Job Description

Are you fiercely creative and know how to get people talking? Are you solution-driven and tell stories in unique and out-of-the-box ways?At Durrell Communications, we pursue excellence in being the voice of our clients, and we are looking for our newest creative team member! If you are a collaborative and meticulous individual with a passion for execution who is driven to optimize our clients' position in print and online, then we encourage you to apply!How you will make a difference.Reporting to the Manager of Strategic Communications, the PR & Media Specialist drives public relations and media strategy for our clients, including the management, creation and distribution of content while connecting our clients to reporters and publications in order to drive increased revenue, brand awareness, reputation and overall media exposure for the organization. They manage the digital voice and promote and protect the client's reputation by executing strategies and plans for brand building, innovation, and promotion of corporate communications and corporate affairs initiatives. They set and measure the strategic goals and performance metrics for each client by creating content that gets attention and engages audiences.What you will be doingPublic Relations and Media Strategy:

• Build relationships with key media contacts and identify opportunities to proactively pitch brand and corporate stories to media as appropriate
• Manage day-to-day media relations/media requests for brand and corporate issues
• Organize events including press conferences, exhibitions, open days and press tours
• Source and manage speaking opportunities, awards and sponsorships
• Prepare and supervise the production of publicity brochures, handouts, promotional videos, photographs, and multimedia programs; devising and coordination of photo opportunities to support PR and media initiatives.
• Effectively "sell" press releases to media, communicates benefits to media outlet of accepting press releases.
• Liaise with key spokespeople and answer enquiries from media, individuals, and other organizations, often via telephone and email.

Client Relationship Management:

• Ensure the overall client services delivery presents an exceptional customer service experience by setting manageable timelines and deliverables for team members
• Help solve problems that affect the service and efficiency of client projects
• Communicate any issues that arise that affect project execution, timelines and deadlines

Branding Strategy:

• Develop and implement both short- and long-term branding strategies that intertwine various techniques which will consistently meet or exceed planned objectives
• Create and update content calendars for each client that addresses their individual goals and objectives with attention to branding, public relations and media activities on client retainers.

Research:

• Monitors publicity and conducts research to find out concerns and expectations of client stakeholders in order to create the media plan
• Identify audience and appropriate formats for media and medium selections and understand how those selection will affect the target audience

Content Creation:

• Administers preparation and dissemination of press releases and articles and coordinates media events
• Directs the writing, editing and publishing of organizational publications
• Creates content that is consistent and appropriately reflects client brand and standards, including public relations, media, owned content, and design elements.
• Develop the creation of written materials including press releases, Q&A, media standby statements, fact sheets, pitch letters, articles, case studies, newsletters and other collateral on brand and corporate issues as required.

Metrics & Analytics:

• Track and analyze media coverage
• Monitor the effectiveness of the implemented client strategy on a monthly basis and course correct to ensure strategy objectives are met.
• Set KPIs and monitor the effectiveness of each implemented client strategy on a monthly basis and course correct to ensure strategy objectives are met.
• Provide monthly reporting to the leadership team that analyzes each client's statistics and provides recommendations

What we require

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, English, Journalism, Marketing, Communication or another related field
• 4+ years of experience in public relations, journalism or digital marketing role
• 3+ years of experience in project management or similar client facing compacity

• Software Skills: ASANA, Agility PR/Meltwater, Canva, Photoshop, InDesign, Publisher, WordPress, Hubspot

Skills for success

• Thorough knowledge of the principles of effective communications and mass media, publicity, advertising, digital marketing and social media, policies, education, community relations, demonstration, organization structure, social service and government relations as they relate to our clients.
• Exceptional project management skills including organizational, strategic, planning and implementation skills.
• Must be able to meet tight deadlines and execute flawlessly on projects in a fast-paced environment and see a project through to completion.
• Ability to use demographic and psychographic data to target communication pieces
• A well-defined sense of diplomacy, including solid negotiation, conflict resolution and people management skills
• Ability to plan, organize and effectively present ideas and concepts to groups.
• Superb writing, content development and editing skills, that is of high quality and result-driven.
• Must be able to meet tight deadlines and execute flawlessly on projects in a fast-paced, often pressured environment and see a project through to completion.
• High degree of integrity, confidentiality and accountability.
• Strong working knowledge of communication principles and practises.
• Advanced verbal and written English language skills.

Why Durrell Communications?As a full-service public relations agency, we work with our clients to promote their brand in print and online.Durrell Communications gives you the opportunity to grow your career alongside our talented team of communication specialists, media strategists, marketing strategists and public relations professionals developing global media campaigns and arranging memorable events.Refine your craft alongside the best in the industry and within an engaging and community-focused workplace.How to ApplyYour application should include your cover letter, resume and portfolio (including any PR, marketing, or social media initiatives you've worked on). We look forward to hearing from you!Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in the selection process. If you require a specific accommodation, please let us know.Job Types: Full-time, PermanentSalary: $52,000.00-$70,000.00 per yearBenefits:

• Extended health care
• Flextime
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Waterloo, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

Experience:

• public relations: 3 years (preferred)