Public Relations Specialist at Progressive Directions, Inc – Clarksville, Tennessee

Bring your creativity, people skills, and passion for helping others to Progressive Directions, Inc. We’re seeking a Public Relations & Community Engagement Specialist who’s ready to hit the ground running and shine a light on our mission. Public Relations Specialist

About Us

At Progressive Directions, Inc. (PDI), we’re more than a nonprofit; we’re a community driven by inclusion, dignity, and opportunity. We support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through innovative programs like Common Ground Café, the Buddy Ball Special Needs Athletic League, and the PDI Thrift Store. Everything we do is about helping people live meaningful, connected lives and telling that story to the world.

We’re looking for a self-starter who’s equal parts creative storyteller and community connector. This role blends public relations, marketing, social media, and event planning, so you’ll need to be comfortable jumping in, taking initiative, and thinking on your feet. You’ll capture real stories, build relationships, and help us shine a light on the incredible people and programs that make PDI special. If you’re not shy, love meeting new people, and thrive in community settings, you’ll fit right in here.

Location: Clarksville, TN

Full-Time | Hourly | Non-Exempt

Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8 AM–4 PM (evenings & weekends will be required as needed for events)

Pay: $17.50 per hour

Here is just a summary of what you’ll do as the Public Relations Specialist:

Social Media & Digital Storytelling

• Create engaging posts, photos, and videos that tell PDI’s story.
• Manage multiple social media pages with a consistent, authentic voice.
• Plan and maintain a proactive social media calendar.

PR, Marketing & Creative Content

• Write and design promotional materials, press releases, and newsletters.
• Shoot and edit photos/videos for marketing and internal events.
• Create eye-catching graphics and campaigns that reflect our mission.

Community & Employee Engagement

• Help plan and attend community and company events.
• Build relationships with employees, clients, community partners, and local media.
• Represent PDI with confidence, professionalism, and genuine enthusiasm.

Collaboration & Growth

• Work closely with the PR team and other departments to highlight all PDI programs.
• Conduct light research on trends, media coverage, and outreach opportunities.
• Support special projects and process improvements within the PR department.

* All PDI employees must pass a background check, drug screen, and satisfactory driving record.

Experience & Education

• Minimum 3 years of experience in social media management, public relations, nonprofit, marketing, photography/videography, event planning, or a related field preferred.
• Proficiency in major social media platforms.
• Experience in photography and videography strongly preferred.
• Experience with Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar tools preferred.
• Fundraising experience is a plus.

Key Skills

• Strong writing and storytelling abilities, clear, concise, and engaging.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team.
• Excellent visual, communication, and organizational skills.
• Can juggle multiple projects while meeting deadlines.
• Creative and strategic thinker with problem-solving skills.
• Adapts quickly to new trends, platforms, and technologies.
• Strong analytical skills: able to collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations

• Must have a valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation.

Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk, and hear.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Work Environment

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Work will include both office and community-based settings, such as events, outreach activities, and program sites.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

• Health, dental, and vision coverage (after 60 days for full-time employees)
• PTO and sick time (accrues after 90 days)
• Opportunities for professional development and leadership growth
• A collaborative, mission-driven environment where your work directly makes a difference

Apply through Indeed with your resume and a brief cover letter highlighting your experience in PR, marketing, or community engagement, and tell us what inspires you about working with people with disabilities.