Senior Manager, Earned Media

Weber Shandwick; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 81,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

Weber Shandwick, based in Chicago, seeks a Senior Manager of Earned Media Strategy to drive campaigns for iconic brands. You will craft compelling stories, secure high‑impact media coverage, and lead cross‑functional teams to shape the cultural conversation around consumer favorites like M&M’S, SNICKERS, and TWIX.

You will partner with clients, manage events, and mentor junior staff while shaping strategy, KPIs, and day‑to‑day media outreach in a fast-paced, culture‑driven environment.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of public relations experience, with a passion for pop culture, sports, and consumer brands.
• Strong existing relationships with media and influencers across traditional media, podcasts, and digital platforms.
• Ability to craft compelling story angles and integrated media plans; optimize campaigns in real time.
• Proven leadership and collaboration skills; manages complex projects and cross‑partner communication.
• Energetic, enthusiastic, and results‑driven with a passion for storytelling.

Responsibilities

• Be a Culture Shaper: develop and execute earned media campaigns that place brands at the center of culture.
• Master the Media Game: draft pitches and build relationships with journalists, podcasters, and bloggers to secure coverage.
• Become a Trusted Partner: act as day‑to‑day client contact, provide strategic counsel and manage event logistics.
• Fuel Our Creative Engine: contribute ideas, develop KPIs, and share wins with the team.
• Mentor and Lead: guide junior staff and foster collaboration.

Skills

Public relations

Media relations

Strategic thinking

Creative thinking

Leadership

Job description

Agency

Weber Shandwick

Job Function

Media

Job Subfunction

Earned Media

Job Description

Senior Manager, Earned Media Strategy (Consumer Practice)

Do you live at the intersection of culture and candy? This isn't your average PR job. We are looking for a Senior Manager to help drive the cultural conversation for iconic brands M&M’S, SNICKERS, and TWIX. You’ll be a storyteller with a passion for pop culture, a pro at navigating the media landscape, and a thrill seeker of stories that get everyone talking.

How You’ll Create Moments Of Everyday Happiness

• Be a Culture Shaper: develop and execute innovative earned media campaigns that place our brands at the center of culture, from major sporting events to daily social media conversations.
• Master the Media Game: draft pitches and build relationships with journalists, podcasters, and snacking bloggers to secure high-impact, authentic coverage.
• Become a Trusted Partner: serve as a key day‑to‑day contact for clients, providing sharp, strategic counsel and managing event logistics and program interplay.
• Fuel Our Creative Engine: contribute fresh ideas to creative brainstorms, develop realistic KPIs, and share wins to inspire the team.
• Mentor and Lead: guide junior staff, coach them to become the next generation of communications superstars, fostering collaboration and gusto.

What You Bring To The Table

• A Proven Track Record: 5‑7 years of public relations experience and deep passion for pop culture, sports, and consumer brands.
• Media Relations Expertise: strong, existing relationships with media and influencers, fluent in traditional media, podcasts, and Substack.
• Strategic & Creative Thinking: master at crafting compelling story angles, developing integrated media plans, and optimizing campaigns in real time.
• Leadership & Collaboration: leadership of team, management of complex projects, and effective cross‑partner communication.
• Unmatched Passion: infectious enthusiasm for the work and relentless drive to deliver results.

Compensation

Salary Range: $81,000 USD – $98,000 USD

Equal Opportunity Employer

Weber Shandwick is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We recruit qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, ethnic or national origin, protected veteran status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status or citizenship status.

It is the policy of Omnicom and any of its affiliates to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, ethnic origin, gender, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, disability, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law. EOE/AA/M/D/V/F.