DEPARTMENT: Marketing/Communications
LOCATION: Fairfax, VA

Edelman Financial Services is seeking a media savvy, high energy and team-oriented individual to generate local, national and industry media placements, using both traditional and online media, for the corporation and senior management.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Significant experience as an external media relations specialist in a corporate environment
• Expertise creating, developing and pitching interview opportunities to the consumer media as well as financial press
• Writing and distributing press releases under demanding deadlines
• Proven ability to manage and grow media relationships
• Demonstrated expertise with online media preferred
• Demonstrated project management skills
• Strong influencing/persuasion skills
• Strong organizational skills / ability to multi-task
• Detail-oriented 
• Team oriented and focused on getting the job done

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
You will be responsible for developing, maintaining and enhancing media relationships on behalf of Sanders Morris Harris group the parent company, a leading independent wealth/asset management firm whose divisions serve mass affluent and high net-worth households. You’ll work in Fairfax, VA as part of the marketing team of Edelman Financial Services, SMHG’s top division and one of the largest independent advisory firms in the country. Superior media placement experience, solid writing skills and strong background/experience in financial services is highly desirable.

You will be tasked with the following:

• Develop and identify media opportunities across print, broadcast and web on behalf of Sanders Morris Harris Group, its subsidiaries and divisions to secure positive press placements.
• Build and maintain press relations and outreach with business, trade and major consumer media, both traditional and online
• Coordinate media interviews
• Generate and maintain media lists
• Provide key positioning and messaging by writing press releases and creating interview opportunities.
• Develop content for internal and external websites and support branding and identity initiatives
• Assist in content management of company’s various websites
• Monitor and identify new media trends and provide insights that can enhance the visibility of the SMH brand.

The Media Relations Specialist reports to the Chief Marketing Officer and interacts with senior management.