Media Relations Specialist

Walker Sands•Chicago, IL

5d•$48,000 - $50,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Walker Sands is seeking a high-impact Media Relations Specialist to join their Chicago team in a hybrid role, with two in-office days per week. The agency focuses on accelerating growth for B2B technology and services companies. The role involves developing media strategies, crafting compelling pitches, writing press releases, building reporter relationships, and collaborating with account teams to enhance client visibility and thought leadership in a fast-paced agency environment.

Requirements

1+ year of full-time experience in public relations with strong research skills and an ability to understand new industries, trends in the media and audiences.
Hands-on experience with media relations, including pitching, coordinating interviews, managing follow-up, and securing coverage.
Superb writing, editing, and proofreading skills with strong attention to detail.
Ability to communicate effectively and collaborate in both remote and in-person team environments.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with Muck Rack or similar media database and monitoring tools is a plus, but not required.

Responsibilities

Develop targeted media lists and identify relevant reporters, publications, and media opportunities for clients.
Conceptualize and develop compelling pitches tailored to specific reporters, audiences, and timely news cycles.
Write and edit press releases, contributed articles, pitches, and other media-facing materials.
Support multiple media opportunities from start to finish, including coordinating interviews, facilitating follow-up, and tracking resulting coverage.
Conduct media, industry, and competitive research to identify emerging trends, timely topics, and opportunities to insert clients into relevant conversations.
Build and maintain relationships with reporters and other relevant media contacts.
Monitor the media landscape and identify creative opportunities to strengthen clients’ visibility and thought leadership.
Collaborate with account teams to support media relations efforts across a variety of clients and industries.
Balance multiple client priorities, deadlines, and media opportunities in a fast-paced agency environment.

Benefits

Bonus Potential: Eligible for a bonus based on company performance.
Growth Opportunities: Clear career paths, mentorship programs, and learning events.
Flexible PTO and Hybrid Work: Includes 8 paid holidays, half-day summer Fridays, and a week off between Christmas and New Year.
Health Coverage: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans. Mental health resources, pet insurance.
Retirement Savings: Employer-matched 401(k) and access to financial planning services.
Additional Protection: Life insurance, disability coverage.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free, confidential support.
Family Support: Paid leave for new parents and caregivers, policies for fertility treatment, pregnancy loss, adoption challenges.
Performance & Coaching: Regular performance reviews, clear goal-setting, and ongoing coaching.
Milestone Sabbatical: Two-week sabbatical and a $2,000 gift after five years.
Community & Belonging: Employee resource groups, volunteer opportunities.