PR & Stakeholder Engagement Consultant

Responsibilities

• Media relations (about 70% of time) - Support placement of at least one op-ed in a major Michigan publication during the contract year (and in each renewal year, if the contract is renewed), from pitching editors to managing submission and follow-up.
• Media relations (about 70% of time) - Contribute to EMB’s efforts to secure coverage in at least two national publications over the contract year.
• Media relations (about 70% of time) - Build and maintain relationships with education, workforce, business and policy reporters at local, state and national outlets, with a focus on Detroit, Grand Rapids and Lansing.
• Media relations (about 70% of time) - Pitch story ideas, research findings and client spokespeople to major Michigan outlets.
• Media relations (about 70% of time) - Distribute press releases, arrange and prepare spokespeople for interviews, and staff media opportunities.
• Media relations (about 70% of time) - Build and maintain a Michigan media list, and track coverage for monthly KPI reports.
• Stakeholder engagement (about 25% of time) - Identify and map key Michigan stakeholders, including legislators and staff, state agencies, employers, chambers, workforce boards, community colleges and universities.
• Stakeholder engagement (about 25% of time) - Help introduce the client to new stakeholders through targeted outreach, introductions and personalized follow-up. This work focuses on building relationships, not advocating on specific legislation.
• Stakeholder engagement (about 25% of time) - Help grow a community of engaged employers and postsecondary partners across Michigan.
• Stakeholder engagement (about 25% of time) - Log outreach activity for KPI reporting.

Requirements

• 5+ years of media relations experience in public relations, journalism, government affairs or nonprofit communications.
• Established working relationships with reporters and editors in at least two of these markets: Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing.
• A track record of placing stories and op-eds in Michigan outlets, with examples you can share.
• Strong writing skills for pitches, press releases, talking points and stakeholder emails.
• Based in Michigan, or with deep, current professional ties to the state.
• Reliable availability during weekday business hours (Eastern time) to respond to reporters.

Preferred

• Experience in higher education, adult learning, workforce development or education policy.
• Contacts with Michigan legislators, state agencies, employers, chambers or college and university leaders.
• Contacts at national education or workforce outlets.
• Familiarity with Michigan’s adult learner and postsecondary initiatives.
• Experience with media monitoring tools (such as Meltwater or Muck Rack) and with KPI reporting.