Public Relations Specialist

Jobtailor; East Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor in Connecticut seeks a communications professional to coordinate statewide media relations for a focused initiative on distracted driving and seat belt enforcement. You will build coalitions among advocates, businesses, legislators, and unions, and plan media events with CT DOT.

You will draft press materials, brief spokespersons, and monitor coverage to shape public sentiment; report to the VP of Government Affairs. A background in public policy and strong writing are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, or Journalism, or 2+ years of equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated experience writing media-ready news releases and press materials.
• Experience coordinating media events and working directly with media outlets.
• Understanding of public policy, government relations, or advocacy campaigns.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to tailor messaging across audiences.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with ability to juggle multiple priorities independently.
• Experience working with government agencies, elected officials, or labor unions is a bonus.
• Familiarity with transportation safety or public health campaigns is a bonus.
• Must reside within Connecticut or close proximity.
• Must complete pre-employment criminal history, reference, and driving history checks.
• Must be able to travel within Connecticut for events and stakeholder meetings.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate communications and media relations for a statewide Connecticut initiative promoting legislation for improved distracted driving and seat belt law enforcement.
• Build a coalition of victims' advocates, citizens, businesses, legislators, and labor unions.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute media events with the Connecticut Department of Transportation, state legislators, and coalition members.
• Develop and maintain relationships with media outlets, reporters, and editorial boards.
• Draft and distribute press releases, media advisories, op-eds, talking points, and other communications materials.
• Serve as communications liaison among diverse stakeholders.
• Prepare spokespersons for media appearances, including message development and media training support.
• Monitor media coverage and public sentiment and provide recommendations.
• Support broader campaign communications strategies to advance legislative goals and public engagement.
• Report directly to the VP of Government Affairs.

Skills

Media relations

Press release writing

Event coordination

Public policy understanding

Stakeholder engagement

Messaging across audiences

Project management

Public advocacy

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications

Bachelor's degree in Public Relations

Bachelor's degree in Journalism

2+ years of equivalent experience

Job description

• Coordinate communications and media relations for a statewide Connecticut initiative promoting legislation for improved distracted driving and seat belt law enforcement
• Build a coalition of victims' advocates, citizens, businesses, legislators, and labor unions
• Plan, coordinate, and execute media events with the Connecticut Department of Transportation, state legislators, and coalition members
• Develop and maintain relationships with media outlets, reporters, and editorial boards
• Draft and distribute press releases, media advisories, op-eds, talking points, and other communications materials
• Serve as communications liaison among diverse stakeholders
• Prepare spokespersons for media appearances, including message development and media training support
• Monitor media coverage and public sentiment and provide recommendations
• Support broader campaign communications strategies to advance legislative goals and public engagement
• Report directly to the VP of Government Affairs

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field, or 2+ years of equivalent experience
• Demonstrated experience writing media-ready news releases and press materials
• Experience coordinating media events and working directly with media outlets
• Understanding of public policy, government relations, or advocacy campaigns
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to tailor messaging across audiences
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with ability to juggle multiple priorities independently
• Experience working with government agencies, elected officials, or labor unions is a bonus
• Familiarity with transportation safety or public health campaigns is a bonus
• Must reside within Connecticut or close proximity
• Must complete pre-employment criminal history, reference, and driving history checks
• Must be able to travel within Connecticut for events and stakeholder meetings

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in media relations, communications strategy, and public policy advocacy, with a strong ability to engage diverse stakeholders and manage multiple projects effectively.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Media Relations
• Press Release Writing
• Project Management
• Public Policy Understanding
• Stakeholder Engagement

Hard Skills

• Press Release Writing
• Media Event Coordination
• Communications Material Development
• Message Development
• Media Training

Soft Skills

• Excellent Written Communication
• Excellent Verbal Communication
• Strong Organizational Skills

Certifications & Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications
• Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations
• Bachelor's Degree in Journalism

Industry Keywords

• Government Relations
• Advocacy Campaigns
• Transportation Safety
• Public Health Campaigns
• Legislative Goals