Senior Public Relations Strategist

As a key contributor and influencer to Bethesda’s marketing and outreach strategy, the Senior PR Strategist will develop and execute media relations strategies that deliver positive results with local, regional and national media across our national footprint, elevating Bethesda’s position as an industry leader. Working independently, you will cultivate lasting and mutually beneficial relationships with targeted media members and centers of influence. You’ll expand awareness of Bethesda through creative content creation that includes traditional, digital and social media channels and special events. As the PR subject matter expert, you will work collaboratively on integrated marketing initiatives within a larger marketing and communications team. You’ll provide PR counsel and guidance with leaders throughout the organization.

What you'll be doing:

• On a daily basis, identifies and executes on routine to high-impact public relations opportunities to build Bethesda’s visibility and brand, primarily through intensive media relations. 
• Leverages Bethesda news and innovations, industry trends, and compelling story/consumer engagement angles to generate media interest. 
• Promotes Bethesda’s services, supports and industry leadership. 
• Proactively establishes and maintains relationships with top tier editors/reporters, while also connecting broadly with media of all types across our footprint. 
• Internally sources human interest stories and topics of interest in the disability space. 
• Works closely with staff to identify story leads; creates pitches and secures coverage. 
• Writes routine to complex PR plans, press releases, media alerts, fact sheets, briefing pages, presentations, award nominations, and online press materials. 
• Manages the media interview process, both in person and remotely. 
• Serves as media spokesperson when needed. 
• Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with stakeholders including community organizations, governmental agencies and parents and guardians of people we support. 
• Creates/executes special events as needed to further media relations efforts. 
• Contributes to Bethesda’s social media and internal communications programs, as well as marketing campaigns. Leads the content used for Bethesda’s online newsroom. This includes writing or sourcing stories, coordinating videos and graphics, and generally managing the site. 
• Ensures content is timely, relevant and factual. 
• Provides appropriate tracking and measurement of PR metrics and dashboard reporting, as well as content archive.

Education Required:

• Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations or related field. 

Experience Required:

• Typically requires 7-10 years of experience in media or public affairs/relations. This includes consistently delivering a high volume of quality media placements, verbal/written pitching expertise and demonstrated success with top-tier national media outlets. 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Demonstrated experience conceiving, preparing for and securing media coverage at all levels. This includes being aware of timely industry trends and what is happening within an organization, what media are covering, and being able to capitalize on opportunities quickly and independently. 
• Strong relationship building and networking skills, with the ability to engage effectively with media, as well as counsel everyone from frontline staff to executives on PR opportunities. 
• Outstanding verbal/written pitching ability, with the ability and desire to tell an organization’s story with passion and precision. 
• Ability to multitask and navigate uncertain or challenging situations with ease. 
• Outstanding team player who can troubleshoot issues, offer ideas and support, and help others succeed. 
• Excellent public speaking skills and the ability to express thoughts clearly and concisely. 
• Experience with content creation/curation for social media and digital channels. 
• Excellent writing and storytelling ability. 
• Experience conceiving, planning and executing media-friendly events. 
• Demonstrated experience effectively leading a variety of public relations projects from start to finish, which includes planning, executing and evaluating project results. 
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint) or similar products. 
• Proficiency with social media platforms. 
• Ability to drive and/or travel to work-related functions/meetings.

Benefits package (for those working 30+ hours a week) that includes:

• Medical and dental options 
• Vision discounts 
• Tuition reimbursement 
• Generous paid time off 
• Company-paid life insurance 
• Company-paid short term and long term disability insurance 
• Supplemental insurance 
• 403(b) retirement plan with up to 3% match