Public Relations Specialist
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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
