The Director of Public Relations serves as the head of the PR team balancing both department profitability and structure with oversight of all public relations programs for our clients. S/he works with an integrated team to plan, direct, and execute PR initiatives, as we are a fully integrated agency charged with overarching strategic marketing plans. This role will be responsible for the PR portion of those plans for each client and will lead a team to execute the plan, monitor results, and meet goals.

In addition, a key part of the Director of Public Relations role will be to develop and nurture relationships with clients, editors, publishers, and industry influencers to ensure that coverage and opportunities for our clients are robust. Tradeshow and event creativity and attendance are a must both in-person and virtually. The ideal candidate will have experience in and enjoy managing a team while having a hands-on work ethic as the situation requires.

Responsibilities

• Management of relationships with key media contacts.
• Development of plans, proposals, and scope changes as necessary.
• Management of internal and external resources to ensure the completion of projects and campaigns, on time and on budget.
• Management of PR staff including fostering growth, supporting client solutions, and solving issues
• Oversight of target publications and media lists are up-to-date and evolving
• Goal monitoring and pitch optimization within the department to ensure coverage and media placements are meeting client expectations
• Securing of editorial booth appointments for trade shows, and management of tradeshow responsibilities such as fulfilling press kits, editorial briefing books, etc
• Participation in new business proposals and pitches; performing media audits for those ventures, as needed.
• Coordination of PR software vendors (Cision, Sprout, Brandpoint, etc).

Skills

• Ability to draft both long and short-form content such as press releases, articles, award submissions, and story abstracts and/or direct a team on these tactics providing constructive feedback designed for growth
• Ability to conduct targeted pitching of products and expert commentary

Expectations

• Meets twice a month, or as needed, with Chief Operations Officer and other Senior Management to update them on department status and make any changes deemed necessary.
• ·Maintains current computer skills and technology related to public relations department daily functions; ensures all public relations team members do the same.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Communications, or Marketing (or another related field).
• 6+ years of Public Relations experience including experience in B2B Public Relations.
• Management/Supervisory Experience.
• Proficient in managing an operating budget for the department and client budgets to ensure profitability.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize daily and long-term workflow to meet deadlines.
• Must be a strategic thinker and a quick study.
• Strong PC skills with good working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Ability to be a strong team player and leader in a fast-paced environment.
• Must have strong writing, editing, communication, and organizational skills.
• Must have a basic understanding of social media platforms (including but not limited to Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest).
• Must possess general knowledge of the media and influencer landscape.
• Experience in social media, video project management, and other disciplines of marketing and communications is a plus.
• Experience with media databases and social media software is a plus (including but not limited to Cision, Sprout).
• Experience with project management software such as Basecamp is a plus.