Public Relations Specialist at BBB of Michigan | Grand Rapids, MI | $50K/yr – $60K/yr

Public Relations Specialist

Grand Rapids, MI (Hybrid)

$50K/yr – $60K/yrMid Level3+ years expFull time

Posted 7 weeks ago

The other 99% submit and hope. You're about to do something different.

Own Michigan media and community outreach with a focus on trusted storytelling and cross‑sector partnerships to raise BBB visibility and impact.

Media and Partnerships: Build relationships with media, chambers, schools, nonprofits, government agencies, and community groups to drive earned coverage and credible storytelling.
Programs and Speaking: Manage speaking engagements, panels, awards, scholarships, and educational outreach to broaden BBB’s influence and trust.
Content and Coordination: Create a steady stream of communications, presentations, and outreach activities, while tracking partnerships and impact across timelines and stakeholders.

Build and maintain relationships with media outlets, chambers of commerce, schools, nonprofits, government agencies, military organizations, and community groups throughout Michigan.
Develop press releases, media pitches, articles, talking points, presentation decks, videos, and other public relations communications.
Identify proactive storytelling, earned media, podcast, and other digital media opportunities that strengthen BBB's reputation and visibility.
Identify opportunities for leadership speaking engagements, media appearances, panel discussions, and award nominations.
Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships that expand BBB's visibility, educational outreach, and community impact.
Coordinate interviews, speaking engagements, outreach activities, events, and community partnerships.
Coordinate scholarship programs, awards initiatives, educational outreach efforts, networking events, and fundraising activities.
Assist with grant research, grant application support, and funding opportunity tracking.
Support sponsorship and partnership initiatives by developing presentation decks and gathering impact metrics, success stories, photos, videos, and media coverage that demonstrate BBB® of Michigan's value and community impact.
Develop and deliver presentations on scams, fraud prevention, ethics, trust, consumer protection, emerging business topics, and BBB services.

Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.
Minimum of three years of experience in public relations, communications, community engagement, event management, nonprofit outreach, or a related field.
Excellent writing, editing, public speaking, and presentation skills.
Experience working with media outlets and a willingness to participate in interviews in person, online, or by phone.
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities.
Experience coordinating events, programs, or community initiatives.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365, including PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint.
Experience with project management tools is a plus.

Experience using project management platforms such as Monday.com, Microsoft Planner, or similar tools.
Experience researching grants, supporting grant applications, fundraising initiatives, donor relations, or nonprofit development activities.
Grant writing experience is a plus.
Experience using Canva and Cision (PR Newswire) is preferred.
Knowledge of Storyblok, AEM, or similar Content Management Systems is a plus.
Video content creation and video editing experience using Premiere Pro, CapCut or similar tools is a plus.
Experience working in a nonprofit, association, chamber, membership, or mission-driven organization.