Public Relations Specialist

Newfields4000 Michigan RdIndianapolis, IN 46208, USADescriptionPublic Relations SpecialistSalary Range: $62,000–$68,000Status: ExemptDepartment: Marketing & CommunicationsPosition OverviewThe Public Relations Specialist supports and advances public relations and media efforts for Newfields, including media outreach, storytelling, and communications materials. This role plays a key part in shaping the institution's public image, generating earned media, and supporting communications during sensitive or high‑profile situations. This position reports to the Assistant Director of Communications and does not have supervisory responsibilities.The ideal candidate is a creative, organized, and strategic communicator with strong storytelling instincts and experience in media relations. This position includes public-facing opportunities, serving as a representative of the Newfields brand.Detailed Description & ResponsibilitiesThe following responsibilities describe the general nature of work for employees in this position, but this is not intended as an exclusive or all-inclusive inventory.Objectives of This Role:Support the Assistant Director of Communications and PR Coordinator in executing public relations and public-facing communications strategiesGrow and maintain brand awareness through earned media coverage and communications effortsBuild, nurture, and leverage relationships with media partnersSupport tracking of PR goals, performance, and related budget considerationsMedia Relations & EngagementWrite and distribute press releases, media alerts, and related materials for exhibitions, programs, and institutional initiativesPitch stories to local, regional, national, and trade mediaMaintain and grow relationships with key media contactsManage media lists and support targeted outreach strategiesServe as a spokesperson for Newfields in media interviews when appropriatePrepare staff and leadership for media interviews, including talking points and messagingHost on-site media, including coordinating film/photography shoots and interviews (including outside regular working hours as needed)Plan and execute press events for exhibitions, programs, and announcementsTrack and report on earned media coverageStrategic Communications & Crisis SupportSupport the development of key messaging and institutional storytellingAssist in planning and executing communications strategies aligned with organizational prioritiesSupport crisis and issues management by drafting statements, FAQs, and internal/external communications as neededPartner with the Assistant Director of Communications to ensure timely and thoughtful responses during sensitive situationsProvide input on reputational considerations and messaging approachOperations & Internal CollaborationManage external vendors or contract support (e.g., media training, PR agencies, specialized counsel) as assignedSupport internal communications needs, including drafting messaging for printed and digital materialsRepresent the department in internal meetings as neededCollaborate cross-functionally across the organization to support institutional prioritiesRequired SkillsStrong ability to prioritize work, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlinesExceptional writing, editing, and storytelling, and public speakingHigh attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and consistencyFlexible, resourceful, and collaborative working styleAbility to work cross-departmentally in a complex organizational environmentStrong interpersonal skills and professional judgment in public-facing situationsAbility to anticipate needs and proactively problem-solveEducation and/or ExperienceBachelor's degree in Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field3–5 years of experience in public relations, communications, marketing, or a related fieldExperience in a museum, cultural institution, nonprofit, or agency setting preferredDemonstrated experience supporting media relations and, ideally, crisis communicationsExcellent written, verbal, and public speaking skillsExperience working with media monitoring and PR tools (e.g., Muck Rack or similar platforms)Proficiency in Microsoft Office SuitePhysical Demands of Work EnvironmentThe physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.Work environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the position. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.Equal Opportunity EmployerThis employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.#J-18808-Ljbffr