NOW HIRING!

Public Relations Counselor

What happens when you merge two industry greats? A new PR world of excitement, endless possibilities, and hard work! Do you have what it takes to come for the launch and stay for the journey?

Meridian Group/WB Marketing is looking for an experienced Public Relations Counselor who excels at strategic communication, media relations and client management. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of successful PR campaigns and a passion for storytelling.

The Public Relations Counselor’s chief responsibility is to establish and nurture strong positive relationships with clients, industry thought leaders, subject matter experts and media representatives. The Counselor is an organized multi-tasker who possesses the seamless ability to garner superior media relations results for clients, assist in overall strategic development, report on the ROI delivered and bring creative insight toward exceeding client expectations with all projects. They’re expected to maintain an in-depth understanding of the internal and external forces affecting client business, maintain and analyze competitive and category research and data.

The Counselor understands news in all formats (broadcast, print, online), as well as social media and marketing and thorough knowledge of the research, strategy and outreach necessary to gain positive coverage for clients across all mediums. A working knowledge of planning and executing special events designed to attract media attention is also expected.

The Public Relations Counselor interacts with clients on a day-to-day basis and is responsible for seeing beyond current client needs to anticipate and develop strategies for future growth and success.

Responsibilities:

• Devise and oversee the implementation of PR strategies to ensure successful external communications
• Offer strategic guidance on the execution of efficient communications techniques, including product and brand communication for clients
• Identify audience needs and support the development of an overarching PR strategy that engages new external stakeholders
• Observe market trends and shifting policies for clients to make sure their PR strategies adhere to them
• Confer with PR team members to identify key concerns or group interests to develop top-notch business practices
• Develop and write public relations plans, proposals, press releases, editorials, opinion pieces and crisis communications
• Propose and assist in client event planning and implementation

Requirements:

• 2-6 years of agency or hands-on client public relations experience
• Innate problem-solving abilities coupled with the capability to develop creative solutions that achieve measurable results for clients
• Thorough knowledge of the principles of public relations and social media, and how they fit into and complement comprehensive marketing campaigns
• Extensive experience and success with media relations, including traditional and non-traditional pitching, story idea development, targeted media placements and relationship building
• Understanding of and ability to articulate the return on investment for clients
• Strong writing skills with a thorough understanding of AP Style, excellent grasp of grammar, and the ability to produce materials under pressure and on deadline
• Working knowledge of planning and executing special events

Internships

Public Relations Intern

Meridian Group’s public relations team seeks a motivated team player with a flair for communications. Responsibilities may include: assisting public relations team with day-to-day account projects, monitoring trends, editing and writing press releases, media relations activities, developing editorial calendars, conducting basic research and contribute to brainstorming sessions. Opportunity to learn about public relations, advertising and interactive disciplines and attend professional development seminars. Internship is unpaid but can be used for school credit. Remote internship opportunities are available.

Applications are accepted for fall, spring and summer cohorts.

Applicant qualifications should include:

• Excellent communications skills, writing ability and computer skills a MUST.
• Prior internship experience preferred, but not required.
• Understanding of AP style a plus.
• Must be available 20 hours per week during the semester.

Email your resume with cover letter and applicable writing samples to nealy@themeridiangroup.com. No phone calls please.