PRS Guitars is looking for a talented Public Relations Manager to join our full-time, in-house Marketing team in Stevensville, Maryland, USA. This is a great opportunity for a candidate with the right experience to join a growing, first-generation company.

Reports to:

Director of Artist & Community Relations

Summary of the Public Relations Manager:

The Public Relations Manager is an all-around brand advocate! This position is responsible for identifying, creating, developing, and maintaining brand awareness and a positive public image by increasing the visibility of PRS Guitars through traditional PR mediums, Influencer relations, and events. This position is also responsible for identifying, creating, developing, and maintaining business partnerships that help to meet brand awareness, PR, and event goals and managing the company’s philanthropy program.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities of the Public Relations Manager:

Overall Departmental Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain the organizations corporate identity and image while overseeing the PR Coordinator, delegating tasks accordingly, and maintaining brand awareness and a positive public image by increasing the visibility of the brand through traditional PR strategies.

• Stay up to date with industry trends, best practices, and emerging communication technologies.

  Media, Press and Influencers:

• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with press/media representatives and influencers to strategically create public awareness and influence public opinion while promoting PRS Guitars' image, including its products, employees, and (specifically) the Managing General Partner.

• Create and implement publicity strategies for products, events, and PRS communication.

• Manage product reviews with MI press and Influencers around product launches and to maintain ongoing support of product catalog.

• Act as key liaison for Marketing Partners (including Influencers) and work with them to maximize exposure.

• Analyze and manage media inquiries, schedule interviews, and fact check articles, and work to maximize reach of completed press.

• Assist Director of Marketing with drafting, editing, and distributing press releases and communications.

• Develop and communicate compelling story angles.

• Pitch stories primarily to national, secondarily to local media.

• Act as primary contact for museums.

• The main goal is "free PR" whenever possible.

  Event Planning:

• Plan and implement PRS events both on and off-site.

• Reseach and qualify event opportunities and manage planning and organization of promotional events.

• Draft and manage the PRS and Event budgets and participate in budget discussions with management.

• Provide post-event recap, budget analysis, and participant feedback for all events.

• Oversee procurement of purchasing needs with regards to catering, A/V, security, and rental needs for events.

• Negotiate agreements with outside suppliers and/or subcontractors to ensure the lowest cost and highest quality of service.

• Identify all aspects of event risk management, including but not limited to procuring the appropriate insurance coverage.

• Establish staff schedules working with departmental managers, task assignments, and equipment allocation to conform with event.

• Coordinate activities of personnel, subcontractors, partners, and vendors as required to execute all aspects of event successfully.

• Troubleshoot and resolve any issues related to successful execution of event plans.

• Ensure event receives optimal media coverage.

• Coordinate travel arrangements as necessary for event-related travel.

  Philanthropy Program:

• Manage philanthropy program to ensure effective outreach and work within the established budget.

• Independently cultivate and manage relationships with philanthropy entities including education, environmental, community, health organizations, and more.

• Independently cultivate sponsorship opportunities with approved partners for events and PR.

Experience Requirements and Competencies for the Public Relations Manager

• 8-10 years in managing PR/Media communications.

• Bachelor’s Degree with a concentration in communication/PR; and related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Minimum of 5 years in Event Planning and organization skills

• Experience working with national press strongly preferred – music Industry experience a plus

• Guitar players/aficionados and general working guitar, amplifier, and/or other musical instrument knowledge beneficial

• Creative and analytical thinking

• Exceptional communication skills – verbal and written

• Strong planning and organizational skills

• Exceptional interpersonal skills – ability to work collaboratively with all levels of internal staff as well as with media, partners, and larger community

• Demonstrated ability to solve problems, make decisions, and build consensus

• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fat-paced, dynamic working environment.

• Proactive mind, self-managing, disciplined and self-motivated

• Desire to work in a collaborative environment and to perform at all levels of the job – not afraid to roll up your sleeves "hands-on" mentality

• Strong computer skills: Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Excel, Word, Power Point

• Familiarity with and ability to learn/use project management software (Hive) and PR software (Meltwater)

• Valid driver's license

About Us:

Since our humble beginning in 1985, PRS Guitars strives to create the highest quality instruments possible. Guitar and amplifier building are very personal things here, as most of us are dedicated players, refining our craft as builders, musicians, and artists of all kinds. Our deep commitment to the craft and our culture of quality are what drives PRS in the workplace and the marketplace.

We are a unique bunch with passion, deeply rooted culture, and an ever-maturing understanding of the instrument, so if you are looking for an exciting career opportunity within a fast-paced and dynamic organization. PRS could be a great fit for you! Being located on Kent Island gives you the best of both worlds within Maryland. And we are less than a mile from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, which makes commuting a snap regardless of which side of the bridge you call home.

Benefits:

• Medical Coverage (3 Plans Options)

• Dental Coverage (2 Plan Options)

• Vision Coverage

• Company-paid life insurance

• Company-paid long term and short-term disability

• Voluntary life insurance for the employee, spouse, and children

• Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts

• 401K plan with company match

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Employee guitars

• Discounts on PRS gear and apparel

• We like to have FUN! Parties, Kayak adventures, Employee Art Shows, Onsite Biometric Screening & other wellness activities, Game Nights, Movie Nights, Employee Band Concerts are just a few examples on our typical Fun Calendar!