Communications Strategist

Byrum & Fisk Advocacy Communications is a full-service strategic communications firm based in East Lansing, Michigan. Serving clients across the state and the U.S., we specialize in media relations, crisis management and campaigns. We work with a diverse range of private sector and nonprofit clients on the international, national, state and local levels, including in the areas of clean energy, agriculture, economic development, health care, public education, real estate, cannabis, voting rights, democracy and more. We also have served clients in the cultural space, including the Detroit Institute of Arts, John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids and Flint Cultural Center. We are a progressive firm passionate about protecting democracy and our Great Lakes, promoting job growth and economic development, fighting for kids, supporting strong communities, and being a champion for clean energy in an effort to address the dangerous impacts of climate change. We are looking for a communications strategist, preferably one who wants to live in Michigan, who shares our passions and values. 

What you’re going to be doing:  

• Developing and executing creative and effective communications campaigns – from using communications to affect public policy, planning and executing winning campaigns or simply telling the positive stories of our many amazing clients (see our case studies for examples)  
• Researching, developing and writing communications materials including press releases, statements, guest columns, blog content, print pieces (brochures, direct mail, etc.), video and radio scripts, speeches and more  
• Developing and implementing effective paid and organic social media strategies  
• Pitching to local, statewide, national and trade media and serving as primary point-of-contact for media inquiries for clients  
• Organizing and executing press conferences, tele-town halls, speaker panels, community meetings and other in-person and virtual events 
• Identifying rapid response and earned media opportunities by monitoring relevant news, trends and policies  
• Working with firm partners to provide crisis communications support for clients  
• Coordinating vendors (graphic design, video, photo, paid media, etc.), creating budgets and keeping track of invoices for projects  

Qualifications & Requirements:  

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in communications, public relations, political science/theory, journalism or another related field. Don’t have one? It’s not a deal breaker. Just show us what you’ve got.  
• Multi-client public relations firm experience or five to 10 years of demonstrated experience in communications, journalism, public relations or public affairs. 
• Excellent writing, editing and storytelling skills with a demonstrated ability to translate complex topics into compelling narratives. 
• Proven track record in managing projects as well as traditional and digital communications. 
• Experience in guiding diverse communications is a plus.  
• All applicants will be required to submit writing samples as part of the application process. 
• Applicants selected for an interview will be required to complete a timed writing test. 

What you need to succeed:  

• The ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and think strategically, be creative, solve problems and execute tactically  
• Highly effective verbal and written communications skills and a nerdy appreciation for AP style  
• Solid organizational skills and the ability to juggle multiple clients, issues, campaigns and projects simultaneously to ensure deadlines are met and expectations are exceeded  
• Strong attention to detail to ensure high-quality and error-free work is delivered to the client  
• The ability to be a team player with a commitment to building and fostering relationships with journalists and media outlets across Michigan 

Salary and Benefits:  

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience  
• Health care (BCBSM) and dental care with premium fully paid for by the company  
• Annual bonus opportunities, profit sharing and 401(k)  
• Defined benefit plan to support a secure retirement  
• Cell phone provided or stipend for personal phones  
• This position offers flexibility with both work from home opportunities blended with in-person responsibilities to support clients. 
• Paid vacation and sick time  

From Byrum & Fisk’s inception, Diversity & Inclusion have always been critical to our success. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, and our talented employees are people with different strengths, experiences and backgrounds, who share a common passion for improving people's lives and making positive change. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender identity, age, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, religion or any legally protected status. All of our employees’ points of view are respected and essential to our continued success, and we are seeking new team members at Byrum & Fisk who share our commitment to inclusion and a culture of respect and dignity for all.