Reports To: Local Public Relations Manager
Firehouse Subs is hiring two Media Relations Specialists with the Firehouse Subs Public Relations Team and is part of the Public Affairs Department comprised of public relations, crisis management, government relations, and more.
Reporting to one of two Local Public Relations Managers, this full-time position’s mission is to execute media relations and publicity that align with the brand’s annual public relations strategy for the more than 1,180 Firehouse Subs restaurants across the United States and Canada. The qualified candidate will have a proven track record of securing publicity with traditional print, broadcast and digital media, social influencers, and will support the greater team with national media efforts.
Scope of Anticipated Duties:
Serves as the official media relations specialist for assigned Firehouse Subs regions that align with specific Local Public Relations Manager
Works with Local Public Relations Manager to communicate and implement the brand’s annual public relations strategy on the local level
Proactively pitches media on brand vision, storylines, integrated campaigns and assigned key business priorities, working with Local Public Relations Manager to ensure publicity goals are met
Media pitching to include social influencer relations, restaurant and market-wide events, menu news, brand initiatives, new restaurant openings, news hijacking opportunities, and more
Creates and oversees media lists for assigned areas in addition to national and trade media
Proactively and continuously conducts market and trends research
Collaborates in developing annual public relations plan with the greater public relations team and agency of record
Owns and updates PR team’s publicity tracker
Contributes to PR team’s publicity reporting
Serves as a valuable contributor to the PR team’s big ideas, media leads, and national brand public relations initiatives. Proactively identifies public relations initiatives to increase brand awareness through traditional earned media channels
Support Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation’s Public Relations Team with media relations support, as needed
Supports the greater Public Affairs Team, as needed
Builds trust, respect and positive collaboration among teams, partners, departments and supervisor
Requirements:
Bachelor’s Degree in communications, public relations or a related field
Minimum of two years of public relations, corporate communications or journalism work experience
Public relations agency background in account service
Must have examples of secured local and national media coverage
Must have media relations writing examples
Able to effectively multi-task and manage competing priorities
Able to communicate in both written and verbal form with conviction and credibility, adapting message to suit level of audience
Collaboration, relationship building / management
Results-driven
Flexibility, a positive attitude, enthusiasm and excellent problem-solving skills required
Attention to detail
Self-starter
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Able to work independently and with teams
Able to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously
Outgoing, positive personality
Creative
Proficient in AP style
Strong public speaking skills; must be able to present to large groups
Must possess a valid driver’s license
Preferred education and experience:
Restaurant industry experience is a plus
Franchising industry experience is a plus