Specialist, PR & Communications

Job Title:         Specialist, PR & Communications 

Location:         Vernon Hills, IL     

Department:   Rust-Oleum US Marketing 

Reports To:     Director, Public Relations & Corporate Communications

Direct Reports/Manages others:  No

If you are a highly organized self-starter who lives to uncover creative stories, loves diving into data and can craft messages that engage, inspire and excite internal and external audiences, this may be the perfect role for you. Our company has grown for more than 100 years though our drive to unlock growth, opportunity and impact has never been stronger. Bring your passion for PR and Corporate Communications to life at Rust-Oleum by contributing to – and learning from – a dynamic industry leader.

This role will put you at the forefront of creating positive media narratives while showcasing how Rust-Oleum helps people beautify, protect and enhance what’s important. If you’re ready to blend creativity with strategy, bring your expertise to our mission of empowering others through inspiration and innovation.

JOB RESPONSIBILTIES:

Media Relations & Storytelling

• Proactively identify, develop, and pitch engaging story ideas that highlight Rust-Oleum’s impact on end users.
• Maintain strong relationships with journalists and editors to secure high-quality media coverage.
• Track media coverage and analyze trends to inform future strategies.

Content Creation

• Write and distribute press releases, media advisories, and press kits, ensuring all messaging aligns with our brand voice.
• Collaborate on innovative content like bylines, expert interviews, or event materials to enrich our media efforts.

Media Events Coordination

• Organize and manage media events such as press conferences, interviews, and product demo sessions.
• Prepare and distribute press materials, samples, and any additional resources needed for events.

Internal Communications

• Support internal communications efforts with emails, digital boards, and intranet content.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to develop and execute internal communication strategies that foster employee engagement, pride, and awareness of company initiatives/milestones.

General Responsibilities

• Assist in the execution of PR campaigns, media relations, influencer programs and partnerships.
• Support coordination of meetings, conferences and PR initiatives.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for PR agency to manage day-to-day communication, deliverables and alignment
• Performs other duties as assigned in the interest of Rust-Oleum.

QUALFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or related field 
• 2 years of experience in media relations, with a proven track record of securing coverage
• Exceptional writing and editing skills with a knack for creating attention-grabbing content
• Strong interpersonal and presentation abilities to build trust and collaboration with media contacts, marketing teams and senior leaders
• Organizational skills to coordinate events and manage deadlines effectively
• Self-starter attitude with the ability to work independently while contributing to team goals
• A strategic mindset coupled with creativity to develop and pitch innovative ideas.
• Team player with the ability to collaborate across a cross-functional team
• Able to apply company policies and procedures to resolve routine issues.
• Able to follow standard instructions, practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data
• Able to develop working relationships internally that can include exchanging standard information with other colleagues and professionals
• Strategic Planning: Is proactive, forward-looking and can anticipate trends. Has vision and can create competitive and breakthrough strategies and plans.

LEADERSHIP TRAITS:

• Change Management: Ability to adapt to change, anticipate future needs, is flexible, overcomes resistance to change, and demonstrates managerial courage
• Problem Solving: Is able to understand and evaluate complex issues and devise and implement successful solutions. Is focused on results, can see hidden problems, and takes logical approach and probes fruitful sources for answers. Is proactive and decisive in nature
• Communication: Has effective verbal communication and presentation skills, has effective writing abilities (clear and succinct), had executive presence, has active listening abilities, and can convey important or critical messages that have the desired effect.
• Collaboration: Identifies opportunit