Internship Animal Public Relations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Looking to make a difference in the lives of pets and people? With an almost year-round beautiful blue sky and a scenic mountain backdrop, HSPPR is a nonprofit animal shelter serving El Paso, Pueblo, and Douglas Counties as well as the City of Centennial in the colorful State of Colorado. We employ a total of 200+ employees. We are an organization that celebrates and prioritizes diversity and inclusion. HSPPR welcomes you to apply for this exciting opportunity at our socially conscious organization.

Job Summary:

Produce external communications according to communication and marketing plan to raise visibility, awareness, and public reputation. Support internal and external communications, including PR and marketing efforts. Serve as primary contact for media.

HSPPR's Mission Statement: HSPPR offers compassionate care to animals, supports safe communities, and provides socially conscious sheltering.

The Public Relations Manager supports HSPPR's mission by increasing public awareness, trust, and engagement with the organization's lifesaving work. Through strategic media relations, storytelling, and community outreach, this role promotes HSPPR's programs, services, and impact to the public and key stakeholders. By serving as a primary media contact, creating compelling communications, and highlighting animal welfare efforts, the position helps strengthen the organization's reputation, attract donors and supporters, and ultimately advance the care and protection of pets and people in the community.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

This position will work effectively with other members of the philanthropy department and other organization departments to ensure strategic communication goals and objectives are achieved.

Public Relations

• Write press releases, pitch news stories, respond to media requests (including weekends), arrange interviews and appearances, and draft talking points for interviews, acting as spokesperson when needed.
• Serve as Public Information Officer (PIO) for our Animal Law Enforcement team; pitching stories and interview opportunities to further enhance our reputation around safety for pets and people.
• Coordinate events to showcase programs or new services at HSPPR.
• Cultivate and maintain ongoing relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets to increase public awareness and a positive image for HSPPR.
• Assist with internal and external communications for employees, customers, and other stakeholders that comply with HSPPR's philosophy, branding, and business objectives.
• Appear on television, radio, and write newspaper advertisements to promote a pet/pets of the week.
• Plan and execute press conferences when needed and appropriate.

Communications

• Assist in developing annual communications plan to strategically plan out topics of discussion in external communication efforts (CEO updates, press releases, blog topics, etc.).
• Serve as an editor for external communications and publications. Ensure accuracy, correct style and grammar, and consistency with HSPPR's mission and brand.
• Develop talking points and film monthly CEO updates, as well as brainstorm and contribute content for regular email correspondence with donors.
• Aid in development projects by contributing ideas, stories, pictures and copy for e-blasts, grant writing, fundraising campaigns, etc.
• Write blog posts on a regular basis and distribute as brand journalism when appropriate.

Other

• Schedule flexibility a must. Evenings and weekends required as needed.
• Represent HSPPR at events as required.
• Work cooperatively with all volunteers and recognize the talent and commitment they bring to HSPPR.
• Commitment to the mission, values, goals, and success of HSPPR.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Community Relations:

• Help the community and donors recognize the daily, life-saving work HSPPR does by sending pictures and stories to the Philanthropy team
• Aid the Philanthropy team with stories and photography opportunities whenever possible.

Physical Demands:

• Work is performed in an office setting within an animal shelter and care facility.
• Consistently exposed to animals in the workplace and animal allergens under conditions with limited alternatives available.
• Regularly sit at a computer station and operates electronic equipment.
• Able to occasionally drive to/from scheduled pet of the week segments.
• Frequently lift, carry, and position objects weighing up to 30 pounds when moving supplies and assisting with special events.
• Typically stand, bend, stoop and crouch while working special events.
• Regularly moves about the campus to coordinate work.
• Schedule flexibility a must. Evenings and weekends required as needed.

Schedule Requirements

• Monday - Friday. 9:00 am - 5:00 pm 
• Occasional evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required as needed.

Workplace Type

• Hybrid schedule may be available after completion of initial training and 90 days of employment

Education/Experience Necessary:

• BA/BS with preferred emphasis in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations or related field.
• 3 years of experience in communication, media relations, or marketing.
• Demonstrated solid writing and editing experience. Ability to write in a variety of voices.
• Superior presentation skills and excellent on-camera communicator.
• Able to independently manage multiple high-priority projects simultaneously.
• Experience working with a variety of computer applications, including desktop publishing, graphics, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Nonprofit public relations experience a plus.
• Knowledge of animal behavior and animal handling experience preferred.

** Applications accepted until Wednesday, September 30, 2026, or until position is filled **

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS:

In order to be considered for this position, applicants must submit the following, along with a current resume:

• Cover Letter
• A link to a video or article where you acted as an on-the-record spokesperson.
• An example of a press release you wrote. 

In addition to competitive salaries, we offer comprehensive benefits to our full-time staff.

Benefits include:

Health Insurance ~~ 401K with employer matching up to 4% of salary ~~ Dental and vision Plans ~~ Supplemental Group Life Insurance ~~ Short and long term disability Insurance ~~ Paid time off ~~ Holidays ~~ Direct Deposit ~~ Personal Pet Perks ~~ Wellness Programs ~~ Paid Sabbatical after 5 years of employment

The Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer. To learn more about this program, go to https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/.

The core values of the staff unite us and guide us to provide the best service to the animals in our care, our organization, and our community.

Core Values Statements-

• Compassion: We believe that animals matter. We are committed to treating animals and people with kindness, respect and compassion.
• Stewardship: We are accountable and transparent in our actions and in the use of our resources to build trust in those we serve.
• Integrity: We believe we can make the greatest impact by staying true to our mission, always doing what is best for the animals and people of our community, and by standing united in our decisions.
• Excellence: We are passionate about our mission, and strive for excellence through continual learning, innovation and the development of our board, staff and volunteers.
• Collaboration: We seek strategic partnerships and alliances to advance the welfare and protection of animals and people.
• Service: We exist to serve our communities and operate with this commitment to serve as front and center in all we do.

As a condition of employment with HSPPR, you will be required to authorize HSPPR and ProScreening to conduct a background check before confirming an employment start date. The background check will include a criminal investigation, verification of citizenship/immigration status, and a motor vehicle record. By applying for this position, you acknowledge and agree that any offers of employment will be contingent upon completion of the background check to the satisfaction of HSPPR.

In consideration of any offers of employment made as a result of your interest in this position, by applying for this position, you hereby waive any and all claims that you may have against HSPPR for invasion of privacy in respect to drug testing and background checks as listed above.