Publicist

Wawner Strategies | Charleston, SC (In-Person)

Wawner Strategies is seeking an experienced Publicist to join our growing team in Charleston, South Carolina. This role is ideal for a strategic communicator with 5+ years of post-graduate professional experience in a public relations agency environment who thrives in a collaborative, fast-moving setting and enjoys being deeply connected to the local community.

At Wawner Strategies, we believe great publicity is more than press placements. It’s about authentic storytelling, strategic visibility, and meaningful relationships. We partner with hospitality, lifestyle, fashion, food & beverage, and wellness brands to help them stand out in competitive markets while staying true to their identity.

This role requires someone who is both strategic and hands-on, with strong media instincts and a natural ability to build relationships across business, hospitality, and cultural communities.

Because many of our clients are active in the community, attendance at evening and occasional weekend events is an important part of the role.

Key Responsibilities

Media Relations & Press Strategy

• Develop and execute strategic PR campaigns for multiple clients simultaneously
• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, producers, and influencers
• Pitch and secure media coverage across national, regional, and local outlets
• Identify thought leadership opportunities for founders and executives
• Track and report media placements and PR performance

Client Strategy & Account Leadership

• Serve as a day-to-day communications lead for assigned clients
• Develop PR strategies aligned with client business goals
• Lead client calls, present ideas, and provide strategic counsel
• Ensure consistent brand messaging across media, partnerships, and campaigns

Storytelling & Content Development

• Draft media pitches, press releases, talking points, and award submissions
• Develop thought leadership opportunities including bylined articles, interviews, and speaking opportunities
• Identify storytelling angles tied to launches, seasonal moments, partnerships, and community initiatives

Events, Partnerships & Community Engagement

• Represent Wawner Strategies and clients at industry, media, and community events in Charleston
• Support press outreach surrounding client events, openings, and brand activations
• Cultivate relationships with local media, tastemakers, and community partners
• Help identify partnership opportunities that strengthen client visibility and community connection

Agency Collaboration

• Work closely with the social media and strategy teams to ensure integrated campaigns
• Contribute creative ideas for client campaigns and new business opportunities
• Stay informed on media trends, cultural moments, and industry developments

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of post-graduate professional experience in a public relations agency
• Agency experience is required
• Strong media relationships across lifestyle, hospitality, food & beverage, wellness, or consumer brands
• Proven track record of securing meaningful press coverage
• Exceptional writing and storytelling skills
• Ability to manage multiple clients and deadlines simultaneously
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail
• Strategic thinker who can move fluidly between big-picture strategy and day-to-day execution
• Willingness to attend evening and occasional weekend events as part of client support and community engagement
• Interest in becoming deeply engaged in the Charleston community and representing Wawner Strategies locally

Ideal Candidate

You might be a great fit if you:

• Enjoy working closely with founders and creative entrepreneurs
• Believe publicity should drive real business impact, not just vanity metrics
• Are both strategic and proactive
• Love building relationships with media, clients, and the Charleston community
• Thrive in a boutique agency environment where collaboration and initiative matter

Position Details

Location: Charleston, SC

Experience Required: Minimum 5 years post-graduate experience in a PR agency environment

Position Type: Full-Time