Media Relations Specialist
RMR & Associates Inc., www.rmr.com , a recognized leader in integrated advertising, marketing and public relations seeks a driven, dedicated and hard working professional to join as RMR’s Media Relations Specialist (MRS). The ideal candidate will have 1-3 years media relations/public relations experience and have media contacts at both national and local, Washington DC Region, business, trade, technology and daily publications. The MRS will work on assigned client accounts to cultivate media relationships to secure positive media coverage for the client. The MRS is required to understand PR techniques and the client’s marketplace in order to develop creative pitch strategies and angles for the purpose of generating positive placements.
Responsibilities include:
The Media Relations Specialist is evaluated by the President annually based on the following accountabilities:
- Recommend media relations strategies to clients in order to secure positive media coverage
- Develop ongoing relationships with media contacts in clients’ core lists via phone, e-mail, mail, fax, or one-on-one contact
- Uncover and pursue scheduled and unscheduled editorial opportunities for clients
- Assist account teams in servicing accounts by maintaining effective communications with the client when required
- Conduct research for accounts as needed via resources available or the Web
- Write/edit press releases, proposals, executive summaries, and other client correspondence as needed
- Actively participate in client meetings, conference calls, strategy meetings, and new business pitch meetings as scheduled
- Work closely with PR Account Managers to implement PR campaign as necessary
- Contribute to training & coaching effort for Interns as needed
Job Standards:
- Achieve a minimum standard of 70% billable hours of total hours worked (not including RMR PR, pro-bono, days out, or new business hours) – MONTHLY (PER BILLING PERIOD)
- Achieve a minimum standard of 75% query call hours of direct billable client hours worked (not including RMR PR, pro-bono, days out, or new business hours) – MONTHLY (PER BILLING PERIOD)
- Complete all client assignments by the set deadlines and allocated budget – WEEKLY/AS NEEDED
- Maintain effective communications with PR Account Supervisors and/or PR teams regarding status of client assignments – DAILY/AS NEEDED
- Maintain knowledge in the technology, media, and marketplace of the client – ONGOING
- Attend PR department meetings – AS SCHEDULED
Qualifications & Skills Criteria:
In addition to RMR’s 5 Core Ideologies, the applicant will have the following qualifications:
· 1-3 years of public relations experience with emphasis on media relations
· Relationships with contacts in tech, trade and/or business national and local press
· Proven track record for securing placements
· Commitment to the public relations field as a whole, particularly in media relations
· Agency/in-house experience
· Knowledge/experience in business-to-business marketing
· Knowledge of social media vehicles
· The ability to comprehend new information quickly, and work independently in fast-paced work environment
· Flexibility, effective time management skills including the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and under pressure of deadlines
· Excellent organizational skills, attention-to-detail and ability to follow-through completely on tasks
· Excellent written communications skills, effective persuasive presentation skills, strong interpersonal skills and willingness to deliver the best customer service to clients, the media, and team members
· Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Internet, e-mail (Knowledge of ACT and Excel desirable, but not a necessary requirement)
· The ability to take initiative, and use best judgment when necessary
· Enthusiasm and a positive, team-player attitude
For more information on RMR & Associates, please visit www.rmr.com. We offer a comprehensive benefits package. Please submit resumes and cover letters to sschwartzman@rmr.com.
