Chief Communications Officer

Title:               Chief Communications Officer (CCO)
Department:   Marketing
Reports to:     President/CEO
Category:       Full time/Exempt

Supervises:  

• Manager of Marketing & Communications
• Manager of Retail & Merchandising
• Executive Communications Liaison
• Customer Engagement Coordinator

• Oversees all marketing, advertising, social media, media/public relations, and brand management for KC Pet Project.
• Collaborates with the Development Team on fundraising initiatives, grants, direct mail, donor appeals, and campaigns/events.
• Promotes pets and KC Pet Project stories across television, radio, and other media platforms, locally and globally, while cultivating new media opportunities.
• Oversees retail and coffee operations at the campus to achieve revenue and service goals.
• Participates in the planning, coordinating, and execution of events at KCCAC to raise funds, increase awareness, and promote humane education within the community.
• Writes blogs and position statements for the website to enhance messaging, programs, and services.
• Creates social media strategy and oversees content creation for platforms including Facebook, Twitter (X), Instagram, TikTok, website, and YouTube, ensuring alignment with voice and brand standards.
• Creates frequent opportunities for media engagement; speaks publicly on behalf of the organization for radio and television interviews, conferences/webinars, community events, and other speaking opportunities.
• Provides consistent communication with all staff and volunteers to support organizational goals.
• Works with Executive Team members to coordinate community campaigns, new programs/services, and media engagement to increase lifesaving based on organizational needs.
• Participates in all KC Campus for Animal Care and KC Pet Project boards of directors’ meetings.
• Oversees and/or implements crisis communication strategies.
• Positions KC Pet Project as a leader and best-practices organization in the animal welfare industry.
• Participates in the annual budgeting process and reviews activity reports and financial statements for the Marketing/Communications department to determine progress and status in attaining objectives and revises objectives and plans in accordance with current conditions and the economy.
• Prepares and distributes monthly Impact Reports to include marketing and communications key metrics. Provides updates or presentations at Kansas City, MO city council or department meetings as requested.
• Demonstrates progressive leadership and actively contributes to the organization’s strategic goals through the commitment to the Human-Animal Support Services model and values. Collaborates with other animal welfare marketing/communications professionals by sharing best practices and supporting new programs and services to keep more people and pets together.
• Assists in the identification of practices/barriers to pet adoption and recommends changes to internal policies or practices to remove barriers to pet adoption and/or veterinary services for under-resourced communities, understanding the systemic inequality prevalent in animal welfare, and committing to supporting the human/animal bond.
• As a certified Service Enterprise organization, supports KC Pet Project by leveraging community volunteers throughout the marketing organization to achieve operational efficiency and greater social impact.
• Assists President/CEO and Chief Development Officer with grant writing/reporting as needed.
• Adheres to and ensures compliance with all KC Pet Project organizational policies and procedures.
• Performs other duties and special projects, as assigned, or needed.

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field is preferred
• A minimum of 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, or marketing, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience in nonprofit communications and public relations
• A knowledge of fundraising, donor relations, or development, with a track record of meeting or exceeding annual revenue goals is preferred
• Experience working within the animal welfare sector or a related nonprofit field is highly desirable
• Must be willing to establish residency in Kansas City, MO in accordance with KCMO city ordinance (2020).

• Demonstration of the core values of KC Pet Project both on and off the job.
• Experience in strategic planning, budgeting, and project management.
• Knowledge of professional communication, marketing, philanthropy, and public relation principles and practices.
• Maturity to act in a professional manner both within and outside the organization while making a favorable impression through both behavior and business acumen.
• Ability to be imaginative, original and a source of new insights and ideas.
• Responsibility for continued personal and professional growth and development and maintain professional knowledge and skills through continued learning.

• Community-Centered: Animal welfare solutions are rooted in the values and needs of each community.
• Connection: We emphasize the interconnections of people, animals and the environment.
• Cultural Humility: We demonstrate an ongoing commitment to self-evaluation and self-critique, to addressing power imbalances and to developing mutually beneficial partnerships with communities we serve.
• Justice and Equity: We consistently work to combat discrimination and inequity in animal services and to build programs and services that are accessible and welcoming to all.
• Lifesaving: We believe every animal who enters the shelter should receive urgent, individualized treatment and care with a goal of a live outcome.
• Relationships: We proactively work to build strong and lasting human-animal relationships in our communities and affirm our central role of protecting the bonds between people and animals.
• Support: We ensure people working in animal services organizations have access to support, resources, and information to promote their physical and emotional well-being.

• Demonstrated success in media relations, including pitching stories, handling media inquiries, and managing crisis communications.
• Expertise in social media strategy, content creation, and analytics across multiple platforms.
• Must be a creative problem solver, talented storyteller, and have a curiosity for exploring innovative solutions.
• Must demonstrate experience/expertise in presentations, organization, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities, with experience supervising and developing high-performing teams.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data and metrics to inform decision-making.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, media partners, city officials, and community leaders.

• Passionate about animal welfare and the mission of KC Pet Project.
• Creative thinker with a strategic mindset and the ability to innovate and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Collaborative team player with a positive attitude and a commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and emotional intelligence.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Proficiency in digital marketing, including SEO, email marketing, and online advertising.
• Familiarity with social media management tools, analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics) and media monitoring.
• Knowledge of video production, graphic design, and web content management systems is a plus.

• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed.
• Willingness to travel locally and occasionally to out-of-state conferences.
• Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.
• Comfortable working with animals of various species and sizes.

• Work is typically performed at the KC Campus for Animal Care, though work may also be performed in the field, in the community, or at offsite locations, as needed. Potential exposure to zoonotic diseases, high noise levels, hazardous chemicals, and sharp objects. Able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs., endure long periods of standing, bending, stooping, and reaching in an animal shelter-type setting. Handling and interacting with cats and dogs, in addition to other species, who have a variety of behavioral and/or medical needs. Working around animals and activities related to their care –including medical and surgery-related activities, basic care, and more.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• This position regularly requires the use of hands, fingers, and to talk and hear.  The individual is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel or crouch. While performing the duties of this job this position may be exposed to animal odors or airborne particles. 
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.