PRESS RELATIONS SPECIALIST

Our client, a major membership-based organization, seeks a Press Relations Specialist for a 1-year contract assignment in Washington, DC to assist their External Relations team. The position suits individuals who are self-driven, demonstrate good judgment, and a quick study, especially as related to monitoring media and social media trends, analyzing and reporting on media coverage, and assisting senior staff with various external/media relations projects.

The Press Relations Specialist’s primary responsibilities include tracking/providing analysis of relevant news stories and social media conversations across multiple issue areas, producing analytics and coverage reports, as well as drafting news releases, blog posts, social media posts, podcast news segments and other content. This position will also be responsible for providing general external relations support to the team, including researching potential partnerships, developing media lists, distributing and posting news releases, handling event logistics, etc.

Responsibilities

• Fields general media inquiries from the External Relations phone line and email account, and routes to appropriate External Relations team member in a timely manner.
• Tracks media coverage and monitors relevant issues throughout the day, and ensures the media relations team is aware of developing stories and online conversations.
• Monitors and contributes to the Organization’s External Relations Twitter account.
• Posts news releases to the Organization’s Press Center.
• Builds and updates media lists; assists with distribution of press releases.
• Proactively identifies and interprets media trends, both social and traditional, and important stories, and distributes to appropriate internal audiences.
• Provides planning/logistical support for media briefings/events.
• Assists with issue management and crisis communications.
• Assists in the development of a news podcast by drafting and reviewing scripts, editing audio and maintaining pre- and post-production workflow.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or related discipline with approximately 1-3 years of relevant experience required.
• High proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Preferred experience with Cision, BrandWatch, Critical Mention and other media/social media monitoring platforms and media databases.
• Preferred basic knowledge of audio editing software (Audacity, Hindenburg, REAPER, ProTools).
• Familiarity and comfort with managing and tracking social media.
• Strong communications skills, including writing, reporting and research.
• Excellent customer service skills, on the phone, in person and responding to emails.
• High degree of comfort working in fast-paced, rapidly changing work environment.
• Experience working in a collaborative team environment.