What are the responsibilities and job description for the Media Relationship Specialist position at Smith & Wesson?
Media Relations Specialist The position is in-office/non-remote in Maryville, TN The Gemtech story has been seven decades in the making. Beginning back in the 1960's when radiologist and firearm enthusiast Phil Dater began dabbling off-hours in his hospital's machine shop. Dr. Dater merged his passion for guns and his knowledge of ultrasound to create solutions that would silence skeptics and improve the overall shooting experience. With a focus on design, intense testing and a customer-first mentality. Gemtech would grow year-over-year to become one of the world's leading suppressor companies. Gemtech is trusted every day by members of the United States Military, Federal Agencies and local police, as well as being used by thousands of civilian shooters. In 2017, Gemtech was acquired by Smith & Wesson, one of the world's leading firearm manufacturers. This strategic partnership has led to the expansion of Gemtech product innovation and has advanced the accessibility of suppressed shooting options. Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Research and recommend relevant media outlets, writers, reviewers, influencers, and creators. Maintain contact lists, outreach calendars, partnership records, and activity trackers. Execute approved outreach supporting product announcements, reviews, interviews, and brand initiatives. Prepare outreach materials, product information, briefing documents, and partnership communications for review. Coordinate approved influencer collaborations, including briefs, timelines, deliverables, and follow-up. Administer the media sample program, maintaining accurate request, approval, inventory, shipment, and return records. Coordinate sample movement with authorized internal teams under established company procedures. Monitor coverage, creator content, brand mentions, and relevant industry conversations. Check sponsored content against approved FTC disclosure guidance, document issues, and escalate questions to leadership or legal. Compile reporting on earned coverage, influencer reach and engagement, share of voice, sentiment, and agreed-upon program objectives. Coordinate media and creator participation in trade shows, range events, launches, and other activations. Collaborate with Digital and Creative to coordinate coverage timing, content needs, and approved asset usage.
Competencies And Skills
Analytical with an aptitude for managing high level detail. Experience with targeted communications and advertising campaigns across various media platforms. Ability to help facilitate press releases and briefings. Promoting additional projects to support new product launches. Ability to utilize various media management software programs. Superior time management and planning skills. Outstanding communication; able to articulate ideas clearly and enthusiastically. Ability to work on tactical levels and learn and grow into the strategic level. Highly motivated, flexible and positive approach to problem solving.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Marketing or Public Relations preferred. 2 years hands on experience. Professional communications skills, both oral and written. Effective interpersonal skills. Critical thinker with strong conceptual and research skills. Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Demonstrate capacity for organization, prioritization and management in a dynamic environment. Experience working with all levels within an organization. Manage personal workload and work under tight timeframes. Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.
Physical Demands
Must be comfortable around firearms Continuous: sitting Occasional: walking, standing, bending, kneeling, squatting, reaching, fine and gross upper body motor movement. Extended time in a sitting position, prolonged use of a computer, and possible eye strain. Occasional lift: 0 to 30 pounds
NOTE: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work Environment And Personal Protective Equipment Normal office environment and office lighting. Within the Smith & Wesson manufacturing facility, employees may be exposed to manufacturing noise, airborne liquid chemicals, fine particulate dust, ambient temperatures, and industrial lighting. Work environment is similar to most manufacturing operations. May be exposed to excessive noise, temperatures, hazards associated with working around moving machinery, work in confined quarters, exposure to vibrations and shop lighting, continuous exposure to hot temperatures, may be humid, odors, dust, continuous exposure to mechanical hazards, and occasional exposure to chemical hazards. The following Personal Protective Equipment is required: Safety glasses with side shields and hearing protection required when on manufacturing floor. The use of additional personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required when a job task(s) is being completed in or around your assigned department or in another department, this includes safety eyewear, hearing protection, and safety footwear. Recruiting Fraud Alert At Smith & Wesson, your personal information and online safety are our top priorities. Our recruiters will only direct candidates to apply through our official career page www.smith-wesson.com/careers. We will never request payments, financial account details, or sensitive information such as Social Security numbers. If you're unsure about the legitimacy of a message, please contact HRRecruiting@smith-wesson.com for verification.
Research and recommend relevant media outlets, writers, reviewers, influencers, and creators. Maintain contact lists, outreach calendars, partnership records, and activity trackers. Execute approved outreach supporting product announcements, reviews, interviews, and brand initiatives. Prepare outreach materials, product information, briefing documents, and partnership communications for review. Coordinate approved influencer collaborations, including briefs, timelines, deliverables, and follow-up. Administer the media sample program, maintaining accurate request, approval, inventory, shipment, and return records. Coordinate sample movement with authorized internal teams under established company procedures. Monitor coverage, creator content, brand mentions, and relevant industry conversations. Check sponsored content against approved FTC disclosure guidance, document issues, and escalate questions to leadership or legal. Compile reporting on earned coverage, influencer reach and engagement, share of voice, sentiment, and agreed-upon program objectives. Coordinate media and creator participation in trade shows, range events, launches, and other activations. Collaborate with Digital and Creative to coordinate coverage timing, content needs, and approved asset usage.
Competencies And Skills
Analytical with an aptitude for managing high level detail. Experience with targeted communications and advertising campaigns across various media platforms. Ability to help facilitate press releases and briefings. Promoting additional projects to support new product launches. Ability to utilize various media management software programs. Superior time management and planning skills. Outstanding communication; able to articulate ideas clearly and enthusiastically. Ability to work on tactical levels and learn and grow into the strategic level. Highly motivated, flexible and positive approach to problem solving.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Marketing or Public Relations preferred. 2 years hands on experience. Professional communications skills, both oral and written. Effective interpersonal skills. Critical thinker with strong conceptual and research skills. Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. Demonstrate capacity for organization, prioritization and management in a dynamic environment. Experience working with all levels within an organization. Manage personal workload and work under tight timeframes. Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.
Physical Demands
Must be comfortable around firearms Continuous: sitting Occasional: walking, standing, bending, kneeling, squatting, reaching, fine and gross upper body motor movement. Extended time in a sitting position, prolonged use of a computer, and possible eye strain. Occasional lift: 0 to 30 pounds
NOTE: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work Environment And Personal Protective Equipment Normal office environment and office lighting. Within the Smith & Wesson manufacturing facility, employees may be exposed to manufacturing noise, airborne liquid chemicals, fine particulate dust, ambient temperatures, and industrial lighting. Work environment is similar to most manufacturing operations. May be exposed to excessive noise, temperatures, hazards associated with working around moving machinery, work in confined quarters, exposure to vibrations and shop lighting, continuous exposure to hot temperatures, may be humid, odors, dust, continuous exposure to mechanical hazards, and occasional exposure to chemical hazards. The following Personal Protective Equipment is required: Safety glasses with side shields and hearing protection required when on manufacturing floor. The use of additional personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required when a job task(s) is being completed in or around your assigned department or in another department, this includes safety eyewear, hearing protection, and safety footwear. Recruiting Fraud Alert At Smith & Wesson, your personal information and online safety are our top priorities. Our recruiters will only direct candidates to apply through our official career page www.smith-wesson.com/careers. We will never request payments, financial account details, or sensitive information such as Social Security numbers. If you're unsure about the legitimacy of a message, please contact HRRecruiting@smith-wesson.com for verification.