Public Affairs On-Call

Volunteer/Internship Position

Position:
As a volunteer spokesperson for the organization you are responsible for speaking with or contacting news media to provide the pertinent information during or following a disaster event that involves a Red Cross presence or response.

Responsibilities:

• Provide the public with timely information regarding Red Cross services following a disaster
• Communicate with media either in person or by phone.
• Provide online postings as needed (Facebook, Twitter)
• Conduct interviews on-scene of disaster if media is present & requests a face-to-face interview
• Coordinate follow-up media interviews with clients
• Visually document Red Cross services, provide photo support to internal and external customers
• Work professionally with clients, media outlets and partner agencies
• Ensure all Red Cross photography and brand standards are followed including Information Release Forms
• Conduct yourself as a representative of the American Red Cross
• Comply with the ARC Code of Conduct and Fundamental Principles

Qualifications:

• Successfully complete volunteer enrollment process (including background check)
• Valid Wisconsin driver's license and good driving record
• Volunteers are expected to be on call and accessible via cell phone one week per month. (On call schedule will be set based on your availability).
• When on call, ability to respond (on-site or remotely) when notified
• Strong written and oral communications skills
• Ability to follow instructions, work as a team player and to motivate others
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and assess incoming information quickly
• Ability to work effectively in a chaotic, stressful setting
• Ability to lift and carry 20 pounds

Location: Home and on-location for local disaster responses.

Training:

• Disaster Services: An Overview (classroom)
• Disaster Public Affairs: An Overview (Online)
• Fundamentals of Disaster Public Affairs: The Local Response (classroom)
• Knowledge of the Public Affairs Operation Manual (self-study)
• Additional disaster services training as needed to understand the mission and services of the Red Cross.
• A cell phone will be provided if you do not wish to use your personal phone.

Time Commitment:
On-call for seven (7) consecutive nights and all day on the weekend, approximately one week every 4-6 weeks. Includes holidays. On-call shift is 4:30 pm to 8:00 am the following business day (Monday through Friday) and 24 hours on Saturday and Sunday. On-call day shifts are also possible (8:00 am – 4:30 pm).

Internships:
This is an unpaid volunteer position. If you are a current college student working towards a degree in Communications, Public Relations or similar, Red Cross will work with you to meet your school's requirements to earn school credit.

Online Application:Volunteer Application 2011 (pdf 66.92 Kb)

Contact: Gina Trimboli at 414-345-8689 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .