Public Relations Specialist

The PR Specialist position is a key role within our marketing and communications team. This position's main objective is to support the vision and goals of Hearth & Home Technologies by developing and disseminating communications designed to help inform consumer, influencer and channel partner audiences about Hearth & Home Technologies and its products through Public Relations (PR), Social Media and other communication vehicles. While this role is entitled a specialist, it provides a rich opportunity to manage many aspects of our PR and integrated marketing communication needs, representing a great growth opportunity for someone 5 to 7 years into the PR & Mar/Com career.

The major deliverables that define success for this role include:

• Lead development of company-wide public relations strategy. 
• Write AP style press releases, creative blog posts and customer communications. 
• Work diligently to gain timely approvals and deploy communications using various tools/software/tactics.
• Passionately and regularly seek out and pursue new public relations opportunities, product placements and awards (utilizing traditional pitching methods and social media tools). 
• Build media lists and create contacts to gain coverage of HHT products in multiple channels.
• Manage the communications process and deploy all customer and consumer communications (including brand bulletins, consumer e-blasts, social outreach, new product announcements, etc). 
• Analyze, select and execute trade advertising opportunities. 
• Analyze effectiveness of PR & communications activities and provide regular reporting.
• Manage PR agencies to meet and exceed PR strategy goals.
• Communicate with consumers via social media and facilitate where necessary with consumer care.
• Write social media content and assist with other marketing related activities as needed. 
• Understand Hearth & Home Technologies organization and strategy, brands, products, competitors and distribution.
• Define, evolve and execute public relations strategy for consumer, influencer and builder, which includes developing and nurturing relationships with media, publications, editors, industry partners, bloggers, etc. 
• Work with sales, brand, and marketing to define and execute effective communication process, templates, and timelines, adjusting to meet changing communication priorities, and managing and executing trade advertising. 

Desired Skills and Experience:

• BA/BS in Journalism, Marketing, Communications, English or related field and 4–8 years related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

In addition the person should:

• Be able to provide examples of previous PR experience (including pitching and writing). 
• Have solid experience in public relations, social media, communications, advertising, public affairs, journalism, creative and technical writing. 
• Have the ability to adapt to continuous improvement driven change with a positive attitude.
• Be outgoing, self-motivated and directed. 
• Possess excellent written and oral communication skills (with understanding of AP style and writing for different applications). 
• Be able to travel as needed (approximately 10%).
• Understand communications platforms [salesforce.com, social media, web, email, text, etc.]
• Have passion, energy, and drive to make things happen.
• Be able to focus on detailed execution.
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to changing priorities and needs.
• Be creative in approach to the job, specifically with building connections, mining for opportunities, and pitching HHT's brands and products.
• Be familiar with PR tools (Vocus, PR Web, etc). 

This position offers great visibility, an exciting challenge, growth and learning and multiple career paths through Hearth & Home Technologies as well as the other operating companies that make up HNI Corporation.

Company description: Hearth & Home Technologies (HHT), an HNI Corporation operating company, is the leading manufacturer and distributor of hearth products (fireplaces, stoves, inserts and related finishing products) in North America. We are the Hearth Experts: As the world's largest hearth company, we are committed to leading the way with innovative products and services that enhance the home.

Link to apply