Public Relations Specialist IV

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Public Relations Specialist IV

🔹 Company: Cherokee Federal

🔹 Location: San Antonio, Texas, United States

🔹 Job Type: On-site, Full time

🔹 Category: Business Consulting and Services

🔹 Date Posted: May 5, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and executing strategic public relations campaigns
• Managing media relations and crisis communications
• Creating and editing content for various platforms
• Collaborating with senior management and cross-functional teams
• Mentoring junior PR professionals and overseeing projects

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of independence and expertise, with a focus on strategic planning and execution.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop and implement communication strategies for internal and external communication channels

✅ Produce and edit written content for various platforms, ensuring alignment with the organization’s tone, style, and branding

✅ Work with internal teams to ensure effective communication across departments and with employees

✅ Develop and implement internal communications strategies to foster employee engagement and promote company culture

✅ Cultivate and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, including clients, partners, industry leaders, and government representatives

✅ Monitor news coverage and media trends to assess public perception and adjust PR strategies as necessary

✅ Track and report on the effectiveness of campaigns and media placements using analytics tools and metrics

✅ Lead and mentor junior PR staff, providing guidance and feedback to help develop their skills

✅ Ensure all efforts are consistent with the organization’s brand identity and messaging

✅ Perform other job-related duties as assigned

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, content creation, and team management, with a focus on maintaining a positive public image for the organization.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a related discipline (public relations, communications, journalism, etc.) or equivalent experience

Experience: At least 6 years of experience in public relations, with a focus on strategic planning and execution

Required Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong strategic planning and execution abilities
• Proven experience in media relations and crisis communications
• Ability to work independently and manage projects from inception to completion
• Proficient in using analytics tools and metrics to track campaign effectiveness

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with senior management and cross-functional teams
• Proven ability to mentor and develop junior PR professionals
• Familiarity with government contracting and federal clients

ASSUMPTION: Given the senior-level nature of this role, candidates should have a proven track record of success in public relations, with a focus on strategic planning and execution.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Estimated starting salary range for Public Relations Specialist IV is $91,000 per year. Pay is commensurate with experience.

Benefits:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401K

Working Hours: Full-time position with standard business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Occasional overtime may be required.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a senior-level public relations role. Benefits are subject to change with or without notice.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Cherokee Federal operates in the business consulting and services industry, focusing on federal contracting and government services.

Company Size: Cherokee Federal is a mid-sized company with 1,001-5,000 employees, providing opportunities for growth and collaboration within a larger organization.

Founded: Cherokee Federal was founded in 1969 and is a division of Cherokee Nation Businesses, with a mission to build innovative solutions and serve the Cherokee Nation tribe.

Company Description:

• Cherokee Federal is a trusted team of government contracting professionals
• They work around the globe to help solve issues in national security and intelligence, information technology, health solutions, DoD logistics, and humanitarian relief
• Their businesses serve the Cherokee Nation tribe, where 100% of their profits support building a brighter future for tribal citizens

Company Specialties:

• Federal Contracting

Company Website: Cherokee-Federal.com

ASSUMPTION: Cherokee Federal's focus on federal contracting and government services requires candidates with relevant experience and understanding of the industry.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, requiring a high level of expertise and independence in managing public relations campaigns and mentoring junior staff.

Reporting Structure: The Public Relations Specialist IV reports directly to the Director of Public Relations or a similar senior-level position within the organization.

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site position, requiring regular presence in the San Antonio office. Occasional travel may be required for meetings with clients or stakeholders.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential advancement to a Director or Manager role within the Public Relations department
• Opportunities to work on high-profile projects and campaigns, gaining valuable experience and exposure
• Access to professional development and training opportunities within the organization

ASSUMPTION: Given the senior-level nature of this role, there are ample opportunities for growth and advancement within the organization for qualified candidates.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Cherokee Federal's San Antonio office is a professional, modern workspace with collaborative areas and private offices for senior staff.

Office Location(s): 2 W 2nd St, 1500, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74103, US (headquarters); San Antonio, Texas, United States (this role)

Geographic Context:

• San Antonio is the second-largest city in Texas and the seventh-most populous city in the United States
• The city is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and vibrant arts scene
• San Antonio offers a lower cost of living compared to other major cities in Texas, with affordable housing and a high quality of life

Work Schedule: Standard business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Occasional overtime may be required.

ASSUMPTION: The San Antonio office provides a professional and collaborative work environment, with opportunities for growth and advancement within the organization.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume submission
• Phone or video screening with the HR department
• In-person or video interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
• Background check and reference check (if applicable)
• Job offer and onboarding

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills and strategic planning abilities
• Experience in media relations and crisis communications
• Leadership and mentoring skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with Cherokee Federal's mission and values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Demonstrate your understanding of Cherokee Federal's mission and values in your application materials
• Prepare examples of your past work in public relations, including successful campaigns and media placements

ATS Keywords: Public Relations, Strategic Planning, Media Relations, Crisis Communication, Content Creation, Brand Management, Senior-Level, Mentoring, Team Management, Federal Contracting, Government Services

ASSUMPTION: Cherokee Federal's hiring process is designed to assess candidates' skills and cultural fit for the organization, with a focus on strategic planning and execution in public relations.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
• Analytics and metrics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, social media analytics platforms)

ASSUMPTION: Cherokee Federal uses industry-standard tools and technologies for public relations, project management, and analytics. Candidates should be proficient in these tools and technologies.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Integrity
• Excellence
• Respect
• Accountability
• Teamwork

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Results-driven and focused on delivering high-quality work
• Adaptable and able to work in a fast-paced environment
• Committed to maintaining a positive public image for the organization

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have experience working with senior management and cross-functional teams to align public relations strategies with broader organizational goals?
• Are you comfortable working independently and managing projects from inception to completion?
• Do you have a proven track record of success in media relations and crisis communications?
• Are you able to build and maintain strong relationships with clients and stakeholders?
• Are you committed to maintaining a positive public image for the organization, even in challenging situations?

ASSUMPTION: Cherokee Federal values candidates who are aligned with their mission and values, with a focus on integrity, excellence, and teamwork in a collaborative work environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Working with diverse stakeholders, including clients, partners, and government representatives
• Adapting to changes in the organization's priorities and goals
• Maintaining a positive public image for the organization in the face of criticism or negative media coverage

ASSUMPTION: These challenges are inherent in a senior-level public relations role, requiring candidates with strong communication skills, strategic planning abilities, and adaptability.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Public Relations Specialist IV vs. Senior Public Relations Manager: Both roles require strategic planning and execution, but the Senior Public Relations Manager may have more oversight and management responsibilities
• Industry-specific context: Cherokee Federal's focus on federal contracting and government services requires candidates with relevant experience and understanding of the industry
• Career path comparison: Public Relations Specialist IV is a senior-level role with opportunities for advancement to Director or Manager positions within the organization

ASSUMPTION: While Public Relations Specialist IV shares similarities with other senior-level public relations roles, Cherokee Federal's focus on federal contracting and government services sets it apart from other organizations in the industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a strategic communications plan to launch a new federal contract, including media outreach, stakeholder engagement, and internal communications
• Managing a crisis communication response to a negative media story, including coordinating with senior management, drafting statements, and monitoring media coverage
• Creating and editing content for various platforms, including web articles, newsletters, and social media posts, to promote the organization's brand and messaging

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and skills required for the Public Relations Specialist IV role at Cherokee Federal.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the Public Relations department?
• How does Cherokee Federal support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What are the most challenging aspects of working in public relations for the federal government, and how does Cherokee Federal address these challenges?
• How does Cherokee Federal measure the success of its public relations campaigns, and what metrics are most important for this role?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days, and how can I contribute to the organization's goals?

ASSUMPTION: These interview questions demonstrate a candidate's interest in the role and organization, while also providing valuable insights into the work environment and expectations for the Public Relations Specialist IV.

📌 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 past work in public relations, including successful campaigns and media placements
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest in the role

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