Public Relations Specialist

New York Road Runners•New York, NY

7d•$76,000•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 help tell the NYRR story, increase brand awareness, and execute event PR efforts for various running events, from the TCS New York City Marathon to weekly races and youth programs. The Specialist will have ownership of year-round initiatives and serve as a project lead for adult and youth races, community events, and projects. As PR lead for assigned events, they will oversee planning, logistics, and execution of media relations and press operations, manage pre-event coordination, and lead onsite operations. Additionally, they will develop PR strategies, execute media outreach, draft media materials, and facilitate media engagement (proactive and reactive). The ideal candidate is a proactive communicator, self-starter, strategist, and creative problem-solver with strong writing, media relations, project management, collaboration, and campaign execution skills.

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.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college in English, Public Relations, communications, journalism or related field preferred.
Excellent creative and critical thinking skills.
Exceptional written and verbal communications skills.
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.
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.

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/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/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.