Public Relations Specialist

The PR division of Advantage | ForbesBooks (a media company partnered with Forbes) is looking for a Public Relations Specialist to work with authors who are game-changers and thought leaders in their fields, and who recognize how publishing a book can elevate their message and inspire audiences to better themselves and the world around them.

Our internal PR team specializes in building our client’s brand through editorial coverage in traditional and online print media, scheduling interviews on national and local radio shows, arranging appearances on national and local TV shows, and building their social media community. Our team is a well-oiled machine, averaging 100 radio interviews for our clients every month, as well as 10 – 12 TV segments per month and placements in traditional and online publications that have a combined circulation and visitors per month equal to tens of millions.

Advantage | Forbes Books has an exciting opportunity for a PR Specialist to secure editorial coverage for our members in local and national publications, both traditionally and online. The ideal candidate has experience working with the press, has strong writing and organizational skills, is a team player, and excels in customer service.

Expected Outcomes:
- Execute and deliver all campaigns to adhere to guidelines and time periods specified in campaign contracts.
- Creative development and strategy for 15-20 client campaigns, including creating project timelines, content calendars and leading all client campaign update meetings.
- All administrative systems adhered to for clients, while managing support staff and maintaining good relations with clients and journalists.

Responsibilities:
- Monitor news coverage in the industry to identify opportunities for the company to gain thought leadership or become an expert source.
- Be the eyes and ears to what is going with themes in the media, and in the industry.
- Secure high-profile coverage in print, broadcast and online outlets within business, finance, health, tech industries, etc.
- Passionate about media relations and proactively approach journalists on a daily/weekly basis.
- Identify strategies to engage with national media outlets, reporters, and investors.
- Support the creation of a press kit and media room updated with new statistics, updated messaging, press releases, photos, and videos.
- Submit company and/or clients for awards and speaking opportunities and manage promotion of those opportunities when secured.
- Create and manage media and influencer lists.
- Monitor and analyze campaigns to ensure they’re aligned with the established strategy.
- Research conferences and events, suggest event participation, and coordinate logistics.
- Lead social media efforts, if needed.
- Be proactive in supporting the goals of the marketing team, which are closely aligned with the company’s overarching business goals.

Competencies (These are MUSTs):
- Attention to Detail - Does not let important details slip through the cracks or derail a project.
- Understands the needs of the press – Willing to work on journalist deadlines for articles so we’re serving the media’s needs as well as the needs of our clients.
- Excellent Communication Skills - Articulate communicator (both written and verbal), polished and impressive phone presence with clients and journalists.
- Great Problem-Solving Abilities - Works diligently through complications or any obstacles to client success.
- Organization and Planning – Extremely organized and willing to work with administrative systems that enable timely execution of campaigns.
- Follows the news – as we have a broad range of clients from finance to health, fitness, entertainment, business and more, having an interest in the news and willing to learn different industries is critical for running a successful campaign.
- Enjoys team collaboration and strategy – willing to share and exchange ideas with the team in strategy meetings for clients.
- Listening Skills - Lets others speak and seeks to understand their viewpoints.
- Persuasion - Able to convince others to pursue a course of action.

Preferred Skills and Experiences:
- At least 3 years’ PR experience with media relations background (established media contacts preferred)
- Experience with Cision, Muck Rack, OR Meltwater required.
- Experience working with corporate brands
- Strong background in customer relations
- Strong writing and editing skills
- Must be resourceful and able to overcome obstacles on his/her own.
- Ability to gain and understand specific industry and/or client-related knowledge quickly.
- Has PR software and media listening tools experience.
- In-depth knowledge of industry best practices
- 4-year college degree

Work Environment:
- This job operates in a professional office environment. This role regularly uses a laptop as well as online cloud-based file management systems (such as Dropbox, Google Drive, etc) and participates in online video-based (Zoom, Google Meet) calls. This role may, on occasion, need to use standard office equipment such as phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.

Physical Demands:
- The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job, with or without reasonable accommodations.
- The employee is regularly required to sit, stand, use hands and fingers to operate a computer, keyboard, and telephone. Near visual acuity is required in order to work with computers.
- May occasionally require the employee to stoop, kneel, or crouch. Employee should be able to sit for an extended period of time.
- Employee may be occasionally required to perform light to moderate lifting of office supplies, up to 20 pounds.

Advantage | ForbesBooks is an entrepreneurial, high growth company with opportunity for advancement and lots of upward mobility. Professional development programs offered. We offer great Vacation/PTO benefits, a great Medical/Dental/Vision program, 401(k) with company contribution and other nice perks. Advantage has a solid reputation for being a great place to work and we highly value the commitment and contribution of those on our team. Team Members are eligible for health, dental and vision benefits the first day of the month after thirty (30) days of employment. Eligibility for all other benefits is at ninety (90) days of employment.