Public Relations Specialist

Position Purpose:

As part of Sleep Number’s public relations and external communications team, the Public Relations Specialist will work closely with the brand public relations lead by:

• Developing, managing, and executing comprehensive and innovative public relations plans that drive media engagement and meaningful brand credibility 
• Building brand awareness and Sleep Number company profile by using influence and media relationships to drive message pull-through 
• Credentialing the company and its leadership through awards, partnerships and relationships 
• Delivering holistic, enterprise-wide thinking to integrate external messaging across multiple Sleep Number channels.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Public Relations planning and execution: Along with PR leadership, support corporate PR strategy and amplify company priorities (e.g. partnership, product, consumer, and other major brand milestones) that drive Sleep Number brand break through; lead and support development of holistic, strategic plans to support key initiatives; develop proactive and reactive media relations plans; develop an annual plan/ on-going media strategy for the public relations pillars – which may include corporate social responsibility and/or sports and performance, including NFL partnership - as well as company PR; build and grow relationships with national and local editors and reporters through media pitching; assist with other public relations activities, including event support and strategic planning, as needed.
• Agency management: Aid in providing strategic direction and overseeing public relations agency relationships and contractors to achieve public relations objectives efficiently and effectively.
• Content design, creation, and management: Create public relations plans and materials to support simple and prioritized communications, including press releases, fact sheets, bylined articles, messaging documents, awards submissions, speeches, and other communications materials.
• Relationship management: Utilizing enterprise-wide thinking, participate in relationships between department and other company functions to drive prioritized communications, consistent messaging pull-through and efficient execution.
• Daily monitoring: Ensure daily and crisis PR measurement as needed are delivered accurately and on time on a daily, monthly, and quarterly basis. Participate in the development of business review materials.

Position Requirements:

• 3-5 years corporate communications, marketing, or Public Relations related background required 
• Experience actively pitching media and pursuing relationships 
• Interest and experience in corporate social responsibility programs a plus 
• Agency experience preferred, but not required 
• 4-year bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, integrated marketing, or liberal arts degree. 
• Exhibits strong writing skills. 
• Thrives in a fast-paced, ever-changing, results-oriented environment. 
• Able to organize and prioritize work, meet deadlines, solve problems, be flexible, and work independently. 
• Able to identify and follow a set timeline for approvals and distribution of content. 
• Able to interact with all levels of the organization and comfortable leading from the middle and using influence to drive change in matrixed organization. 
• Strong customer-service orientation and interpersonal skills. 
• Fosters teamwork and collaboration to contribute to a positive workplace. 
• Able to handle highly sensitive information and situations effectively. 
• Proficient with Microsoft office suite and social media channels.