Media Relationship Specialist

Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc.•Maryville, TN

9h•Onsite

About The Position

The Media Relationship Specialist supports Gemtech media relations and influencer initiatives from the Smith & Wesson manufacturing facility in Maryville, Tennessee. The role researches and recommends media outlets, writers, reviewers, influencers, and creators; maintains contact and activity records; and carries out approved outreach for product announcements, reviews, interviews, and brand initiatives. It prepares communications and briefing materials for review, coordinates approved creator collaborations and event participation, and administers the media sample program according to company procedures. The specialist monitors coverage and relevant conversations, checks sponsored content against approved FTC disclosure guidance, escalates issues as appropriate, and reports on coverage and program objectives. The role also works with Digital and Creative to coordinate coverage timing, content needs, and approved asset use. The position is in-office and non-remote. Work takes place in a normal office environment, with possible exposure to manufacturing-floor conditions when within the Smith & Wesson facility. Safety glasses with side shields and hearing protection are required on the manufacturing floor; additional protective equipment may be required for certain tasks.

Requirements

At least 2 years of hands-on experience.
Professional oral and written communication skills.
Effective interpersonal skills.
Critical thinking, conceptual, and research skills.
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage work in a dynamic environment.
Experience working with all levels within an organization.
Ability to manage personal workload and work within tight timeframes.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Comfort working around firearms.
Analytical aptitude and attention to detail.
Experience with targeted communications and advertising campaigns across various media platforms.
Ability to help facilitate press releases and briefings.
Ability to use various media management software programs.
Strong time-management and planning skills.
Ability to communicate ideas clearly and enthusiastically.
Flexible, highly motivated, and positive approach to problem solving.
Ability to work tactically and learn and grow into a strategic level.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Marketing or Public Relations.

Responsibilities

Research and recommend relevant media outlets, writers, reviewers, influencers, and creators.
Maintain contact lists, outreach calendars, partnership records, and activity trackers.
Execute approved outreach supporting product announcements, reviews, interviews, and brand initiatives.
Prepare outreach materials, product information, briefing documents, and partnership communications for review.
Coordinate approved influencer collaborations, including briefs, timelines, deliverables, and follow-up.
Administer the media sample program and maintain accurate request, approval, inventory, shipment, and return records.
Coordinate sample movement with authorized internal teams under established company procedures.
Monitor coverage, creator content, brand mentions, and relevant industry conversations.
Check sponsored content against approved FTC disclosure guidance, document issues, and escalate questions to leadership or legal.
Compile reporting on earned coverage, influencer reach and engagement, share of voice, sentiment, and agreed-upon program objectives.
Coordinate media and creator participation in trade shows, range events, launches, and other activations.
Collaborate with Digital and Creative to coordinate coverage timing, content needs, and approved asset usage.