Media Relations Specialist

Walker Sands is one of the fastest-growing integrated B2B marketing agencies in the world. We are looking for a high-impact Media Relations Specialist to help fuel that continued growth. Total compensation for this role is expected to be between $48,000- $50,000 per year.

As an agency, we exist to accelerate growth—for our clients, our people and the B2B industry. We partner with B2B technology and services companies, from high-growth Silicon Valley businesses to global Fortune 500 brands, to drive meaningful business results. At Walker Sands, curiosity sparks new ideas, collaboration makes the work stronger, and people are at the center of everything we do.

Walker Sands is looking for a talented Media Relations Specialist to join our Chicago team in a hybrid role, with two in-office days per week.

What You Will Do (Responsibilities)

• Develop targeted media lists and identify relevant reporters, publications, and media opportunities for clients.
• Conceptualize and develop compelling pitches tailored to specific reporters, audiences, and timely news cycles.
• Write and edit press releases, contributed articles, pitches, and other media-facing materials.
• Support multiple media opportunities from start to finish, including coordinating interviews, facilitating follow-up, and tracking resulting coverage.
• Conduct media, industry, and competitive research to identify emerging trends, timely topics, and opportunities to insert clients into relevant conversations.
• Build and maintain relationships with reporters and other relevant media contacts.
• Monitor the media landscape and identify creative opportunities to strengthen clients’ visibility and thought leadership.
• Collaborate with account teams to support media relations efforts across a variety of clients and industries.
• Balance multiple client priorities, deadlines, and media opportunities in a fast-paced agency environment.

Non-Negotiables

• You crave candid feedback. You embrace it as a powerful tool for growth.
• You’re incredibly curious. You’re always learning, always sharing, and always pushing to get better.
• You have a nose for a good story. You follow the media, spot trends, and understand what makes a story stand out.
• You’re proactive. You don’t wait for direction; you bring ideas, solutions, and momentum.
• You’re collaborative. You make the work better by working well with others.
• You’re adaptable. You think on your feet, shift gears quickly, and stay effective when priorities change.

What You Bring (Requirements)

• Experience: 1+ year of full-time experience in public relations with strong research skills and an ability to understand new industries, trends in the media and audiences.
• Media Knowledge: Hands-on experience with media relations, including pitching, coordinating interviews, managing follow-up, and securing coverage.
• Craft: Superb writing, editing, and proofreading skills with strong attention to detail.

Soft Skills: Ability to communicate effectively and collaborate in both remote and in-person team environments.

• Tools: Familiarity with Muck Rack or similar media database and monitoring tools is a plus, but not required.

What We Offer (Compensation + Benefits):

• Starting Salary: $48,000- $50,000
  • Base salary is only a part of the total rewards package. Placement on the salary scale will be determined by a variety of factors to ensure internal equity.
  • Starting salaries are not inclusive of a full range of compensation for this role and are instead meant to reflect the expected beginning salary for a new hire. Merit-based increases can be earned after time in role
• 💰Bonus Potential: This role will be eligible for a bonus based on company performance.
• 🌱Growth Opportunities: Clear career paths, mentorship programs, and learning events to help you grow professionally.
• 🌴Flexible PTO and Hybrid Work: Take time as needed for vacations, mental health, or personal days. Includes 8 paid holidays, half-day summer Fridays, and a week off between Christmas and New Year.
• 🩺 Health Coverage: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans. Mental health resources, pet insurance, and more.
• 📈Retirement Savings: Employer-matched 401(k) and access to financial planning services.
• 🛡️ Additional Protection: Life insurance, disability coverage, and other benefits that provide added financial security.
• 🧠 Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free, confidential support for you and your household, including counseling, mental health resources, and help navigating life’s everyday challenges.
• 👶 Family Support: Paid leave for new parents and caregivers, plus policies for fertility treatment, pregnancy loss, adoption challenges, and more.
• 🎯 Performance & Coaching: Regular performance reviews, clear goal-setting, and ongoing coaching to help you understand expectations, grow your skills, and make progress in your career.
• **🎉 Milestone Sabbatical: Celebrate five years with a two-week sabbatical and a $2,000 gift.**🤝 Community & Belonging: Employee resource groups, volunteer opportunities, and programs designed to build connection across the agency.
• 🌟 Culture: Our agency offers an award-winning culture. Read more on our website here!

We strongly encourage people of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and non-binary people, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities to apply. As an equal opportunity employer Walker Sands is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion  and welcomes everyone to our team.

In your application, please feel free to note which pronouns you use (For example – she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs, etc).

If you need reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know.