Application Guide

How to Apply for Media & PR Specialist (Contract)

at We Animals

🏢 About We Animals

We Animals is a unique nonprofit that uses powerful photography and media to expose the hidden plight of animals, driving global awareness and policy change. Working here means contributing to a mission that combines visual storytelling with advocacy, offering a chance to amplify animal voices through compelling narratives.

About This Role

As a Media & PR Specialist, you'll lead the earned media strategy to secure high-impact placements across key global regions, positioning We Animals' work within timely news cycles. This role is critical for shaping public discourse on animal issues through strategic media relations and thought leadership.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with scanning global news for animal-related stories, then crafting targeted pitches to journalists in different time zones. You could spend hours on calls with editors, followed by drafting an op-ed on the link between factory farming and climate change, and end the day by tracking media hits and updating a press database.

🎯 Who We Animals Is Looking For

  • Has a proven track record of securing media placements in top-tier outlets (e.g., NYT, BBC, Guardian) with a focus on photo-driven or investigative stories.
  • Possesses an established network of journalist contacts across North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America, particularly in animal protection, environment, or food systems beats.
  • Excels at crafting newsworthy pitches that connect animal advocacy to broader societal issues (e.g., climate, health, justice).
  • Thrives in a fast-paced, remote environment with strong organizational skills and proactive communication.

📝 Tips for Applying to We Animals

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific media placements you've secured, including outlet names, dates, and the story angle used.

2

In your cover letter, reference a recent We Animals' photo series or campaign and pitch a story angle you'd use to get it covered.

3

Provide a portfolio or examples of op-eds or expert commentary you've placed, especially in international outlets.

4

Demonstrate familiarity with animal advocacy by mentioning any volunteer work, donations, or relevant reading (e.g., 'The Animals' Agenda').

5

Use a subject line like 'Media & PR Specialist Application - [Your Name] - [Highlight of your top media win]' to stand out.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your ability to translate animal suffering into newsworthy, human-interest stories that resonate across cultures.', "Specific examples of media relationships you've built and maintained, especially in priority regions.", 'Your understanding of the media landscape and how to position We Animals within broader conversations (e.g., factory farming, biodiversity loss).', 'Your proactive approach to pitching and your experience with crisis communication or rapid-response media work.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Review We Animals' recent photo stories and note which ones received significant media coverage; understand their narrative style.
  • Read about the founder, Jo-Anne McArthur, and her philosophy on compassionate storytelling.
  • Explore the organization's partnerships with other animal advocacy groups and their presence at major conferences (e.g., Animal Rights National Conference).
  • Check their social media channels for recent campaigns and identify gaps in their media coverage that you could address.
Visit We Animals's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you pitch a We Animals photo essay on pig farming to a major US outlet? Walk through your strategy.
2 Describe a time you turned a negative story about an animal organization into a positive media opportunity.
3 How do you prioritize media targets across different regions with limited resources?
4 What's your approach to building relationships with journalists who may not cover animal issues regularly?
5 How would you measure the success of a media campaign for We Animals?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid generic pitches about 'saving animals' without tying to specific news hooks or trends.
  • Don't ignore the global aspect; failing to mention experience with international media or languages could hurt your application.
  • Avoid being overly negative or graphic in your writing; focus on solutions and storytelling rather than shock value.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to We Animals!