Media Relations Specialist, 1Berkshire

1berkshire Strategic Alliance Inc; Massachusetts; Remote; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

1Berkshire is seeking a part-time freelance Media Relations Specialist to manage state and national media outreach. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of the Berkshires, strong communication skills, and a solid track record in relationship-building with media professionals. Responsibilities include crafting press releases, conducting media outreach, and analyzing media coverage to enhance the organization's visibility.

Benefits

Comp lodging and activities for quarterly meetings

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of the tourism landscape in the Berkshires.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to build and maintain media relationships.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement media relations strategies.
• Research and pitch story ideas to media outlets.
• Monitor media coverage and provide recommendations.

Skills

Berkshire Knowledge

Communication Skills

Relationship-Building Skills

Media Knowledge

Content Creation Skills

Adaptability

Job description

Posted on May 29, 2025 Written by 1Berkshire

General Description

1Berkshire is hiring a Media Relations Specialist.

1Berkshire, the tourism and economic development organization for the Berkshires of Western, MA, is looking to hire a part-time freelance Media Relations Specialist to manage its state, regional, and national (not local) media relations outreach.

This can be a remote job and will entail about 15-20 hours of work a month. Ideally, if the candidate isn’t local, they will be able to be in the Berkshires quarterly to attend meetings and to visit some of the sites being pitched to the media. (1Berkshire would comp lodging and activities.)

Preference will be given to applicants with a large “rolodex” of established relationships with top-tier digital, print, broadcast media, and influencers. The ability to work independently (while part of a team) as well as build and maintain impactful media lists is a plus.

• Be available 4 times a year for 1Berkshire PR Exchanges.
• Engage with the marketing team quarterly to brainstorm story ideas and new pitches.

Media Outreach and Pitching

• Develop and implement media relations strategies to secure positive coverage.
• Ensure familiarization tours to the area, ideally 1 per month; work with the marketing team to organize details; and be on-site to meet journalists.
• Research and pitch story ideas and occasional news releases to media outlets.
• Prepare and distribute press releases, media advisories, and other media materials.
• Work with the marketing team and other departments to ensure consistent and impactful messaging and brand alignment.

Media Monitoring and Analysis (working in conjunction with Marketing Team):

• Monitor media coverage to assess the organization’s media presence and identify trends.
• Analyze media coverage and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Track media coverage and measure the effectiveness of media relations efforts.

Skills

• Extensive Berkshire Knowledge: Deep understanding of the tourism landscape of our region, what sets us apart from other destinations, and how we are a unique travel destination.
• Excellent Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for crafting compelling messages and interacting with media.
• Relationship-Building Skills: Proven track record of lifestyle, consumer media placements as well as ability to build and maintain ongoing relationships with media.
• Media Knowledge: A thorough understanding of media outlets, journalists, and industry trends is essential.
• Content Creation Skills: The ability to write compelling and informative content for press releases, media advisories, and other media materials is essential.
• Adaptability: The ability to stay ahead of the curve and/or adapt to changing media landscape and consumer trends is required.