PR Manager

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 PR Manager out of our Chicago office – hybrid.

An organization that emphasizes constant learning, Walker Sands strives to go above and beyond in developing innovative and strategic programs for our clients. Our client portfolio contains an impressive list of Fortune 500 corporations, startups, fast-growing high-tech companies, professional services firms and business associations. 

Working closely with a team of passionate, curious PR pros, as a PR manager you'll support a portfolio of B2B technology accounts. You will be responsible for developing PR strategy and leading execution, with a focus on generating impactful results that build the client’s awareness, enhance credibility and improve reputation. You’ll also nurture client relationships, forge influential media relationships, and work with our agency’s digital and content teams to deliver a unified program strategy.

Along the way, you will participate in our agency's culture of constant learning, accumulating valuable lessons from the field and swapping insights with people inside and outside of the firm. You’ll keep a pulse on the technology sector and the evolving media landscape.

You'll also oversee and nurture a team of media relations specialists, as well as contribute to the development of more efficient and effective internal processes. You’ll have the opportunity to make a real impact during a time of rapid growth at a top B2B PR and digital marketing agency.

Responsibilities

• PR Strategy and Execution: Building a strong understanding of the client’s industry, business and audiences, with a focus on creating and executing a strong PR strategy to tell their story in a compelling way, especially through media relations. Demonstrate tactical proficiency in media relations, including creating and driving traditional, emerging and social media outreach plans and owning media monitoring needs to identify and draft insights on relevant news. Work alongside the Client Services team to ensure the program is meeting client business goals and that the strategy aligns to client needs.
• PR Results and Measurement: Proactively focus on generating results that meet clients’ PR goals and a sophisticated understanding of various metrics that clearly demonstrate the impact of the PR program. This includes discussions with clients to manage PR expectations, and measuring and reporting results.
• Curiosity and Understanding of Evolving Media Landscape: Advance Walker Sands’ innovative approach to PR and communications by keeping a pulse on the evolving media landscape and embracing technology like AI to bolster creativity. 
• Team Management: Coaching a team of PR professionals. Attention to individual growth, development, and training. Fostering a culture of collaboration, expertise, and growth. Building the next generation of great PR professionals.
• Processes and Best Practices: Keeping a pulse on the changing media landscape with an eye toward keeping Walker Sands ahead of the curve. Championing new tools, systems, and processes where appropriate.
  

Experience

• 3+ years of agency PR experience, preferably in the fields of technology and/or B2B
• Experience working with members of the media and ability to craft compelling narratives and strong pitch ideas
• Strong writing and editing skills with a keen attention to detail
• Client relations and people management experience
• Ability to think strategically and understand clients' business goals

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: $65,000 - 73,600 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!

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