Media Relations Specialist

We strongly encourage people of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and non-binary people, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities to apply. As an equal opportunity employer Walker Sands is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion  and welcomes everyone to our team.

In your application, please feel free to note which pronouns you use (For example – she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs, etc).

If you need reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know.

Walker Sands is looking for a talented PR professional to join our team as a media relations specialist out of our Chicago office - hybrid. Our media relations specialists are responsible for developing media lists, conceptualizing pitches, writing press releases and preparing contributed articles.

You should have superb writing skills and an interest in conducting web research. You must have an obsession with grammar and the ability to take mediocre writing and make it stronger. If typos jump off the page at you, it is a good sign.

We would like you to have a strong interest in the media, trends, and what constitutes a good story. If you are a news addict and a journalist wannabe, you'll do well here. As part of our media relations staff, you will work on a small team for clients that specialize in B2B technology. You must be able to think on your feet and change gears quickly.

Experience Required

• This is a hybrid role based in our Chicago office and will require you to be in office two days a week.
• One year of full-time experience in public relations.
• Superb writing skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work in a team environment remotely and in-person.
• Strong ability to prioritize and multitask.
• Positive attitude in a deadline-oriented environment.

Compensation & Benefits:

• We strive for salary range transparency in our hiring process. This is a major step towards not only complying with regulations where required, but also to make sure pay equity and DEI are top of mind during the hiring process. Base salary is only a part of the total rewards package - this role will also be eligible for a bonus based on company performance, as well as benefits. Below is the starting salary for this role:
• Starting Salary: $44,000 - $51,300 a year
  • Placement on the salary scale will be determined by various factors, such as, but not limited to, relevant qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, education, business or organizational requirements and internal equity.
  • Starting salaries are not inclusive of a full range of compensation for this role and are instead meant to reflect the expected beginning salary for a new hire. Merit-based increases can be earned after time in role.
• Total Rewards Package:
  • 🩺 Health Coverage: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, plus mental health resources, pet insurance, fertility benefits, and more.
  • 💰 Retirement Savings: Employer-matched 401(k) and access to financial planning services.
  • 🌴 Flexible PTO: Take time as needed for vacations, mental health, or personal days. Includes 8 paid holidays, half-day summer Fridays, and a week off between Christmas and New Year.
  • 🏡 Hybrid Work: Mix of in-office and remote work, with tools to stay connected across teams.
  • 🎉 Milestone Sabbatical: Celebrate five years with a two-week sabbatical and a $2,000 gift.
  • 👶 Family Support: Generous paid leave for new parents and caregivers, plus policies for pregnancy loss, adoption challenges, and more.
  • 📚 Growth Opportunities: Clear career paths, mentorship programs, and learning events to help you grow professionally.
  • 🌟 Culture: Our agency values our supportive, collaborative culture where we work hard to achieve the best outcomes for clients. Read more on our website here!

#LI-Hybrid