Media Relations Specialist

Req ID: 420666 

BASIC PURPOSE: The Media Relations Specialist supports company and department leaders in developing and implementing a comprehensive media and public relations strategy in support of key company goals and objectives.  

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES (including but not limited to the following):

Press Releases:

• Develop and finalize original press release content in collaboration with company departments following protocols and approval processes; distribute via email and wire services
• Create, revise and finalize official written communications and media statements with leadership approval
• Create and maintain a press release editorial calendar
• Coordinate event details for new location openings and other company events and programs
• Create media reports and coverage metrics for campaigns and press releases; track and quantify media placements

Media Relations:

• Manage media inquiries and handle requests in a timely manner

• Serve as company media contact and spokesperson for various media inquiries
• Develop and maintain key media contacts and media influencers list focusing on trucking industry and business writers, with emphasis on national new organizations
• Prepare media pitches with goal to secure positive media coverage and engagement each quarter
• Build and maintain positive business relationships with industry and beat editors, writers, influencers and reporters
• Regularly engage with media and journalists on social media
• Coordinate press interviews / media opportunities between media outlets and company representatives
• Prepare talking points for media interviews with company representatives
• Work with managers on crisis communications messaging and implementation
• Develop media training and interview guides for company leaders
• Research media coverage and industry trends

 Video Projects:

• Accompany videographer on video shoots and events as needed to conduct interviews and consult on best practices
• Log video footage and write video scripts
• Develop fresh story ideas for news and video content
• Create and maintain an editorial and planning calendar for video

Additional Duties:

• Write speeches, develop program talking points and visual presentations, and submit content and proposals for awards
• Write blog content and social media content as needed
• Represent communications team on committees, outside organizations and at community events as needed
• Support the implementation and execution of promotional plans to support company business lines
• Other duties assigned as needed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum three years of experience in media relations role in corporate or agency environment; degree in journalism, communications, marketing or public relations preferred
• Outstanding content development and writing skills using AP Style
• Excellent verbal and presentation skills; demonstrated experience as a corporate or organization spokesperson

SKILLS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Skills:
  • Must be forward thinking and can consider short-term needs, long-term goals and scaling for future growth and innovation.
  • Ability to navigate between strategy and execution. You can develop high-level strategic plans, but you can also produce clean, clear communications and deliverables.
  • Ability to manage numerous competing demands in a high stress environment.
  • Passion for online community management, for an employee-facing and/or customer-facing audience.
• Typical Physical Demands:
  • Requires prolonged sitting, some bending and stooping.
  • Occasional evening/weekend work to meet deadlines.
  • Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.
  • Manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer keyboard and calculator.
  • Requires normal range of hearing and vision. 

Job Function(s): Corporate 

Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores is the industry-leading travel stop network in the United States. For more than 55 years, we’ve provided customers with highway hospitality and “Clean Places, Friendly Faces.” We’re passionate about serving drivers with clean, modern facilities stocked with fuel, food and supplies. We offer meals from popular restaurant chains, trucking supplies, showers and everything needed to get back on the road quickly. The Love’s Family of Companies includes:

• Gemini Motor Transport, one of the industry’s safest trucking fleets
• Speedco, the light mechanical and trucking service specialists
• Musket, a rapidly growing, Houston-based commodities supplier and trader
• Trillium, a Houston-based alternative fuels expert