Public Relations Associate – Entry Level

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Public Relations Associate – Entry Level

🔹 Company: IMS

🔹 Location: Livermore, CA

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Advertising Services

🔹 Date Posted: July 3, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Driving community engagement, media outreach, and social impact campaigns
• Working on meaningful causes and inspiring real change
• Receiving comprehensive training and mentorship
• Growing skills in public relations and community outreach

ASSUMPTION: This role is ideal for recent graduates or early-career professionals seeking to gain experience in public relations and social impact initiatives.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Assist in planning and executing PR campaigns that raise awareness for nonprofit and community initiatives

✅ Represent the organization at local events, outreach programs, and media opportunities

✅ Build strong relationships with local media, community leaders, and partner nonprofits

✅ Draft and edit press releases, social media posts, newsletters, and other communications

✅ Support event planning, logistics, and community participation efforts

✅ Monitor and report on media coverage and public sentiment

✅ Collaborate across teams to ensure clear, consistent messaging

ASSUMPTION: The role involves a mix of strategic planning, creative communication, and community engagement tasks.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, PR, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Experience: None required, as the role offers comprehensive training and mentorship

Required Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Passion for social impact, community development, and public service
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, stay organized, and meet deadlines
• A team player who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment
• Eagerness to learn, take initiative, and grow professionally

Preferred Skills:

• Education or coursework in communications, PR, journalism, or marketing

ASSUMPTION: While a degree in a related field is preferred, the company values passion, organization, and a strong work ethic over formal education.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $50,000 - $75,000 per year

Benefits:

• Hands-on experience in public relations and community outreach
• Ongoing mentorship from communications and nonprofit professionals
• Opportunities for career growth in PR, nonprofit marketing, and advocacy
• A supportive, purpose-driven team focused on making a positive difference
• Resume-building experience with a respected organization committed to social change

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is based on industry standards for entry-level public relations roles in the Bay Area, California.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Advertising Services

Company Size: 2-10 employees

Founded: 1996

Company Description:

• IMS supports customers seeking to expand their business in the US and promote sales in Japan and the US
• The company leverages its network with American sports organizations for advertising, marketing, and branding solutions
• IMS has a proven track record of successful consulting contracts with major sports organizations and teams

Company Specialties:

• Advertising and marketing solutions
• Branding and event sponsorships
• Consulting services for US and Japanese companies

Company Website: imsmarketinginc.com

ASSUMPTION: IMS is a small, specialized advertising agency with a strong focus on sports marketing and a global client base.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Entry Level

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Communications Director

Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position

Growth Opportunities:

• Gain practical experience in public relations and community outreach
• Develop skills in event planning, media relations, and communications strategy
• Potential career growth in PR, nonprofit marketing, and advocacy roles

ASSUMPTION: This entry-level role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to learn and advance within the company.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with a focus on collaboration and teamwork

Office Location(s): Livermore, CA

Geographic Context:

• Livermore is a city in the San Francisco Bay Area, located about 40 miles east of San Francisco
• The city offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with a population of around 85,000
• Livermore is known for its wine country, outdoor activities, and family-friendly neighborhoods

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility for event attendance and community engagement activities

ASSUMPTION: The work environment is collaborative and mission-driven, with a focus on supporting local communities and social impact initiatives.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and team members
• Background check and reference check
• Job offer and onboarding

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills (written and verbal)
• Passion for social impact and community development
• Organization and time management skills
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Cultural fit and alignment with company values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences
• Demonstrate your passion for social impact and community engagement in your application materials
• Prepare examples of your written communication skills, such as press releases or social media posts
• Research IMS and the role to show your understanding of the company and the position

ATS Keywords: Public Relations, Community Engagement, Media Outreach, Social Impact, Nonprofit, Event Planning, Communications Strategy, Marketing, Advertising, Branding

ASSUMPTION: The application process is designed to assess communication skills, cultural fit, and passion for social impact, with a focus on finding the right candidate for the role.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn)
• PR and media monitoring tools (e.g., Muck Rack, Agility PR Solutions)
• Event planning and management software (e.g., Eventbrite, Cvent)

ASSUMPTION: The role requires proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and social media platforms, with the potential for using specialized PR and event planning tools.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Passion for social impact and community development
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Continuous learning and growth
• Integrity and professionalism

Work Style:

• Mission-driven and purpose-focused
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and responsive to changing priorities
• detail-oriented and organized

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you demonstrate your passion for social impact and community development in your daily life?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you worked collaboratively with a team to achieve a common goal?
• How do you stay organized and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment?

ASSUMPTION: IMS values candidates who are passionate about social impact, collaborative, and adaptable, with a strong work ethic and a commitment to professional growth.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Balancing multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Adapting to the dynamic nature of public relations and community engagement
• Developing strong relationships with local media, community leaders, and partner nonprofits
• Managing event logistics and community participation efforts

ASSUMPTION: The role presents both professional growth opportunities and challenges, requiring strong communication skills, organization, and adaptability.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to an entry-level Public Relations Specialist or Communications Coordinator position, with a focus on community engagement and social impact initiatives
• Unlike more traditional PR roles, this position offers hands-on experience in event planning, logistics, and community participation efforts
• Career progression may include roles such as Public Relations Manager, Communications Director, or similar positions within the nonprofit or advertising sectors

ASSUMPTION: This entry-level role offers a unique blend of public relations, community engagement, and event planning responsibilities, with potential for career growth in various sectors.

📝 Sample Projects

• Planning and executing a community event to raise awareness for a local nonprofit organization
• Drafting and distributing a press release announcing a new community initiative or partnership
• Monitoring media coverage and public sentiment for a specific campaign or event

ASSUMPTION: Sample projects may involve planning and executing PR campaigns, drafting communications materials, or monitoring media coverage, depending on the specific needs of the organization.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the most rewarding aspects of working in public relations for a mission-driven organization like IMS?
• How does IMS support the professional growth and development of its employees?
• Can you describe the team structure and how this role fits within the organization?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
• How does IMS foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment?

ASSUMPTION: Interview questions should focus on understanding the company culture, team dynamics, and the specific responsibilities and priorities of the role.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences
• Prepare examples of your written communication skills, such as press releases or social media posts
• Research IMS and the role to show your understanding of the company and the position
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.