Public Relations Specialist

COMMITMENT TO RACIAL EQUITY

The Missouri Historical Society commits to a process of listening attentively to one another and leveraging best practices and resources across our organization to promote a culture of inclusion where individuals from all racial and ethnic identities; ages; nationalities; social and economic statuses; sexual orientations; gender identities/expressions; religious, political, and ideological perspectives; and abilities are able to be engaged, feel valued, and thrive. click here for the full Commitment to Racial Equity

Position Summary:

The Public Relations Specialist develops and implements a comprehensive press outreach strategy to promote the mission of the Missouri Historical Society (MHS) and drive awareness of the Missouri History Museum, the Library & Research Center and Soldiers Memorial Military Museum. The PR Specialist uses creative thinking and smart storytelling to proactively secure positive media coverage. The PR Specialist has a broad understanding of the media landscape and effectively positions MHS to attract diverse audiences for the institution’s initiatives and priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Media Relations (50%)

• As a collaborative member of the Communications team, develop communications and media outreach strategies that meet institutional goals.
• Generate story ideas and proactively pitch media in order to secure consistent positive coverage in local, regional, national, and industry-specific outlets.
• Serve as MHS’s primary media contact, nurturing strong relationships in the media community.
• Coordinate press tours and interviews.
• Establish a communication release schedule and coordinate the distribution of press materials.
• Cultivate and maintain the institution’s media contact database.
• Maintain MHS’s online media room.
• Stay up-to-date on relevant topics and issues in order to position
• MHS historical experts in stories and trends as they occur.
• Under the direction of the Managing Director of Communications, assist with crisis communications and issues management as needed.
• Regularly track and evaluate the success of press outreach efforts.

Writing & Messaging (25%)

• Develop and write key messages for high-profile exhibits, programs and initiatives.
• Employ strong writing skills in preparing press releases, media alerts and supporting materials.
• Prepare talking points, op-eds, media preparation, quotes, and remarks for MHS spokespeople.
• Coordinate the content creations and publication of Currents,
• MHS’s quarterly member magazine.

Internal Collaboration (15%)

• Cultivate strong relationships across departments in order ascertain story ideas.
• Collaborate with Communications teammates to ensure that media relations efforts work in concert with digital content and paid advertising efforts.
• Effectively communicate key messages across the institution to ensure consistency of messaging.
• Provide media training for MHS staff members, as needed.

Social Media (10%)

• Support the creation of social media content as needed by the Digital Communications Manager.
• Schedule relevant press coverage to share on appropriate MHS social media channels.
• Manage MHS LinkedIn channel
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities:

• Exceptional oral and written communications skills, with preference give for strong storytelling skills. (Writing samples are required.)
• Broad understanding of the media landscape and the best ways to position information for maximum impact.
• Proven track record of securing targeted press coverage for a brand.
• Ability to engender and sustain the trust and respect of the media, MHS donors and staff.
• Skilled at developing and maintaining relationships both internally and externally.
• Self-motivated professional with proven analytical and problem-solving skills, strong decision-making skills.
• Knowledge of both AP and Chicago Styles.
• Computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of the Missouri Sunshine Law.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, English or related field.
• 4 or more years of media relations experience preferred.
• Experience in non-profit communications, particularly in arts & culture is a plus.

Deadline to Apply: Open until filled.

Please upload cover letter and resume when applying.

*External job boards: Please click this link, to apply.

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Services Provided On A Non-Discriminatory Basis