Public Relations Specialist

International Spy Museum; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The International Spy Museum is seeking a Public Relations Specialist to support the Director of Media Relations in implementing PR plans that position and promote the Museum and its programming. You will help secure media exposure by informing and responding to press and other media contacts.

Responsibilities include writing press materials, coordinating on-site media activities, managing media databases, and supporting MarComm goals with outreach and reporting.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of media relations experience, preferably with a museum or historic site.
• Strong writing and proofreading skills, with ability to craft press materials.
• BA/BS degree in PR/communications/related field required or preferred.

Responsibilities

• Responds promptly to media requests from local, national, and international press.
• Supports Media Relations Director’s planning and execution of museum-wide announcements.
• Researches and writes press materials including media alerts, press releases, fact sheets, background papers, and pitch letters.
• Coordinates on-site filming, photography, radio and TV broadcasts, and arranges staff interviews.
• Maintains media contact database and PR image library.
• Manages the Press Room of the Museum website and updates content.
• Keeps records of media coverage and presents reports on coverage.
• Supports program outreach and niche audience cultivation.
• Contributes to attendance and revenue-building efforts.

Skills

Media relations

Press writing

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Deadline driven

Media monitoring

Content management

Public relations

Education

BA/BS degree in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, English or related field

Job description

The Public Relations Specialist is responsible for assisting the Director of Media Relations implement the public relations plan that positions and promotes the International Spy Museum and its programming, educational mission, and priorities. They help obtain maximum exposure for the Museum through informing and responding to the media. They contribute to establishing and expanding the Museum’s reputation as the premiere spokes “place” for the history of espionage and for providing a world-resource for historic, current, and late breaking espionage information.

Success Traits

• Collaborative team player
• Excellent writer with strong ability to communicate with others
• Organized with extreme attention to detail
• Works well in fast-paced and open office environment
• Willingness to embrace SPY Core Values of Service Excellence, Team, Creativity, Diversity, and Fun

Responsibilities

• Responds promptly to media requests from members of the local, national, and international press, other media and specialty contacts/affinity groups.
• Supports Media Relations Director’s planning and execution of broader strategies around Museum-wide announcements and priorities.
• Researches and writes press materials including media alerts, press releases, fact sheets, background papers, and pitch letters according to approved media plan. Distributes approved press materials to meet lead times required by various media and/or in-house calendar deadlines.
• Coordinates on-site filming, photography, radio and television broadcasts, and accompanies visiting media throughout the Museum. Arranges interviews with appropriate staff or board members to speak on behalf of the Museum.
• Develops, maintains, updates, and ensures accuracy of the media contact database and PR image library.
• Manages the Press Room of the International Spy Museum website, spymuseum.org, updating content to maximize press usability.
• Maintains comprehensive records of media coverage and recordings of prominent television and radio coverage. Prepares and presents reports on media coverage.
• Supports Program outreach including special cultivation of niche audiences.
• Assists in the preparation of award entries, assembling images, researching media coverage to ensure on-time delivery of submissions.
• Contributes to the MarComm department’s efforts to build attendance and revenues.
• Such other tasks as from time to time are assigned.
• BA/BS degree in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, English, or related field.

Minimum Experience Required

• 1-2 years of media relations and/or public relations experience, preferably with an agency, museum, or historic site.

Skills Preferred

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent grammar and proofreading skills
• Comfort using media monitoring and database software
• Meticulous follow-up and attention to detail/strong organizational skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with others/strong sense of teamwork
• Ability to multi-task
• Ability to influence and persuade
• Good judgement and decisiveness