Media Relations Associate

Job Description

Job Description

Spotlight PR LLC is a public relations firm servicing entrepreneurs, celebrities, executives and organizations committed to social and racial justice. We believe good people doing good work deserve high-quality public relations support. We are seeking a connected and passionate Media Relations Associate to join our team. In this role, you will serve as a key bridge between our clients and colleagues, producers, editors, and content creators across print, digital, broadcast, and podcast platforms. You bring an established media rolodex, a journalistic instinct, and a genuine commitment to social justice storytelling.

1. Work Arrangement

• Position based in Columbus, OH

• Primarily in-office work with 1 remote day per week

• 40 hours per week; schedule is generally 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with flexibility required to accommodate client needs and campaign cycles.

• Candidates must be Columbus-based

2. Key Responsibilities

Media Outreach & Relationship Management

• Cultivate, maintain, and grow relationships with journalists, producers, and editors across local, regional, and national media outlets
• Serve as a daily point of contact for media inquiries and proactively pitch compelling story angles
• Identify and pursue earned media opportunities aligned with client campaigns and news cycles

Strategic Communications

• Draft and distribute press releases, media advisories, pitches, talking points, and briefing documents
• Develop targeted media lists and tailor pitches to individual journalists’ beats and interests
• Monitor news cycles and advise clients on optimal timing for media engagement
• Support crisis communications response, including rapid media outreach and message management

Client Support

• Prepare clients for media interviews, including briefing materials and media training coordination
• Track and report media coverage with qualitative and quantitative analysis
• Participate in client calls and contribute to strategic communications planning

3. Qualifications

Required

• 4+ years of experience in public relations, journalism, communications, or a related field
• Demonstrated, active relationships with journalists and media professionals — you have a real rolodex, not just a contact list
• Strong familiarity with the Columbus media landscape and its key players; national media contacts are a significant plus
• Experience pitching media and securing earned coverage across multiple platform types (broadcast, print/digital, podcast)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with sharp attention to detail
• Deep personal or professional commitment to social justice, equity, and advocacy
• Ability to manage multiple client priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency with media databases such as Meltwater or MuckRack

Preferred

• Experience working within a PR agency, political campaign or labor union
• Existing relationships with Columbus-based or national outlets
• Background in or knowledge of policy, civil rights, criminal justice reform, or related issue areas

Why Join Us

• Work with clients whose missions you believe in

• Competitive salary of $55,000 – $65,000 based on experience

• Professional development and continued relationship-building opportunities

• A collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven team culture

• PTO and paid holidays

How to Apply

Upload your resume, a brief cover letter, and a media credential sheet (a list of two of your journalist relationships, their beats, and your history with each). Please note that applications must include a media credential sheet to be considered. We appreciate your interest and kindly ask that you refrain from phone inquiries at this time.

We are a leading social justice public relations firm committed to amplifying voices, advancing equity, and driving systemic change. Joining our team means being part of a purpose-driven environment where your media relationships don’t just generate coverage, they generate impact.

Company Description

We are a leading social justice public relations firm committed to amplifying voices, advancing equity, and driving systemic change. Joining our team means being part of a purpose-driven environment where your media relationships don’t just generate coverage, they generate impact.