Public Relations Specialist

Job Summary: The Public Relations Specialist will coordinate all public relations functions for the company and will own both the strategy and execution of Geographic Solutions’ messaging roadmap for all external communications, award submissions, media lists, and ways to promote the company through various press and content mediums. This position requires a breadth of experience in public relations, working in a fast-paced environment, and is excitement to leverage their pre-existing network while continuing to build relationships using media as an ambassador of the brand. The Public Relations Specialist will proactively generate and disperse Geographic Solutions’ narrative that is creative and consistent across traditional and new media channels. The Public Relations Specialist must have experience using PR tools such as Muck Rack, PR Newswire, Qwoted, Meltwater, or similar to drive corporate PR efforts.

 Viable candidates must be willing to travel onsite at GSI's headquarters in Palm Harbor, Florida for New Hire Orientation and as needed.   

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate all public relations content and activities for the corporate brand and for our product line
• Draft press releases, pitches, case studies, white papers, and media summaries
• Coordinate and gain final approval from stakeholders (corporate management, client, and client-identified stakeholders) on all messaging
• Distribute approved messaging across press release distribution sites - both domestic and occasionally across international channels
• Lead and execute media strategies across different mediums (print, social, television, blogs, podcasts, etc.)
• Build relationships with new media contacts and maintain relationships with existing contacts for the various industries (or geographic locations) we serve
• Maintain relationships with various industry memberships to gain ad placements and feature stories
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with key editors, online media, and industry organizations
• Create written features to target applicable audiences and maximize company visibility through innovative, brand elevating stories
• Create, implement, and manage a yearly media calendar/schedule 
• Pitch story ideas that highlight the company image, accomplishments, software launches, client success(es), industry best practices, corporate events, and product line
• Play an active role in efforts to identify and pursue industry awards, accolades, and recognition opportunities that generate positive publicity and strengthen brand awarenessDeliver consistent messaging to various media outlets
• Organize, schedule, and prepare key leaders for press interviews
• Leads media crisis management if needed; proactively strategizes, troubleshoots, and creates solutions
• Assists the company in any crisis public relations strategy, when and if necessary
• Fields all press inquiries, coordinates with Marketing Department leads and Management team, to respond in a timely and professional manner
• Work with the company’s economist to maintain current public relations-style content, such as the brand’s Economist Corner publication, and create similarly styled content for other verticals. 
• Work to find new content mediums to pitch out content outside of traditional PR
• Work with fellow team members to seek out award opportunities and submit applications.

Work Experience / Knowledge:

• 5+ years of experience in Public Relations, Communications and/or Media Relations
• Proven ability to develop, implement, and execute successful public relations campaigns
• Manages relationships with external contacts effectively
• Must have experience cultivating and maintaining key media contacts using PR tools such as Muck Rack, PR Newswire, Qwoted, Meltwater, or similar
• Applicable knowledge in copywriting and editing
• Experience with task management systems, such as Trello, a plus
• General understanding of how SEO and GEO impact our corporate website site traffic

Work Demands:

• Confident style with the ability to communicate effectively in all forms and at all levels
• Excellent organization skills and ability to manage own workload/deliverables
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks and manages time effectively
• Strong oral and written communication skills; have a keen eye for detail
• Must write clearly and concisely

Qualifications / Certifications:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or related field

Technical Experience:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Experience with HubSpot, a plus
• Must have experience with Public Relations tools such as Muck Rack, PR Newswire, Qwoted, Meltwater, or similar

Special Requirements:

• May also be assigned various projects and tasks as needed

 Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/D/V