VineSprout is a fast-growing public relations firm that specializes in tech startups. We are looking for a confident, driven, and dynamic individual to join our team in this contract to hire, entry-level position. Our office is located in River West at 650 W. Lake Street.

Job Responsibilities

Media Relations: Pitch reporters, editors and writers via phone and email. Do you have persistence, stamina and a thick skin to handle rejection?
Arrange interviews and secure media coverage in local and national outlets and blogs. This is why you want this job – you LOVE making the news!
Develop media outreach strategy, key messages, and newsworthy angles. Can you really think outside the box?
Write and edit press materials including news releases, media alerts, fact sheets, and compelling email pitches. Can you whip up a press release in under two hours?
Monitor, compile and analyze media coverage and industry news for multiple clients. Must LOVE Google alerts.
Develop and maintain targeted media contact lists from local and national media outlets. You won’t go crazy staring at an excel doc. for hours.

Required Experience

This is an entry-level position. Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Communication or related fields.
Previous internship experience is preferred.
Experience in media relations – you’ve previously pitched journalists on the phone AND via email and can demonstrate results, media placements.

Skills & Qualities

Must be an excellent writer with a very concise writing style and high standards of accuracy.
Must be an excellent verbal communicator. You love calling strangers and making friends.
Desire to advance within our company, help us grow quickly.
Strong project management skills; ability to multitask, work on multiple projects/clients simultaneously. You don’t get overwhelmed easily.
Ability to easily adapt to change, meet deadlines, and produce good work under pressure.
Ability to absorb information quickly. You can speak intelligently about a new industry within a short amount of time.
Interest in news, trends, current affairs, technology and startups.
Strong work ethic and dedication – you do what it takes to get the job done, and look for opportunities to impress.

Bonus Skills – Preferred, but not Necessary

Knowledge or experience within the tech startup industry is preferred. You’ve been to 1871.
Experience with WordPress platform. You would enjoy updating our website with client news.
Experience using PR software/media database such as CisionPoint. You like to research. A LOT.

About VineSprout

Founded in 2010, VineSprout is a Chicago public relations firm that specializes in growing tech startups by getting them in the news. VineSprout has carved a niche in helping small Chicago businesses and innovative start-ups grow and expand their reach, and garner attention of users, customers and investors via public relations, social media and marketing efforts. Our client roster is diverse and includes many top tech startups. Learn more at http://vinesprout.com.

Junior Publicist

Location

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