Public Relations Specialist

Bass Pro Shops - Springfield, MO

Full-time - Entry Level

Springfield, MO

Sporting Goods, Hobby, Musical Instrument, Book, and Miscellaneous Retailers

About the position

The Public Relations Specialist at Bass Pro Shops plays a crucial role in enhancing the company's public image and media presence. This position involves collaborating with the communications, marketing, and retail operations teams to execute daily media outreach strategies aimed at positioning Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's as a leading national retailer. The specialist will be responsible for inspiring the public to enjoy, love, and conserve the great outdoors through effective communication and media relations. In this role, the specialist will engage in proactive media outreach and coordination for media opportunities across 200 locations in the United States and Canada. They will serve as the primary contact for news media, which includes pitching stories, coordinating interviews, and preparing messaging. The specialist will also develop compelling pitches and story angles that resonate with both local and national media, ensuring positive coverage for the company's major announcements and retail campaigns, such as Santa's Wonderland and the Spring Fishing Classic. Additionally, the specialist will provide daily support to the retail operations team, assisting with local media inquiries and requests. They will be responsible for writing and producing press materials, including news releases and media alerts, and coordinating necessary media assets for events. The role also involves supporting crisis communications and issues management, requiring quick turnaround responses to media inquiries. The specialist will monitor and analyze the effectiveness of PR efforts, continuously seeking ways to enhance strategies based on performance metrics and industry trends.

Responsibilities

• Provide ongoing and proactive media outreach and coordination for media opportunities at 200 locations across the United States and Canada.
• Serve as a day-to-day contact for news media, pitching, coordinating, preparing messaging, and scheduling interviews as needed.
• Develop relevant and engaging pitches and story angles for local and national media that translate into positive news coverage for the company and its brands.
• Provide daily support to the retail operations team, assisting with local media inquiries, requests, story opportunities, or issues.
• Write and produce press materials including news releases, media alerts, fact sheets, and event calendar listings.
• Coordinate related photos and b-roll video assets needed for retail events, grand openings, and campaigns.
• Support crisis communications and issues management, identifying and escalating issues to key internal stakeholders.
• Draft media or customer responses, often with quick turnaround times or on tight deadlines.
• Maintain media lists, conduct daily media monitoring, and prepare media reports as needed.
• Generate positive coverage and reputational awareness for the company's brands by fostering relationships with reporters and media outlets.
• Monitor, analyze, and report on the effectiveness of PR efforts, continuously identifying ways to improve strategies.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in a related field (public relations or communications) or equivalent experience.
• A minimum of 1-3 years of experience in a PR or communications role, preferably with a major brand.

Nice-to-haves

• Passionate storyteller with professionalism, energy, and enthusiasm.
• Flexible team player and problem solver, able to partner with diverse teams.
• Exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to think critically and maintain poise under pressure.

Benefits

• Enjoy discounts on retail merchandise, restaurants, world-class resorts, and conservation attractions.
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Account
• Voluntary benefits
• 401k Retirement Savings
• Paid holidays
• Paid vacation
• Paid sick time
• Bass Pro Cares Fund
• And more!