Public Relations Account Executive

Company

Development Counsellors International (DCI), headquartered in New York City, is looking to hire a Public Relations Account Executive (AE) to join our “place marketing” agency.  For more information about DCI – named one of Outside Magazine’s “Best Places To Work”  – visit www.aboutdci.com.

DCI is an equal opportunity employer and has taken a Diversity Pledge to ensure our agency advances racial justice, identifies unconscious bias, educates our staff, and uses our place marketing platform to advocate for change. Our agency is also a member of the Diversity Action Alliance and Black Travel Alliance. While this job posting is a guide, we welcome applicants that may bring diverse backgrounds, ideas and experiences to DCI.

Job Description
Do you love pitching stories to reporters? Do you love reading and watching the news every day? Are you interested in finding new places to tell stories (podcasts, Substack, etc.)? Are you interested in how cities and states are creating marketing campaigns to attract businesses and jobs to their communities?

DCI is seeking a Public Relations Account Executive for our economic development public relations team. You don’t have to be an economist or have a background in economic development to apply. All you need are the qualifications below. We’ll give you the training necessary to become an expert in economic development. Combine that with your existing skills and talents, and you’ll be ready to thrive in your new role.

How is success defined in this role? The AE will be the client service team’s expert in identifying the local news of the day in each community (4-5 clients) and nationally; seeks new mediums (podcasts, newsletters, etc.) for the team to pitch stories; consistently suggests pitch ideas to teammates based on the daily news; helps senior publicists develop strong lists of reporters to pitch and understands what makes a solid pitch list; clips and reports the team’s media results with minimal supervision; demonstrates critical thinking skills by suggesting next steps in pitch development or a project; has a strong desire to start developing relationships with reporters.

We are looking for a teammate who loves reading the news, consistently brings ideas to the table, takes initiative on tasks and projects, and brings a positive attitude.

Qualifications

• 2 years of PR and media relations experience required

• Agency experience is highly valued

• Passion for reading, watching, and/or listening to the news daily

• A strong desire to work with reporters and build meaningful relationships with media

• Strong, creative, AP-style writing is an absolute must with the ability to “spot” a story angle

• Strong project management skills (organized, takes initiative, etc.) and the ability to work at a high pace, balance multiple clients, work on tight deadlines, delegate responsibilities and tasks

• Excellent interpersonal skills when working with teammates, clients, and reporters

• Highly motivated individual and team player with a drive to hit goals with a solutions-oriented mindset

• Working knowledge of Microsoft 365, Muck Rack, Wrike, or similar platforms; or takes initiative to learn a new program quickly

• BA or BS in Public Relations, Communications, Economics, Business or Journalism preferred

• Applicants must be U.S. citizens or have all necessary approvals to live/work in the U.S. We don’t provide sponsorship.

Benefits

• Flexible Paid Time-Off

• Unique “open book” management approach that delivers performance-based incentives

• Hybrid work - 2 days in the office

• Medical/dental/vision coverage

• Mentorship and professional development opportunities

• 401k match

• Cell phone reimbursement

• Base salary 53-65k + bonuses