Media Relations Specialist
About The Position
Walker Sands is hiring a Media Relations Specialist for its Chicago team in a hybrid role, with two in-office days per week. The role supports the agency’s B2B technology and services clients by developing and executing media relations work that strengthens their visibility and thought leadership. The position is expected to join the team in early 2027. The specialist will research reporters, publications, industries, and competitors; create tailored pitches and media-facing materials; and support media opportunities from initial outreach through interviews, follow-up, and coverage tracking. They will build media relationships and collaborate with account teams while balancing priorities and deadlines across multiple clients in a fast-paced agency environment. The role requires at least one year of full-time public relations experience and strong research, media relations, writing, editing, proofreading, communication, and collaboration skills. Familiarity with Muck Rack or similar media tools is a plus, but not required.
Requirements
- At least 1 year of full-time experience in public relations.
- Strong research skills and the ability to understand new industries, media trends, and audiences.
- Hands-on media relations experience, including pitching, coordinating interviews, managing follow-up, and securing coverage.
- Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills with strong attention to detail.
- Ability to communicate effectively and collaborate in remote and in-person team environments.
- Curiosity, receptiveness to candid feedback, a proactive approach, collaboration, adaptability, and an ability to identify compelling stories.
Nice To Haves
- Familiarity with Muck Rack or similar media database and monitoring tools.
Responsibilities
- Develop targeted media lists and identify relevant reporters, publications, and media opportunities for clients.
- Conceptualize and develop pitches tailored to specific reporters, audiences, and timely news cycles.
- Write and edit press releases, contributed articles, pitches, and other media-facing materials.
- Support media opportunities from start to finish, including coordinating interviews, facilitating follow-up, and tracking coverage.
- Conduct media, industry, and competitive research to identify trends, timely topics, and opportunities to include clients in 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 on media relations efforts across clients and industries.
- Balance multiple client priorities, deadlines, and media opportunities in a fast-paced agency environment.
Benefits
- Bonus potential based on company performance.
- Growth opportunities, clear career paths, mentorship programs, and learning events.
- Flexible PTO, hybrid work, 8 paid holidays, half-day summer Fridays, and a week off between Christmas and New Year.
- Medical, dental, and vision plans; mental health resources; and pet insurance.
- Employer-matched 401(k) and access to financial planning services.
- Life insurance, disability coverage, and other financial protection benefits.
- Free, confidential Employee Assistance Program support for employees and their household.
- Paid leave for new parents and caregivers, with policies addressing fertility treatment, pregnancy loss, and adoption challenges.
- Regular performance reviews, goal-setting, and ongoing coaching.
- Two-week sabbatical and a $2,000 gift after five years.
- Employee resource groups, volunteer opportunities, and community-building programs.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
