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Media Relations Manager

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Why Work for Us?

We are a global agency run by 1,700 diverse, bright and eager individuals collaborating with us in more than 40 cities around the globe. Some in offices, some working remotely. But regardless of our geographies, our passion for collaboration is the #1 reason clients and colleagues enjoy working with us.

This love for working together isn’t new for us…it started 60 years ago when our founder insisted that personal egos be set aside for the greater good of the agency. Because he knew great work starts with inspired teamwork. Our love for working together is how we get clients and colleagues to work with us and stay with us for decades. And how we launch brands, build careers, win awards and make everlasting friendships.

We are ready to Go All In for you…

Because we promise together, we will make the best work of our lives and create change that matters. If that sounds like something you could wake up every morning to help with, then read on.

Role Overview:

Do you check the headlines on your newsfeed before you’ve had even a sip of your morning coffee? Do you love working at the speed of real-time to spot and influence trends before they become news?

Golin Chicago is hiring Media Relations Manager to drive media strategy and execution that keeps our clients relevant with top media. You’ll build strong media relationships with reporters and editors at a variety of top tier media outlets and will always be on the lookout for opportunities that lead to coverage. You’ll transform new product announcements and industry trends into compelling stories and craft interesting content that goes beyond a basic press release. You’ll engage with media across a variety of channels, including social media, email and, yes, even a phone call or two. We are looking for someone with the ability to think as a storyteller across platforms in real time. 

Responsibilities:

• Support day-to-day media relations responsibilities for a prominent international brand. This includes developing earned media strategies for campaigns, thought leadership programs and real-time news events that lead to ongoing, positive brand mentions.
• Establish and maintain relationships with media, industry analysts and online influencers, and guide the client’s messaging to resonate with these different audiences. Effectively engage with these contacts across multiple channels, including email, social media and phone.
• Engage with clients and agency partners on a regular basis to create innovative PR programs that help shine a positive light on the client and brand, in addition to reaching new audiences who are receptive to the client’s products.
• Stay ahead of media by identifying emerging trends that can create story opportunities relevant to the client’s brand.
• Interact with clients to present strategic recommendations addressing challenges and opportunities, as well as in “think on your feet” situations.
• Collaborate with internal and external teams across multiple disciplines to successfully manage complex, fast-moving and unexpected communications challenges and large, 360 marketing campaigns.
• Have a passion for trends and culture. Have the ability to manufacture creative ways to intercept trending cultural moments and drive relevancy for the brands you support.

GROWTH OPPORTUNTIES:

In this role, you will have direct access to seasoned, award-winning professionals who - will not only help improve your work - but establish a path for you to grow within Golin long term. This role provides the exciting opportunity to develop strong media relationships, and also create and build a new function within an established successful agency. One thing you’ll learn about Golin is people stay for both the people and the agency’s willingness to be flexible with career pivots and explorations.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• 3+ years of professional experience in media relations with an understanding of consumer lifestyle, F&B, travel and/or spirits media relations. A mix of consumer and corporate communications experience is a plus.
• Strong writing, editing and outreach skills are necessary. Not afraid of making an initial ‘cold call’ to establish new media relationships.
• Established relationships with consumer lifestyle and/or food & beverage media contacts is essential.
• Understanding of earned media strategy and experience creating media plans and compiling media lists.
• Proven experience working with media and influencers and a strong portfolio of story placements; a passion for building relationships with anyone from spirits trade editor to the most influential names at well-known consumer lifestyle outlets.
• Excellent communication, organizational and computer skills are a must, along with the ability meet deadlines, juggle multiple tasks, and a handle fast-paced environment.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and superior client service skills.
• Be proactive and highly motivated; demonstrate the ability and desire to work independently and confidently, but as part of a team.
• Comfortable working with team members located in other cities and time zones.
• Be detail oriented with an ability to focus on the larger picture.
• Ability to work on multiple programs at once under tight deadlines.
• Provide sound counsel and be comfortable providing editorial and response recommendations to clients.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with internal and client teams at all levels.
• Well-versed in AP style.

About Golin 

We are a global public relations agency poised and staffing for the needs of today. Through our 60+ year history we have redefined the role of PR with best-in-class work that has earned worldwide attention and awards. Representing some of the biggest Fortune One brands, we offer a suite of services from content creation and production, diversity equity & inclusion strategy, influencer marketing, corporate strategy, and public affairs to name a few. To learn more about Golin visit: golin.com.

Salary range: $55,000 - $95,000

Golin has included the base salary range or hourly rate for this role. Actual compensation offered within the range will depend upon, among other factors: a candidate’s skills, qualifications, and experience; actual ranges for current or former employees in the role; and market considerations.

Any request to schedule an interview and any legitimate offer of employment will only come from an authorized representative of Golin. We will never require an applicant to provide sensitive personally identifiable information in order to conduct an interview.

Golin is an Equal Opportunity Employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

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