Public Relations Manager

twentysix; Kansas City (MO); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Benefits package

Job summary

VML, part of WPP, is seeking a Public Relations Manager to drive media relations, content creation, and global campaign support for a key animal health account. You will work with the global client lead and cross‑functional teams to craft pitches, draft releases, and coordinate multi‑market activities.

You will engage reporters across consumer pet and veterinary media, develop strategic plans, and help regional teams localize campaigns while maintaining tight deadlines.

Qualifications

• 2+ years’ PR agency experience with media relations and proactive pitching.
• Experience managing client relationships and projects across markets.
• Interest in global communications and animal health topics.

Responsibilities

• Manage media relations and pitching for global veterinary and consumer pet media.
• Draft external written materials (press releases, bylines, briefs).
• Prepare for weekly PR status meetings with the global client lead.
• Collaborate with internal teams and client contacts to execute campaigns.
• Support plan development and localization for global markets.
• Create briefing books and help with media events and conferences.

Skills

Media relations

Pitching

Client management

Written communication

Verbal communication

Strategic thinking

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications/Public Relations/Journalism

Job description

Who We Are

VML, part of WPP, is a leading creative company that combines brand experience, customer experience, and commerce, creating connected brands to drive growth. VML is celebrated for its innovative and human first, award-winning work for blue chip client partners including AstraZeneca, Colgate-Palmolive, Dell, Ford, Microsoft, Nestlé, The Coca-Cola Company, and Wendy's. The agency is recognized by the Forrester Wave Reports, as a Leader among Marketing Creative and Content Service Providers, Commerce Services, Global Digital Experience Services, Global Marketing Services and, most recently, Marketing Measurement & Optimization. In addition, VML’s specialist health network, VML Health, is one of the world’s largest and most awarded health agencies. VML’s global network is powered by 26,000 talented people across 55+ markets, with principal offices in Kansas City, New York, Detroit, London, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, and Sydney.

About WPP

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company – powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit www.wpp.com.

**Position Overview:****The Public Relations Manager serves as an important day-to-day driver of a key global animal health account, working under the direct supervision of the global client lead. This role requires an active, media-savvy professional who can cultivate relationships with key global veterinary and consumer pet media, craft compelling pitches, draft high-quality external written materials (releases, byline articles, project briefs), and collaborate closely with client contacts and integrated agency partners to execute strategic plans.

Key Responsibilities

• Media Relations & Pitching: Actively build and nurture relationships with key reporters, editors, and producers across print, digital and broadcast media in both the consumer pet and global veterinary/veterinary trade spaces.

• Content Creation: Draft high-visibility PR documents, including press releases, executive byline articles, key message architectures, Q&A, and speeches.

• Client Interaction: Work with the global client lead to prepare for and run weekly PR status meetings. Potentially this person will serve as the day-to-day contact for PR efforts in key global markets (example: Canada).

• Integrated Collaboration: Partner seamlessly with VML integrated agency teams (Client Engagement, Strategy, Creative, Paid Media, Discoverability, etc.), Hill's clients, as well as U.S. PR counterparts and the overall account lead to ensure global campaigns are cohesive.

• Plan Development: Assist with strategic planning, campaign brainstorming, and the localization of PR plans for global markets.

• Media Briefing & Prep: Create comprehensive briefing books for client spokespeople (executives and veterinarians), detailing reporter backgrounds, key messages, and potential challenging questions.

• Campaign & Event Execution: Help drive the execution of complex PR tactics, which may include global virtual media events, multi-market PR campaigns, and veterinary conference activations.

Requirements

• Experience: 2+ years of PR agency experience, with a proven track role in media relations, proactive pitching, and client management.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or a relevant field.

• Global Mindset: Familiarity with or strong interest in global markets and how corporate communications adapt across different regions.

• A Passion for Animal Health/Science: Experience in pet/companion animal health, pet-care, and/or health/science communications is highly preferred. Background, education and/or experience in human health/nutrition and/or agriculture also of interest.

• Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills; a strategic mindset; strong client management and relationship skills; and a desire to learn are essential.

• Work Style: Highly collaborative, exceptionally organized, and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines.

The base salary range for this position at the time of this posting is indicated below. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package.

_ $40,000-$100,000 USDWe believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we've adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office an average of four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.

WPP (VML) is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.

VML is a WPP agency (NYSE: WPP). For more information,please visit www.vml.com, andfollowalong on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.