Public Relations Specialist

At Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc., a leading designer, marketer and distributor of small household and commercial appliances, our culture is one of hard work, ethical behavior and teamwork. We roll up our sleeves and work hard to create products that have been pleasing customers for over 100 years. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package which includes health, dental and vision insurances, along with 401(k) and profit sharing, paid vacation, charitable time off, "summer hours" which is a great opportunity for long weekends all summer long, a quarterly subsidy to help cover the costs associated with staying fit, paid Parental Leave, the ability to purchase our products at a discounted rate, employee recognition, team building activities, a casual dress code, and flexible hours just to name a few of the advantages of working for this dynamic company.

We are seeking qualified candidates for a Public Relations Specialist at our headquarters office in Glen Allen, Virginia. As a member of the Corporate Communications Team the Public Relations Specialist will work cross-functionally to help communicate Hamilton Beach Brands products to media. We're looking for a great communicator who can understand home appliances and explain them in person and in writing to gain national exposure for our brands. The Public Relations Specialist will play a key strategic role in strengthening our brands and supporting key product launches. They will monitor and help evaluate the effectiveness of all communications strategies and recommend changes or improvements.To be successful in this role, the PR Specialist must be resourceful, collaborative, proactive, and able to quickly learn the business, brands and products along with the audiences and their needs.

Responsibilities include:

• Collaborates and manages product sample requests and deadlines for media.
• Maintain online newsrooms and prepare digital media kits and press materials for the Communications Department.
• Manages media monitoring database for the Communications Department and assists with monthly and quarterly reporting on media impressions for all brands.
• Identify and coordinate media opportunities and angles; execute on strategies that drive media engagement and coverage for brands.
• Assist with broadcast, print and digital media outreach and content development, including writing press releases, award submissions, media pitches and fact sheets across all brands.
• Pitch relevant and creative story ideas and serve as "the" resource to media contacts in the kitchen, home and lifestyle verticals.
• Develop and maintain strong media relationships and proactively cultivate new relationships.
• Keep abreast of product knowledge, brand guidelines, trends, and new product development as it relates to the Company and brands.
• Provide communications support to the PR Manager(s), as needed.
• Interact with senior management and all departments to provide communication assistance.

Qualifications include:

• 4-year degree in Public Relations, Mass Communications, or Journalism
• Exceptional business and interpersonal communication skills (written and verbal) and the ability to create and maintain long-lasting relationships with the media
• Self-starter with a proven track record of success
• Familiarity with MuckRack, Cision, or similar media tracking software
• Candidate must submit 3 writing samples
• Previous Public Relations internship experience is a plus
• Candidate must have the ability to travel. 15-20% travel expected in this role

The successful candidate will be a creative, results driven self-starter with a strong work ethic, excellent organization, interpersonal and communication skills, and will have demonstrated the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment and use good judgment.

Our employees enjoy working in a tobacco-free and drug-free environment. We do not consider candidates who use tobacco products. Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc. is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. Our company uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.E-Verify.gov.