Reports to: Head of Lifestyle Communications & Partnerships and/or Head of Media Relations

Direct Reports: TBD

Location: Hybrid/Remote (office locations in New York City, Los Angeles and Philadelphia)

Employment Type: Full-time employee

Direct Reports: TBD

Who We Are 

Skai Blue Media (SBM) is a strategic communications and creative marketing agency of multicultural and multigenerational brand builders, expert problem-solvers, and engaging communicators. In an ever-changing world, we focus on building purposeful connections, shifting culture and shaping brand storytelling for the future. 

Headquartered in New York and Los Angeles, Skai Blue Media boasts a curated cohort of globally recognized clients across entertainment, finance, fintech, venture studios, direct-to-consumer, retail, non-profit, AI and web3. Our global team has extensive experience in the fields of public relations, journalism, strategic brand communications, urgent care communications, brand and social marketing, and content development and production. 

Job Summary 

The Senior Publicist serves as a dedicated advocate and strategic communicator for our clients. The primary responsibilities for this role is to cultivate and maintain positive relationships with media outlets, influencers, and industry contacts to secure press coverage and promote our clients’ brands, products, or initiatives. Craft compelling narratives, press releases, and pitches to generate media interest and effectively communicate our clients’ key messages to the public.

Responsibilities 

• Manage press outreach across multiple accounts while maintaining constant communication with account teams for seamless execution of client deliverables 
• Lead ideation efforts for press strategies and placements for client stories (including writing and distributing press releases) 
• Identify desired and potential audiences for clients to achieve placement and reach goals Create and develop communication strategies and public relations plans 
• Ensure that all client press materials (press kit, client deck, pitching documents, etc.) are current and accurate 
• Write, edit and place approved press releases on wire service or via curated distribution Create and distribute timely and detailed client reports, particularly press/campaign results Represent varied clientele within (but not limited to) the industries of lifestyle, fashion, business, sports, technology, and non-profit 
• Write and edit press materials including fact sheets, pitch letters, prep documents and press kits for clients 
• Develop and maintain high-level strategic relationships with members of the press (broadcast, radio/podcasts, print/digital, trades, etc.) and seek out new media outlets and creative ways to publicize client work and initiatives 
• Maintain media database and provide updates to internal teams 
• Evaluate success of each press project/campaign and reports results and learnings Attend networking events on behalf of Skai Blue Media 

Qualifications 

• Must be able to effectively represent the agency and agency clients 
• Flexibility and willingness to travel, domestically and internationally, sometimes on short notice Must have strong attention to detail 
• Excellent verbal, written communication skills, as well as strong interpersonal skills Must be able to multitask, learn and adapt to new situations, work under tight timelines to meet client deliverables and other assignments 
• Must work well with employees and clients at all levels 
• Proven experience in working with diverse audiences 
• Must be on time and prompt on all occasions 
• Must be able to handle all situations with tact, professionalism, persuasiveness, and diplomacy. On occasion, work beyond normal business hours, including some weekdays, weekends and holidays to staff client events and to ensure deliverables are met

Skills and Competencies 

• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar 
• Knowledge of all forms of media (digital, broadcast, print, social, etc.) 
• Excellent writing and verbal communication necessary 
• Exceptional analytical skills and the ability to write both strategically and creatively under tight deadlines 
• Ability to learn new things and prioritize competing demands 
• Proficient in Google Suite, Microsoft Office, Canva, project management and media-related platforms 

Education and Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field, preferred. Minimum of five (5) years of demonstrated experience in the areas of creative communications, agency experience related to public relations, communications, and media relations Proven record of quality media placements 
• Experience in Crisis Communications preferred 
• Experience developing and implementing comprehensive communications strategies 

Physical Requirements 

• Ability to sit at a computer workstation for extended periods. 
• Capability to use a computer and other office equipment effectively. 
• Capacity to communicate verbally and in writing for prolonged periods. 
• Capability to maintain a quiet and distraction-free work environment. 
• Possess the ability to thrive and meet deadlines while working in a fast-paced work environment, either remote or in-person. 
• Capacity to maintain proper posture and ergonomic setup to prevent discomfort or injury. Ability to attend virtual meetings and collaborate with team members using video conferencing software. 
• Capability to troubleshoot technical issues independently or with remote support. Ability to adapt to changes in technology and workflow processes related to remote work. Capability to organize and manage work tasks efficiently in a remote setting. Ability to travel for business-related situations, including using all means of transportation e.g. ground, rail and air. 
• Ability to remain onsite for a business-related function for multiple days, which includes the need for overnight stays.