Entry-Level PR & Media Relations Assistant

Burson; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 35,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Burson, part of WPP, is seeking an Assistant Account Executive to support a portfolio of corporate, consumer, and financial services clients. You will gain hands-on experience in integrated communications, including media relations and influencer engagement, within a fast-paced agency setting.

The role offers a hybrid work model in Chicago, demands strong writing and research skills, and invites candidates with 0–1 year of public relations experience to develop across cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or a related field.
• 0–1 years of internship or entry-level experience in public relations, communications, corporate affairs, public policy, or an agency environment.
• Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and research skills.
• Understanding of the current media landscape, including national, regional, trade, and digital outlets.
• Familiarity with media monitoring tools such as MuckRack, Brandwatch, NewsWhip, or similar platforms.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines.
• Professional interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and functions.
• Interest in corporate reputation, issues management, and complex communications challenges.

Responsibilities

• Monitor daily media across national, regional, trade and digital outlets.
• Flag emerging coverage and trends for insights and issue awareness.
• Research reporters and creators; help build media lists and pitches.
• Draft materials: pitches, press releases, briefs, summaries.
• Support cross‑functional communications across campaigns and events.
• Attend meetings; capture notes and next steps.
• Assist with client materials, proposals, pitches, and submissions.
• Collaborate with teams and partners for high‑quality delivery.

Skills

Strong writing

Editing

Research

Time management

Interpersonal communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or related field

Tools

MuckRack

Brandwatch

NewsWhip

Job description

Burson, part of WPP, is seeking an Assistant Account Executive to support a portfolio of corporate, consumer, and financial services clients. You will gain hands-on experience in integrated communications, including media relations and influencer engagement, within a fast-paced agency setting.

The role offers a hybrid work model in Chicago, demands strong writing and research skills, and invites candidates with 0–1 year of public relations experience to develop across cross-functional teams.