donor acknowledgment letters and annual charitable contribution tax statements in accordance with applicable IRS requirements.

Assist the Public Relations and Development Manager in identifying, cultivating, and soliciting prospective donors to support the agency's mission and programs.

Participate in initiatives that promote agency programs, fundraising opportunities, and planned giving.

Identify opportunities for community presentations, speaking engagements, media outreach, and other activities that increase awareness of the agency's services and needs.

Attend meetings, community events, and agency functions as a representative of Star of Hope Family Services.

Participate in campus special events and other activities supporting the agency's mission.

Attend professional development training, conferences, and other learning opportunities as directed by the Resource Development Manager.

Assist with special projects, outreach initiatives, and other duties as assigned.

Depending on the geographic location and needs of the position, certain promotional and outreach responsibilities may vary.

What We're Looking For Required Education Candidates must have:

A Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Business, Advertising, Accounting, or a related field.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered if it provides the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully perform the essential duties of the position.

Preferred…