The PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST implements day-to-day tactical public relations activities for assigned clients under the direction of the public relations supervisor and public relations manager. The public relations specialist is expected to work collaboratively within the agency to implement effective and measurable plans that drive growth for Woodruff clients. Knowledge of agriculture and agency experience is beneficial.

This person could be located in Kansas City, MO; Columbia, MO; or remote.

If this sounds like you, tell us why. Send us your resume and portfolio when you apply.

General Account

• Is aware of, and knows how to utilize, agency forms and tools available 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 member for all public relations plans, creative work, writing assignments and estimates (if required) at appropriate stages prior to client presentation
• Informs public relations supervisor and/or immediate 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
• Aids in new business process including idea contribution, research and proposal preparation
• Understands the objectives and overarching goals of what the client wants to achieve and helps develop supporting public relations tactics
• Anticipates opportunities and brainstorms ideas for existing clients
• Supports PR Manager and PR supervisor in research and development of strategic plans for clients
• 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 and blog/social media posts
• Produces copy that is free from grammatical errors and typos
• Further develops writing through editing reviews with supervisor or appropriate team members for advancement in this area
• 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

Social Media/Content

• Works particularly close with content and social media teams to ensure seamless integration and maximum results
• Reporting/Analysis
• Monitors print, TV and radio media clips daily using tools such as Cision, TrendKite or Google; flag clips for client or competitor news
• Pulls weekly, monthly and annual reports for clients
• Analyzes coverage and pulls out key insights to share with account teams and clients

Knowledge/Skills:

• 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 PR 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

How leaders act on a daily basis as they seek to implement the company’s vision and strategic priorities, strive to fulfill the brand promise and live up to the value. Everyone can be a leader.

• Open-minded and active listener
• Continually grows people and business
• Truthful and transparent
• Decisive, accountable and proactive
• Forward thinking
• Communicates in a positive manner

Education/Experience/Certification/s:

• Bachelor’s Degree (journalism, communications or related degree)

Experience

• 0-3 years working in public relations, marketing or communications field
• Agency experience preferred