PR Specialist (Contract)

Position: Contract role, with potential to transition to full-time based on performance and business need.

JDA Worldwide is a full-service marketing and communications firm. For over three decades, we have served national, emerging, and category-leading brands who want to make a positive impact on the world. We are headquartered in Indianapolis with an co-working space in Nashville, TN and have proudly been named one of the best places to work in Indiana for 6 straight years.

Prolific, our parent company, is The Growth Firm. Prolific holds a collection of companies and capabilities focused on one thing - growth.

Location: We are looking for a Publicist that is located in the Indianapolis or Nashville area. This is a hybrid position.

Job Summary

The Public Relations Specialist is responsible for developing and executing earned media strategies that elevate client visibility across national, regional, trade, and digital media. This role pitches interviews, feature stories, editorials, and other written works on behalf of clients while cultivating strong relationships with journalists, producers, editors, and podcast hosts. The specialist also serves as an initial point of contact for inbound media inquiries and helps identify timely opportunities that support client goals.

The ideal candidate is a news enthusiast with exceptional writing skills and strong media instincts. They are proactive, take initiative without waiting to be directed, anticipate client and team needs, and consistently bring fresh, creative ideas to the table. They stay closely connected to the daily news cycle and are constantly thinking about how current events, cultural conversations, and emerging trends create opportunities for clients.

Success in this role requires someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, communicates professionally in every interaction, collaborates well with others, and is willing to jump in wherever needed to help the team succeed.

Requirements

• Foster and maintain strong relationships with members of the media.
• Pitch and secure interviews, feature stories, editorials, guest articles, podcasts, and other earned media opportunities.
• Draft compelling press releases, media pitches, statements, talking points, op-eds, award submissions, and other written communications on behalf of clients.
• Serve as the first point of contact for inbound media inquiries and respond promptly to requests.
• Research, establish, and develop relationships with reporters, editors, producers, and influencers.
• Develop and maintain customized media lists tailored to each client's audience, geography, and campaign objectives.
• Monitor the daily news cycle, industry trends, and cultural conversations to identify proactive media opportunities and potential reputational risks.
• Bring creative story ideas and strategic recommendations that help clients stay relevant in the news.
• Anticipate client and team needs by taking initiative and moving projects forward with minimal direction.
• Master and utilize PR tools such as Muck Rack.
• Seek opportunities for partnerships, sponsorships, speaking engagements, and other visibility opportunities.
• Track media coverage and campaign performance while preparing client reports.
• Represent clients on-site during media interviews, press conferences, book launches, and special events as needed.
• Represent JDA Worldwide with professionalism in appearance, communication, and conduct.
• Collaborate across departments and willingly support teammates to ensure exceptional client service.

Required Education / Experience

• BS/BA in Business, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field
• Proven experience as a Public Relations Officer or similar PR role
• Experience managing media relations (online, broadcast and print)
• Background in researching, writing and editing publications

Preferred Education / Experience

• 2-3 years Experience as a Publicist or related fields
• MA in Business, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field
• Broad media connections, particularly in Faith, Business, and Government

Competencies

• Exceptional Written & Verbal Communication
• News Judgment & Media Awareness
• Initiative & Ownership
• Creativity & Strategic Thinking
• Client Focus
• Relationship Building
• Collaboration & Teamwork
• Project Management
• Organization & Attention to Detail
• Time Management
• Adaptability
• Professionalism
• Solution Oriented
• Leadership Skills
• Results Driven

The duties are many, various, and not limited to those listed above.

Benefits

• Healthcare plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• 401k matching program
• Life insurance (company paid)
• Paid time off (Vacation, Sick & Holidays)
• Paid parental leave
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability (company paid)
• Training & development
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Hybrid work setting and casual dress
• Wellness resources
• Free snacks & drinks available in office locations