Media Relations Specialist

ABOUT BIG VOICE COMMUNICATIONSBig Voice Communications is a women-owned strategic communications and public relations firm in New Haven, Connecticut. We are a small, strategic team that punches above its weight for a national roster of nonprofits. Since 2005, we have helped clients earn attention for the work that matters to them, from health and education to public safety and the arts. If you like variety, real ownership of your work, and colleagues who care about doing it well, you will fit in here.THE ROLEReports to: Principal / Account DirectorEmployment type: Full-time, exemptLocation: New Haven, Connecticut area (in a small-office environment; flexible hours considered)Our Media Relations Specialist partners with account and client leaders to build media and influencer strategies that earn coverage for our clients. This person is a capable communications professional who develops sharp pitches and press materials, exercises sound judgment across a wide range of tasks, and brings a solid track record of pitching and earning media coverage across a wide variety of channels for a wide variety of clients. Success in this role means continually being creative to turn client expertise into earned media that reaches the right audiences.Please note: This is an earned media role. Candidates must demonstrate a solid track record of pitching and earning media coverage in a wide variety of channels -- print, broadcast, online, trade and podcast -- for a wide variety of clients. Experience limited to social media or to working as a journalist does not meet this requirement.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES•    Identify and create opportunities to place client stories across traditional, digital, and influencer channels•    Continually bring fresh story ideas to the team •    Write and pitch stories that showcase our clients' thought leadership•    Develop compelling, media-ready content including press releases, op-eds, bylines, pitches, media advisories and messaging•    Identify vertical pitching opportunities for clients in trade publications, national and regional media as well as bloggers, influencers and podcast hosts•    Track and foster relationships with beat reporters who cover niche topics relevant to client portfolios•    Recommend and track earned media efforts•     Coordinate and monitor interviews and prepare clients•    Monitor the news daily to surface timely opportunities for clients•    Participate in client meetings and contribute to strategic planning•    Collaborate across multiple client teams and pivot quickly as priorities shiftREQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS•    Bachelor's degree, preferably in communications, English or journalism•    Two to four years of related experience in public relations, media relations or communications•    Must demonstrate a solid track record of pitching and earning media coverage in a wide variety of channels (print, broadcast, online, trade and podcast) for a wide variety of clients•    A strong portfolio of earned media placements you secured for multiple clients•    Social media experience alone or journalism experience alone does not qualify•    Excellent writing and editing skills with a creative, engaging voice•    Working knowledge of earned media, including building media lists and plans•    Strong presentation skills and the confidence to offer sound counsel to clients•    Ability to organize and manage multiple projects at once•    Meticulous attention to detail•    Ability to work independently and as part of a team•    Stays informed of new and emerging channels and tools that secure earned media•    Resourceful, effective problem-solving skills•    Proficiency with Microsoft Office and media relations tools such as Cision•    Comfort using social media platforms including LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and XPREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS•    Familiarity with media monitoring and analytics tools•    General knowledge of photography, video or audio editing•    Bilingual is a bonus!COMPENSATION AND BENEFITSBig Voice Communications offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with benefits such as health and dental coverage, paid time off, 401K and flexible scheduling. WORK HOURS AND TRAVELHours: Full-time. In-officeTravel: Limited travel two to four times a year.TO APPLYPlease send a resume, cover letter to info@bigvoicecomm.com. Please include your full name in the file name of each document.Big Voice Communications believes in creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion. We strive to recruit a diverse group of candidates to help us achieve that goal. Big Voice Communications is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, disability status, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.