Government affairs, corporate public relations, nonprofit community relations… the list of public relations career tracks goes on and on…and on. Ever wonder what someone else does in their PR role? This new series will spotlight our members’ roles to give you a better idea what their “9 to 5” looks like. Interested in sharing about your job? Email us!
Name: Dave Walter
Job Title: Communications Manager
Company/Organization: GiveWell Community Foundation
City: Lakeland
Industry: Nonprofit/Philanthropy
Age: 33
Before we jump into your current role, tell us a little about your PR background. PR has played a minor role in various positions over my career, from a communications role for a church denomination to managing operations for a craft beer distribution company. I joined FPRA in 2016 to strengthen my PR skills and connect with local PR professionals.
What’s your morning routine? My morning routine typically involves making coffee and breakfast, watching YouTube videos (probably Bon Appetit), and feeding our cat, Llewyn, and a neighborhood cat we call Sandy (short for Sandwich Cat… long story). Then, weather permitting, biking to work.
At 9:00 a.m. I am… greeting coworkers, creating a to-do list for the day, and checking emails, voicemails, social media notifications, etc .
At 11:00 a.m. I am… taking a quick break away from my desk and computer monitors to fill my water bottle .
For lunch I… either go home and put together something simple or get take-out from Good Thyme.
At 3:00 p.m. I am… checking on my to-do list to see what on there needs to be completed that day and what can be put on tomorrow’s list. I’ll often raise my desk around this time and finish the day standing up .
I wrap up my day with… organizing my office and my to-do list, then making notes for myself for the next day day.
What do you think other PR Pros would find most surprising or interesting about your PR role? I enjoy seeing how nonprofits use funding from the Community Foundation and our fundholders to impact the lives of local people and important causes. GWCF distributed $15 million in grants last year and more than $200 million since its inception in 1997!
My evening routine is… feeding the cats, dinner with my wife Abby, then spending time with friends or working on our old house (1920’s bungalow).