Media Relations Specialist

Job Description

SUMMARY: We’re looking for a media-savvy, results-driven communicator to lead national earned media efforts and support local schools through our agency partnerships. Our brand sits at the intersection of education and the consumer audience, so experience reaching broad consumer media - or connecting education stories to a consumer audience - is highly valued.  This role will build and execute strategic media relations campaigns, amplify our student and teacher stories, and serve as a critical link between our central communications team and PR agencies. The ideal candidate is resourceful, collaborative, and ready to deploy a broad PR toolkit to keep our brand at the forefront of national and local media conversations. 

What You’ll Bring 

• You’re a strategic thinker who sees how media wins contribute to big-picture goals. 

• You know how to use a broad mix of PR tactics—from proactive pitching and media tours to thought leadership and reactive statements. 

• You thrive on relationship-building and have experience placing stories for national brands. 

• You’re a strong, adaptable storyteller who understands how to translate complex ideas into clear, engaging narratives. 

• You’re data-driven and skilled at using media metrics to optimize outreach and demonstrate success. 

• You have experience reaching a broad consumer audience or telling stories that bridge education and consumer interest. 

• You’re highly organized, proactive, and can juggle multiple deadlines with ease. 

• You’re collaborative and comfortable working across teams, from senior leaders to local staff. 

• You have experience navigating crisis communications and can stay calm and effective under pressure. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:   Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.  

• Strategic Media Relations: Develop, manage, and execute national media strategies that elevate our brand and key education initiatives. 

• Storytelling: Identify, develop, and pitch compelling student, teacher, and school success stories that resonate with national and local audiences. 

• Trend Monitoring & Newsjacking: Proactively monitor news trends to find timely opportunities to insert our voice and expertise into relevant conversations. 

• Relationship Building: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key national, regional, and trade reporters and editors. 

• Data-Driven Campaigns: Use data to inform media strategies and secure impactful coverage that aligns with organizational goals. 

• Platform Proficiency: Leverage social listening platforms, and media monitoring/analytics dashboards to track, measure, and report on PR results. 

• Agency & Local Support: Partner with the PR Manager to support local schools and ensure agency partners have the stories, tools, and guidance they need for effective local coverage. 

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams across the organization to source