Content Strategist – PR and Media Relations Lead

Virtusa; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Virtusa is seeking a Content Strategist – PR and Media Relations to develop compelling corporate and thought leadership content while managing public relations and media engagement.

You will work with senior leaders, internal stakeholders and the PR agency to position Virtusa across media platforms, coordinate spokesperson engagements and deliver high-quality communications aligned with business goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, English, Media Studies or related discipline.
• Experience in content strategy, public relations, media relations, journalism or corporate communications.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute content and media relations plans aligned with priorities and business goals.
• Create high-quality content including media releases, opinion pieces, executive profiles and pitches.
• Identify compelling stories and opportunities for media coverage.
• Build relationships with journalists, editors and publications.
• Coordinate journalist engagements, interviews and briefings.
• Brief and prepare senior leaders and experts for media interactions.
• Manage PR agencies and external partners for deliverables and performance.
• Collaborate with marketing, social media and internal comms to amplify media content.

Skills

Content strategy

Public relations

Media relations

Journalism

Stakeholder management

Editing & copywriting

Spokesperson coaching

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications or related field

Tools

Microsoft PowerPoint

Media monitoring tools

Job description

Job Requirements

The Content Strategist – PR and Media Relations will be responsible for developing compelling corporate and thought leadership content while managing the organization’s public relations and media engagement activities. The role combines the capabilities of a content specialist, publicist and media relations professional, with responsibility for identifying relevant media opportunities, developing narratives, coordinating spokesperson engagements and strengthening relationships with journalists and publications. Working closely with senior leaders, subject matter experts, internal stakeholders and the appointed PR agency, the selected candidate will help position the organization, its leadership and its areas of expertise across relevant media platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute content and media relations plans aligned with organizational priorities, reputation objectives and business goals.
• Create high-quality content, including media releases, contributed articles, opinion pieces, executive profiles, interview briefs, talking points, speeches, media pitches and corporate announcements.
• Identify compelling stories, insights and organizational developments that can be translated into relevant media opportunities.
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, producers, industry publications and other relevant media stakeholders.
• Track media calendars, editorial opportunities, industry discussions, news developments and emerging topics relevant to the organization.
• Proactively pitch stories, executives, subject matter experts and thought leadership ideas to appropriate media outlets.
• Coordinate interviews, media briefings, background discussions, press events and other journalist engagements.
• Brief and prepare spokespersons for media engagements by developing key messages, anticipated questions, supporting information and response guidance.
• Work with internal stakeholders and subject matter experts to gather information, validate content and secure approvals.
• Manage the appointed PR agency, including briefing, planning, performance tracking, quality assurance and coordination of deliverables.
• Maintain media databases, opportunity trackers, content calendars, journalist engagement records and coverage reports.
• Monitor media coverage, industry sentiment and competitor activity to identify opportunities and potential reputation risks.
• Support reactive media requirements, including journalist queries, clarifications, holding statements and time-sensitive responses.
• Ensure all external content is accurate, consistent and aligned with the organization’s brand, messaging and communication standards.
• Measure and report on media outcomes, including quality of coverage, message inclusion, spokesperson visibility, reach and share of voice.
• Collaborate with marketing, social media, employer brand, internal communications and digital teams to extend media content across relevant channels.

Ideal Profile

The ideal candidate is an accomplished content and communications professional with experience in public relations, media relations, journalism or corporate communications. The individual should have a strong understanding of how media organizations operate and be capable of developing stories that are timely, credible and relevant to journalists and their audiences. The candidate will combine excellent writing skills with strong stakeholder Management, Relationship-building And Coordination Capabilities. Prior Experience Working within a media publication, newsroom or PR agency will be an added advantage, together with the ability to manage multiple opportunities, stakeholders and deadlines in a fast-moving environment.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, English, Media Studies or a related discipline.
• Relevant professional experience in content strategy, public relations, media relations, journalism or corporate communications.
• Demonstrated ability to write and edit media releases, articles, opinion pieces, executive content, interview briefs and media pitches.
• Experience building and managing relationships with journalists, editors and media publications.
• Prior experience in a media publication, newsroom or PR agency will be an added advantage.
• Strong understanding of news values, editorial processes, media cycles and journalist requirements.
• Experience identifying, tracking and converting media opportunities into meaningful coverage.
• Ability to brief and prepare senior leaders, spokespersons and subject matter experts for media engagements.
• Experience managing PR agencies, external partners, deliverables and performance expectations.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to coordinate across functions, leadership levels and areas of expertise.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to accuracy, tone and detail.
• Experience using media monitoring, coverage tracking and reporting tools.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines and approvals in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint and other commonly used content development and collaboration tools.
• Sound judgment and discretion when handling confidential, sensitive or reputation-related information.

Work Experience

1015years