The senior public relations specialist executes tactical public relations strategies and communications, with a focus on pet clients, under the direction of public relations team leadership. The senior public relations specialist is expected to think transformationally and collaborate with the team and agency to implement effective and measurable plans that slay PR giants and drive growth for Woodruff clients. Candidates should have a curious passion for learning and the ability to own projects and pay meticulous attention to detail. Experience working on a pet client at an agency or in-house role is preferred.
This person could be located in the Kansas City, MO, office; Columbia, MO, office; or remote.
If this sounds like you, tell us more. Send us your resume and at least two writing samples when you apply.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Reporting/Analysis
- Monitors print, TV and radio media clips daily using tools such as Cision, Google or online review software; flag clips or reviews for client
- Pulls weekly, monthly and annual reports for clients
- Analyzes coverage and pulls out key insights to share with account service teams and clients, including contributing to quarterly reports
- Monitors and responds to consumer questions daily
- Monitors and escalates issues from both media and social, along with making recommendations to team.
Writing/Media Relations
- Understands basic principles of writing and AP style
- Writes in a variety of formats, including message points, news releases, pitches, fact sheets, product/company reviews, FAQs and blogs
- Produces copy that is free from grammatical errors and typos
- Works with the team on editing and reviewing content as it moves through the process
- Creates media lists using Cision or other research tools to identify appropriate targets in traditional and nontraditional media outlets (i.e., beat reporters, television producers/hosts, bloggers, social media influencers)
- Distributes news releases and pulls read reports for the public relations team’s clients
- Develops and nurtures relationships with key reporters, editors, producers and influencers
- Helps identify news angles and pitches story ideas that lead to placements.
General Account
- Is aware of and knows how to use agency forms and tools for kickoff and ongoing management of jobs
- Participates in weekly internal and client status meetings and updates status reports
- Completes assignments, meets deadlines and works with supervisors and other team members (within and outside of the public relations team)
- Manages multiple projects from conception to completion by paying attention to details, anticipating challenges and ensuring deadline and budget adherence
- Provides input to creative, content, digital and account management teams as part of public relations-specific project execution
- Obtains approval from appropriate public relations team members for all public relations plans, creative work, writing assignments and estimates (if required) at appropriate stages prior to client presentation
- Informs public relations team members of any potential client problems (e.g., client/agency relations, budget over-expenditures, etc.).
Strategy/Planning
- Actively participates in brainstorm and planning discussions
- Understands the objectives and overarching goals of what the client wants to achieve and helps implement supporting public relations tactics
- Anticipates opportunities and brainstorms ideas for existing clients
- Supports the public relations team in research and development of strategic plans for clients.
Knowledge and Skills:
- Must possess strong communication skills, both written and verbal
- Must possess computer skills related to public relations department daily functions
- Demonstrate attention to detail, a strong sense of personal accountability, strong work ethic, strategic/critical thinking and creative abilities
- Have a passion for the public relations industry, striving to continually learn new skills and stay up-to-date on new tools and trends
- Understand the Woodruff brand and help champion the brand through behaviors, communications and public relations efforts
- Become fully familiar with products, services and markets in which assigned clients operate in order to efficiently and effectively fulfill the clients’ public relations needs
- Work collaboratively with multiple agency disciplines to develop and deliver results for clients.
Leader Behaviors:
- Open-minded and active listener
- Continually grows people and business
- Truthful and transparent
- Decisive and accountable
- Forward-thinking
- Proactive and communicates in a positive manner.
Education/Experience/Certification(s):
- Bachelor’s degree (journalism, communications or related degree)
- 3-5 years working in public relations, marketing or communications field
- Agency experience preferred.
Woodruff’s Perks That Support Growth and Flexibility:
We offer a range of benefits designed to support your work-life balance and empower you to stay creative, curious and courageous:
- Flexible work setup – Choose remote work, or join us in our Kansas City or Columbia, MO offices
- "Freedom Fridays" – No meetings on Friday mornings / Friday afternoons to use as you see fit
- Diverse, meaningful work – Contribute to projects across a wide range of industries
- Collaborative, growth-focused culture – Work with a supportive team that helps you build new skills
- And more – From wellness support to peer recognition, we value and invest in our people.
