Public Relations Strategist

Baker Public Relations, a full-service, woman-owned communications agency, is seeking to hire an experienced Public Relations Strategist to work in conjunction with the team to deliver exceptional services for a range of clients in the agency’s roster that includes healthcare, hospitality, lifestyle, government, legal, higher education, technology and real estate industries.

Candidates must be highly organized, detail-oriented, hungry to work and have excellent communication skills, both oral and written.

Responsibilities

• Act as the daily contact for various clients, managing public relations needs and overseeing creative service requests, vendors and outside consultants as needed.
• Lead cross-functional teams to align PR initiatives with organizational goals and objectives.
• Help clients achieve success through personalized service and an understanding of their industries and business objectives, as well as their challenges and opportunities.
• Work cross-functionally with team members to create and implement PR strategies and campaigns that align with clients’ goals and objectives, identify target audiences and set measurable goals.
• Manage press requests, distribute and draft press releases, articles, newsletters and other communications materials, seeking high-level placements in print, broadcast and online media.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with media outlets and journalists through effective story pitching, interview coordination, inquiry management, and networking.
• Plan and coordinate events such as press conferences, product launches and community outreach initiatives to generate positive publicity and engage key stakeholders; serve as client and agency representative at such events.
• Handle crisis communications and manage client reputations in the event of a negative situation or crisis.
• Effectively leverage data analysis and reporting tools to provide clients with results and recommendations for future strategies.
• Write compelling and on-brand content for digital and social channels and demonstrate an aptitude and willingness to manage social media campaigns and efforts.
• Attend networking and media events, and meetings with clients, vendors and partner organizations to discuss aspects of PR campaigns and activities.
• Demonstrate capability to provide strategic counsel to clients at a moment’s notice with support from account leads or other members of the team.
• Mentor junior staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.
• Assist in delivering presentations to various internal and external audiences, including media training for clients and new business pitches.
• Create and manage client budgets and work to ensure projects are completed within the budget.
• Establish community relationships to expand the agency’s network to contribute to future new business initiatives.

Key Skills

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Media savvy and understanding of the media landscape
• Strong analytical skills to measure PR campaign effectiveness
• Ability to build relationships and influence others
• Knowledge of digital media and social media platforms
• Experience with crisis communications
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to work on tight media deadlines and meet your team and clients’ demands
• Solid presentation skills
• Creative and energetic personality

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or related field is required.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in a communications role either in-house or with an agency (preferred).
• Experience managing several accounts and/or projects simultaneously.
• Passion for creativity and innovation.
• Strong managerial and team building skills.
• Ability to see the “big picture,” prioritize appropriately, and embrace a “team” concept.
• Strong ability to prioritize, individually and for others.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with great attention to detail.
• Experience creating and managing budgets for projects covering all the above.
• A thorough understanding of the agency process and agency/client relationship model.
• Willing to work hours as required by workload, sometimes including after hours, weekends, plus ability to travel as needed.
• A strong ‘self-starter’ mentality and sense of responsibility.
• A positive, upbeat attitude!
• Desire to do the best work of your career.