Media Relations Specialist

What is VBG:

Veteran Benefits Guide has been proud to serve our nation's service members for more than 10 years. Founded by a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, VBG assists Veterans through the challenging VA claims process to efficiently secure their hard-earned benefits. Now operating with more than 250 team members nationwide, VBG has helped over 55,000 Veterans through the VA claims process. The company is dedicated to honoring service and supporting the Veteran community through ongoing advocacy, community partnerships, and meaningful opportunities within its workforce.

What we are looking for:

We are seeking a dynamic and proactive media relations specialist to support the execution of our media relations efforts and help strengthen the company's public profile. This role focuses on building and maintaining relationships with journalists, assisting with media outreach and pitching, responding to media inquiries, and ensuring accurate and consistent messaging across media platforms. The specialist will collaborate closely with the media relations manager and broader communications team, contribute to media monitoring and reporting, and provide support during issues management and crisis communications to help protect and enhance the company's brand reputation.

Experience with government and/or politically focused communications is strongly preferred

Essential Functions:

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Develop and maintain relationships with media outlets, journalists, and advocates to effectively promote the company's brand and mission.
• Draft compelling press releases, media statements, talking points, and other communications materials in AP style.
• Coordinate media interviews, press briefings, and public relations events such as press conferences.
• Update and maintain media kits and promotional materials.
• Monitor, track, and analyze media coverage to assess effectiveness and inform future strategy.
• Assist in preparing company spokespeople for media interactions and act as spokesperson when needed.
• Assist with crisis communication efforts in coordination with leadership and legal teams.
• Support incoming media inquiries and provide accurate, timely responses as assigned.
• Support social media engagement strategies, including drafting, posting, monitoring, and engaging with media and public audiences on key platforms.
• Conduct interviews and gather testimonials, including contacting clients and stakeholders.
• Utilize and manage the company's advocacy platform to support media and public affairs initiatives.
• Contribute to content creation, including video shooting and editing for digital and social media platforms.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align media messaging with broader marketing and communication goals.

Qualifications or Competencies:

• Bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, journalism, or a related field.
• 4+ years of proven experience in media relations, public relations, or communications.
• Strong writing and editing skills, with a command of AP Style.
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
• Deep understanding of the media landscape, including emerging platforms and trends.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage crisis communication scenarios.
• Proficient in media monitoring management tools and platforms (such as Cision, Meltwater or Muck Rack).
• Proficient in social media management tools and platforms.
• Experience with video content creation (shooting/editing) is a plus.
• Experience using advocacy platforms is strongly preferred.
• Veteran status or experience working in a military support organization is highly desirable.
• Experience with government and/or politically focused communications is strongly preferred

Position Type:

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

EEO:

Veteran Benefits Guide provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), gender (including gender identity and gender expression) genetic characteristic, sexual orientation, registered domestic partner status, age, military or veteran status, hairstyle or hair texture, reproductive health decision making, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Salary Description

$85,000.00 to $95,000.00