Public Relations and Content Specialist

The Public Relations and Content Specialist is responsible for elevating the organization’s brand through strategic storytelling, media outreach, and high-quality written content. This role focuses on building and maintaining a positive public image while engaging stakeholders through consistent and compelling messaging across all platforms. The ideal candidate is a gifted writer, a proactive communicator, and a detail‑oriented professional passionate about student success.

PUBLIC RELATIONS AND CONTENT SPECIALIST
OFFICE OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
Minimum Education, License And Experience Requirements
This position requires a creative, self-motivated, and media-savvy individual who can manage multiple deadlines under pressure. The successful candidate must possess exceptional writing and editing skills (AP Style knowledge preferred). This role interacts extensively with journalists, internal stakeholders, and external partners, requiring high-level interpersonal skills.

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

Experience: 1–3 years of experience in PR, corporate communications, or a newsroom environment. In lieu of a degree, a minimum of 5 years of related experience, preferably in a non-profit or student-focused organization.

Technical Skills: Proficient with PC/Mac, media monitoring tools (Cision), email distribution platforms (MailChimp), CMS (WordPress), Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign/Canva), and Microsoft Office.

Essential Functions Of The Job

Media Relations & Outreach: Draft and distribute press releases, media advisories, and pitches. Maintain and expand an organized database of local, regional, and industry media contacts.

Content Development: Research and write high-quality content for a variety of channels, including feature stories, blog posts, executive bios, and annual reports.

Strategic Communications: Support the development of communication plans that align with organizational goals. Ensure all outgoing messaging is consistent with the established brand voice.

Social Media & Digital Storytelling: Support the organization’s social media presence with a focus on engagement and community building by optimizing student success stories and organizational news for use on social media.

Media Monitoring & Reporting: Track and archive all earned media coverage. Prepare regular reports on media reach, sentiment, and the effectiveness of communication initiatives.

Event PR & On‑Site Support: Coordinate media attendance for conferences, workshops, and competitions. Assist in the creation of press kits and coordinate on‑site support for photography, interviews, and VIP guests.

Internal Communications: Assist in the production of internal newsletters and memos to ensure staff and stakeholders remain informed and aligned with the organization’s mission.

Crisis Support: Provide administrative and drafting support to the Director during sensitive or high‑pressure communication scenarios.

Collaboration: Work across the organization to identify "newsworthy" moments and transform them into public-facing content.

Requirements & Qualities

Exceptional Writer: Mastery of grammar (knowledge of AP Style preferred) and the ability to adapt tone for different audiences (from formal press releases to casual social posts).

News Sense: Ability to identify compelling story angles and "hooks" that will interest journalists.

Proactive "Doer": A track record of taking initiative and continuously seeking new ways to tell the organization's story.

Detail‑Oriented: A rigorous proofreader with a commitment to accuracy and brand consistency.

Relationship Builder: Strong interpersonal skills and the confidence to interface with media professionals and partners.

Mission-Driven: A genuine passion for supporting student success and non-profit advocacy.

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR : Director, Office of Marketing and Communications

SkillsUSA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age (as applicable), status as a covered veteran, genetic information, and any other category protected by federal or state civil rights law. At SkillsUSA, we are building a culture where difference is valued, and we are committed to constructing a team that represents a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.

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