Public Relations Specialist

New York Road Runners•New York, NY

13d•Hybrid

About The Position

New York Road Runners (NYRR) is seeking a Public Relations Specialist to support the Public Affairs department's strategic public relations efforts. This role will focus on telling the NYRR story, increasing brand awareness, and executing event PR for a range of running events, from the TCS New York City Marathon to weekly races and youth programs. The Specialist will own year-round initiatives, serve as a project lead for various events, and oversee media relations and press operations for assigned events. This includes pre-event coordination, onsite execution, developing PR strategies, media outreach, drafting media materials, and facilitating media engagement. The ideal candidate is a proactive communicator, self-starter, strategist, and creative problem-solver with strong skills in writing, media relations, project management, collaboration, and campaign execution.

Requirements

5 years of experience in the Media and Public Relations industry preferred.
Experience developing PR plans for programs, events and/or initiatives.
Experience pitching and cultivating relationships with journalists.
Experience onsite at events working with media and social teams to ensure coverage.
Excellent creative and critical thinking skills.
Exceptional written and verbal communications skills.
A collaborator with strong project management skills.
Self-motivated with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Strong ability to multitask, meet and perform under tight deadlines, think clearly under pressure, and exercise good judgment.
Strong ability to independently and proactively lead projects, develop PR strategy, and execute PR initiatives.
Excels in the fast-paced environment of live events, where strong judgment, adaptability, and proactive communication are essential.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook).
Ability to work onsite at races/events and respond to media during weekends and evening hours as required.
All staff are required to work the United Airlines NYC Half, RBC Brooklyn Half, and the TCS New York City Marathon.
Operate on a hybrid schedule, with two days a week in the NYRR Office in Midtown Manhattan.

Nice To Haves

Experience with nonprofit, community or events-based organizations a plus.
Experience with media operations and logistics a plus.
Passion for New York Road Runners’ mission and knowledge of/interest in the running industry are a plus.

Responsibilities

Support, develop, lead, and execute PR strategy for New York Road Runners and its events, initiatives, partnerships, etc., at the direction of leadership and in collaboration with other departments.
Lead or support the planning and onsite execution of media relations and press operations for NYRR events and races, serving as the primary PR lead for assigned events and supporting marquee events.
Oversee media outreach for runner stories and weekly races throughout the year as assigned.
Lead or support PR strategies, including identifying compelling stories and media opportunities that elevate awareness of the organization’s nonprofit mission and impact.
Lead the organization's awards and speaking engagements strategy, collaborating with departments to identify opportunities and develop successful submissions.
Write press releases, media advisories, bios, fact sheets, talking points, reports, and other media materials.
Develop, maintain, support, and cultivate relationships with local, national, and international media, serving as a media contact, monitoring inquiries, facilitating responses, and staffing media opportunities.