Public Relations Specialist

Newfields Careers • Indianapolis, IN

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Public Relations Specialist supports and advances public relations and media efforts for Newfields, including media outreach, storytelling, and communications materials. This role plays a key part in shaping the institution’s public image, generating earned media, and supporting communications during sensitive or high-profile situations. This position reports to the Assistant Director of Communications and does not have supervisory responsibilities. The ideal candidate is a creative, organized, and strategic communicator with strong storytelling instincts and experience in media relations. This position includes public-facing opportunities, serving as a representative of the Newfields brand.

Requirements

• Strong ability to prioritize work, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling, and public speaking
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and consistency
• Flexible, resourceful, and collaborative working style
• Ability to work cross-departmentally in a complex organizational environment
• Strong interpersonal skills and professional judgment in public-facing situations
• Ability to anticipate needs and proactively problem-solve
• Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field
• 3–5 years of experience in public relations, communications, marketing, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience supporting media relations and, ideally, crisis communications
• Excellent written, verbal, and public speaking skills
• Experience working with media monitoring and PR tools (e.g., Muck Rack or similar platforms)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a museum, cultural institution, nonprofit, or agency setting preferred

Responsibilities

• Support the Assistant Director of Communications and PR Coordinator in executing public relations and public-facing communications strategies
• Grow and maintain brand awareness through earned media coverage and communications efforts
• Build, nurture, and leverage relationships with media partners
• Support tracking of PR goals, performance, and related budget considerations
• Write and distribute press releases, media alerts, and related materials for exhibitions, programs, and institutional initiatives
• Pitch stories to local, regional, national, and trade media
• Maintain and grow relationships with key media contacts
• Manage media lists and support targeted outreach strategies
• Serve as a spokesperson for Newfields in media interviews when appropriate
• Prepare staff and leadership for media interviews, including talking points and messaging
• Host on-site media, including coordinating film/photography shoots and interviews (including outside regular working hours as needed)
• Plan and execute press events for exhibitions, programs, and announcements
• Track and report on earned media coverage
• Support the development of key messaging and institutional storytelling
• Assist in planning and executing communications strategies aligned with organizational priorities
• Support crisis and issues management by drafting statements, FAQs, and internal/external communications as needed
• Partner with the Assistant Director of Communications to ensure timely and thoughtful responses during sensitive situations
• Provide input on reputational considerations and messaging approach
• Manage external vendors or contract support (e.g., media training, PR agencies, specialized counsel) as assigned
• Support internal communications needs, including drafting messaging for printed and digital materials
• Represent the department in internal meetings as needed
• Collaborate cross-functionally across the organization to support institutional priorities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level