Public Relations Specialist

This position is part of the Corporate Marketing & Communications team ensuring all corporate public relations efforts reflect the Company's mission, vision, principles and strategy goals as well as review new solutions and services to support the department and Company's efforts. Specifically, this position will write media materials, pitch and manage relationships with reporters and editors, track placements, monitor, analyze and measure PR effectiveness as well as develop and maintain the Company's primary social media accounts. In addition, this role will support Corporate Marketing & Communications team members with video material, graphic design, product marketing, and event coordination.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Public Relations:

• Manage all media inquiries (via email/telephone, etc.) by performing appropriate intake, vetting and providing suggestions to team on action required. 
• Draft, edit and review pitches, press releases and advisories related to tradeshows, new hires, deals, partnerships, awards, contracts, etc. 
• Coordinate media interviews with internal subject matter experts and manage material deadlines, responses, etc. 
• Monitor editorial calendars, and coordinate with industry publication and local press reporters and/or editors 
• Research and keep track of key reporters and editors for industry publications and local press 
• Proactively seek media opportunities for AAR across all media formats - online, print, broadcast, blogs, etc. 
• Develop and maintain relationships with reporters and editors 
• Track placements, monitor media coverage and create monthly media report 
• Manage Cision and PR newswire account/contract 
• Daily monitoring of industry-related publications and distribution of relevant industry information to internal team 
• Develop key messages as part of annual PR Plan for each Area Region and Market Solution to articulate specific value proposition, while in keeping with the overall brand message and in coordination with Corporate Marketing 
• Realize PR mix campaigns for existing products, EIS and/or launch projects 
• Negotiate with agencies and suppliers, including budget planning and monitoring

Social Media:

• Develop and maintain annual calendar for the Company's primary social media accounts/platforms including Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. 
• Plan and implement creative programs to increase follower base and improve regular engagement working with the Corporate Marketing & Communications team including but not limited to: smAARtchat thought leadership, Press releases/contracts, Employee achievements/events, Industry history/achievements, Customer achievements, and Tradeshow participation.
• Draft social media posts for senior leadership and provide guidance on best practices. 
• Research and monitor new social media trends and technologies/platforms, including best practices, in order to guide current use and recommend future opportunities. 
• Monitor the impact of social media by tracking metrics and analyzing effectiveness of campaigns in an effort to assist division management determine return on investment. 
• Track key metrics on a monthly basis to illustrate performance across engagement, website referrals and follower adoption, proving the effectiveness and added value of creating community online.

Website:

• Post press releases on Company website. 
• Work with Market Solutions to write and edit website copy to ensure Company voice, tone and style is reflected.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

• Exceptional writer, editor, presenter and all-around communicator 
• Strong editing background with AP Style 
• Experience using Cision, PR Newswire, Hootsuite, and/or other similar platforms 
• Proficient with Microsoft Office products including PowerPoint, Word and Excel 
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite/Cloud, Final Cut Pro, iMovie a plus 
• Strong experience with social media as evidenced by prior management of social media accounts for a business or organization 
• Ability to multitask and handle major disruption while managing multiple projects 
• Detailed oriented, organized and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment 
• Minimum 5-7+ years of full-time experience in a similar position/role

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor of Arts degree (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science degree (B.S.) from four-year college or university; or eight years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Journalism, Communications, Public Relations or English degree preferred