Location: Birmingham, Ala., but open to remote teammates across Alabama
Position Type: Paid, 15-30 hours/week  
Duration: Approximately 3-4 months with the potential to expand and evolve into a longer-term opportunity.  The duration of this assistantship and hours worked each week can be negotiated and adjusted based on each applicant’s schedule.

AGENCY OVERVIEW

Peritus PR is a Birmingham-based communications firm partnering with businesses and advocating for issues to accelerate impact when the stakes are high. As a woman-owned business, top PR agency in the state and champion for local communities, we provide layered communications solutions at the intersection of brands and issues. Each person on our team brings a unique perspective to create a comprehensive, full-service dynamic for our clients. Peritus specializes in strategic consulting and trainings, media relations, crisis communications, issue advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and government affairs.  

OUR VALUES

Every day, we live out our core values: taking care of our own, growing smart and creating impact in our communities. We not only provide our team with a collaborative work environment, but an opportunity to foster meaningful personal and professional growth along the way.  

POSITION SUMMARY

Our sports communications assistant will directly support a mission-driven youth sports client who has a national presence and partnerships with professional sports leagues. The assistant will work with the client team and entire Peritus account team to deploy public relations solutions, including research, messaging, media relations, thought leadership strategy, awards facilitation, digital tactics and event planning to support our sports client and help achieve their unique communications goals, as well as identifying new areas for growth in this industry.  

Occasional weekend/evening work or travel may be required to support media and event efforts (virtually or in-person) outside of traditional working hours. Based on the candidate’s availability and interest, there may also be opportunities to support/gain exposure to other clients and industries. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Supports day-to-day client activities, including research, planning, implementation and evaluation of public relations with careful attention to resources, expectations and deadlines. 
  • Writes effectively for media outreach and internal/external communications and can organically weave in brand or key messaging.
  • Natural knack for storytelling and identifying/understanding what makes a compelling media angle.
  • Builds effective media lists, awards entries, press releases, and pitches and can confidently pitch media announcements, events or news.  
  • Understands how to leverage digital channels to complement public relations strategies and create measurable results.  
  • Helps prepare effective, comprehensive public relations strategies that are well-organized and well-written.  
  • Enjoys keeping up with relevant news, trends and current events in the sports industry.  
  • Strong project management and organizational skills; keeps close and frequent contact with internal team and supervisor.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND DESIRED SKILLS

  • The ideal candidate is an undergraduate upperclassmen or recent graduate who is working toward (or recently earned) a bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, sports marketing/management and/or related field.
  • Previous sports communication experience through courses, internships or volunteering is a plus.  
  • Passion for and extensive knowledge of sports and the sports industry.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.  
  • Strong grammatical skills and AP Style knowledge.  
  • Relevant campaign/intern experience with public relations and/or communications roles.  
  • Graphic design experience or familiarity is a plus.  
  • Accuracy, attention to detail and strong research and organizational skills.  
  • Self-starter, effective time-management skills and ability to multi-task.  
  • Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

CULTURE REQUIREMENTS

  • Loyal client service mentality and motivating, empowering team player. 
  • Eager to learn and take on new challenges while equally enthusiastic to support smaller daily tasks which contribute to the firm’s mission. 
  • Actively seeks solutions to problems and supports minimizing challenges for others.
  • Lifelong learner who enjoys asking questions, being curious and connecting the dots for our clients.
  • Serves as a community steward and is involved with value-aligned initiatives.  
  • Maintains the principles and guidelines that uphold our core values and the PRSA Code of Ethics.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

To learn more about this position and to apply, please visit the Peritus Public Relations website.