Public Relations Manager

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Public Relations Manager

🔹 Company: MediaSource

🔹 Location: Columbus, Ohio

🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (2 days on-site, 3 days remote)

🔹 Category: Public Relations and Communications Services

🔹 Date Posted: June 25, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Strategic planning and execution of public relations campaigns
• Earning high-impact media relations results for clients
• Managing client relationships and project budgets
• Mentoring and managing junior staff
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to achieve client goals

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic thinking, strong media relationships, and excellent project management skills. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in public relations and be comfortable working in a hybrid environment.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop and implement strategic communications plans that align with MediaSource and client priorities

✅ Earn media results through strong relationships with news reporters and editors

✅ Navigate the intersection of news media demands and client priorities to deliver win-win coverage

✅ Lead meetings, organize the team, and drive the department forward

✅ Function as the main contact for larger clients/projects, sharing guidance and direction for other collaborators

✅ Manage up to three direct reports, coaching and driving accountability

✅ Understand budget models, scope, and resource allocation for projects and departments

✅ Collaborate with MediaSource Creative and Strategy & Analytics teams to further client goals

✅ Reinforce and carry out the company culture and vision

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of independence, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, or strategic communications preferred

Experience: Minimum 5-10 years experience in public relations with a proven track record of earning high impact media relations results. Client leadership/account management experience is desired. Newsroom experience is helpful. Proficient in Google office, media databases, and project management programs.

Required Skills:

• Excellent writer of materials for news media
• Strong news judgment and creative thinking ability
• Ability to balance client sensitivities and priorities with news media demands
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Experience in story development and strategic communications
• Ability to take initiative and ownership of responsibilities and tasks assigned
• Comfortable in an environment which uses honest, direct, and authentic communication

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in a hybrid work environment
• Familiarity with video production and content marketing

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in a similar role, strong writing skills, and a proven track record in media relations will be most competitive for this position.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $75,000 - $95,000 per year (Based on industry standards for a Public Relations Manager with 5-10 years of experience in Columbus, Ohio)

Benefits:

• Generous PTO and holiday time off program
• Eight weeks of paid family leave
• Paid time off to volunteer
• Competitive employer-sponsored retirement plan with 401K match
• Comprehensive health plan with HSA
• Free access to a financial planner

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with flexible hours and the ability to work remotely up to three days per week

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Public Relations Manager with the required experience level in the Columbus, Ohio area. The actual salary may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and the company's internal salary structure.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: MediaSource is a story-centric communications agency that helps brands command the spotlight through storytelling with purpose. They specialize in public relations, video production, content marketing, social media, influencer relations, strategic insights, media monitoring, and communications strategy.

Company Size: MediaSource is a small agency with 11-50 employees, providing a collaborative and close-knit work environment.

Founded: MediaSource was founded in 1998 and has been helping clients tell their stories for over 20 years.

Company Description:

• MediaSource is a well-respected, stable agency with 25+ years of working with respected, mission-based organizations.
• The company was formed to help brands connect with their audiences using a story-centric approach that was ahead of its time.
• Today, MediaSource understands how to take your brand to the next level using public relations, video production, and social media marketing to achieve your goals and provide strategic insights to evaluate your return on investment.

Company Specialties:

• Public relations
• Video production
• Content marketing
• Social media
• Influencer relations
• Strategic insights
• Media monitoring
• And communications strategy

Company Website: www.MediaSourceTV.com

ASSUMPTION: MediaSource is an established agency with a strong reputation in the industry. They value storytelling, strategic thinking, and collaboration, which are reflected in their company culture and values.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is a mid-level management position, requiring a balance of strategic thinking, tactical execution, and team leadership.

Reporting Structure: The Public Relations Manager reports directly to the Director of Public Relations and works closely with the VP of Public Relations and other senior leaders.

Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role based in the Central Ohio area, with both remote working and in-person collaboration taking place at least twice per week.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to advance to a Director or VP level role within the Public Relations department
• Opportunities to work on diverse client projects and expand industry knowledge
• Chance to mentor and develop junior staff, contributing to the growth and success of the team

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the Public Relations department and the company as a whole.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: MediaSource has a multimedia studio for in-person creative collaboration and a hybrid work environment.

Office Location(s): 1800 W. 5th Ave., Columbus, OH 43212, US

Geographic Context:

• Columbus, Ohio, is the state capital and the largest city in Ohio, with a population of over 890,000.
• The city is known for its vibrant arts scene, diverse neighborhoods, and growing tech industry.
• Columbus offers a variety of cultural attractions, sports teams, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with flexible hours and the ability to work remotely up to three days per week

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work environment at MediaSource offers a balance between in-person collaboration and remote work, allowing for flexibility and a better work-life balance.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Phone or video screen with the HR department
• In-person or video interview with the hiring manager
• Final interview with senior leadership
• Background check and reference check

Key Assessment Areas:

• Writing and communication skills
• Media relations and networking abilities
• Strategic thinking and planning
• Project management and organizational skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with company values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Include specific examples of your media relations successes and strategic communications campaigns
• Demonstrate your understanding of MediaSource's company culture and values in your application materials

ATS Keywords: Public Relations, Media Relations, Strategic Communications, Client Leadership, Budget Management, News Judgment, Creative Thinking, Organizational Skills, Attention to Detail, Mentorship, Hybrid Work Environment

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, and candidates should take the time to tailor their application materials to demonstrate their fit for the role and the company culture.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Google Office Suite
• Media databases (e.g., Muck Rack, Agility PR Solutions)
• Project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello)
• Video production and editing tools (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is preferred, but not required. Candidates should be comfortable learning and adapting to new tools as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Curiosity and recognition of the power of original ideas
• Inclusivity and respect for all
• Balance between work satisfaction and life outside work
• Nimbleness and viewing change as an opportunity to grow
• Passion for the work and love of storytelling
• Acting on purpose and with purpose simultaneously

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and comfortable with change
• Strategic and creative thinkers
• Strong communicators and storytellers

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you embrace curiosity and continuously seek new ideas and perspectives?
• Are you comfortable working in a hybrid environment and balancing remote work with in-person collaboration?
• Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment and view change as an opportunity for growth?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with MediaSource's company values and work style will be most successful in this role and within the company culture.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Balancing client priorities with news media demands
• Adapting to a hybrid work environment and maintaining strong communication with remote team members
• Keeping up with industry trends and evolutions in the news ecosystem

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, effective communication, and a proactive approach to project management.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role differs from similar positions in that it requires a balance of strategic thinking, tactical execution, and team leadership, with a focus on earning high-impact media relations results.
• Industry-specific context: MediaSource works primarily with mission-based organizations and nonprofits, requiring a strong understanding of and commitment to their missions and values.
• Career path comparison: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the Public Relations department and the company as a whole, with potential advancement to Director or VP level roles.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider their career goals and aspirations when comparing this role to similar positions in the industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a strategic communications plan for a nonprofit organization focused on healthcare access and education
• Securing high-impact media coverage for a mission-based organization's annual fundraising event
• Managing a team of junior staff to gather client coverage across paid, earned, shared, and owned media, with a heavy focus on earned media outcomes

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and skills required for this role, from strategic planning and execution to media relations and team management.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the Public Relations department?
• How does MediaSource support work-life balance for its employees?
• What are the most significant challenges facing the company in the next 1-3 years, and how can this role contribute to addressing them?
• What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within this role and the company as a whole?
• How does MediaSource measure the success of its public relations campaigns, and how can this role contribute to improving those metrics?

ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate a candidate's interest in the role, the company, and their fit within the team and organization.

📌 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 experience and skills for this role
• Prepare examples of your media relations successes and strategic communications campaigns to discuss during the interview
• 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.