Sr. Public Relations Specialist – Education and Travel

U.S. News & World Report is a multifaceted digital media company dedicated to helping consumers, citizens, business leaders and policy officials make important decisions in their lives. We use world-class data and technology to publish independent reporting, rankings, data journalism and advice that has earned the trust of our readers and users for nearly 90 years. Our platforms on USNews.com include Education, Health, Money, Real Estate, Careers, Travel, Cars, News and 360 Reviews.

We reach more than 40 million people monthly during moments when they are most in need of expert advice and motivated to act on that advice directly on our platforms. Our signature franchises include our “Best” series of consumer guides on colleges, graduate schools, hospitals, diets, cars, financial services and more. These guides provide an easy-to-digest list for consumers to better understand and compare when making their decisions. We continue to publish annual guides of the authoritative Best Colleges and Best Hospitals rankings on our website and in print. And our U.S. News Live flagship conferences highlight important national conversations including Healthcare of Tomorrow and Healthiest Communities.

We are proud to be one of the first legacy media brands to transform into a purely digital model over a dozen years ago. Our diversified business model engages consumers at every point in their decision-making journey and allows our corporate partners to use brand advertising, performance marketing, e-commerce, brand recognition and thought-leadership programs to achieve their business objectives.

We believe in having a broad range of talent and backgrounds at U.S. News. We strive to maintain a welcoming workplace where everyone is given an opportunity to succeed and contribute to their fullest. Learn more about our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiative.

Your role in helping us shape the future:

U.S. News empowers everyone to thrive. In this position you will have the opportunity to leverage your strengths and skills to help drive our relationships and engagement with the media nationally and regionally. In conjunction with the Media Relations Director, you will craft and implement media strategies that will elevate our experts and brand to ensure we are sought-after sources of information for reporters, editors and producers.

The ideal candidate is an excellent communicator who can craft press releases and pitch stories for journalists to write or find experts for them to interview; prepare organization spokespeople for interviews; and cultivate relationships with key media outlets in a variety of industries, with a key focus on Education and Travel.

The Sr. Public Relations Specialist will report to the Media Relations Director and be part of a growing team of communications and digital media professionals who work closely with the Vice President, Corporate Communications.

Are you up to the challenge?

• Develop communications campaigns to support our rankings products and raise the visibility of our experts
• Write and distribute press releases, pitches, fact sheets, FAQs
• Respond to information queries and requests from media and institutions
• Build and update media contact databases
• Build PR reports
  
  
  

You should definitely have:

• Three years to five years of public relations or similar experience
• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
• Strong writing, proofreading and pitching skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and initiative to drive results
  
  
  

It would be nice if you had:

• Experience in media, publishing, or education
• Crisis communications experience
• A college degree or equivalent experience
• Knowledge of social media platforms
  
  
  

What it’s like to work with us:

Talent is our best asset!

We invest in people with passion and potential who understand U.S. News’ dedication to our consumers.

• Entrepreneurial, mission-driven culture with core values of quality and integrity
• Focus on fostering personal and professional growth
• Competitive benefits including paid vacation time, medical, tuition reimbursement, and training
• Collaborative Work Environment : Fun, diverse, inclusive and ambitious co-workers
  
  
  

Other Job Info:

• These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees assigned to this job.
• Candidates must upload a cover letter to be considered
• U.S. News & World Report strongly encourages all employees to be fully vaccinated (including boosters).
• Preference for Washington, DC based applicants to work a hybrid schedule. Remote applicants will be considered.
• The anticipated base salary for this position is $65,000 to $85,000. The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, interview performance, and if applicable, the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job.