Media Relations Specialist

Job Description

Windfall, Inc. is seeking a curious, driven, and resourceful full-time, on-site Media Relations Specialist to help our clients earn meaningful media attention in our Missoula office. We're looking for a natural storyteller and emerging publicist who knows a good story when they see one, understands how to get it in front of the right people and is ready to turn ideas into results.

Working across local, regional and national media, you'll help develop story ideas, build relationships with journalists and editors, pitch compelling narratives, coordinate media opportunities, and support press trips and other media experiences. You'll work with a range of clients, from destinations and travel brands to consumer products and lifestyle businesses, helping translate their stories into coverage that reaches the right audiences.

The ideal candidate is someone who brings a strong understanding of travel and tourism, whether through public relations, journalism, travel writing, or another corner of the industry. An established network of media contacts is a plus, but curiosity, persistence, good instincts, and the confidence to pursue a promising idea matter just as much.

At Windfall, no two days look exactly alike. Our work is shaped by our clients, their goals, and the opportunities and challenges that come our way. We're looking for someone who embraces that variety, takes initiative, adapts when plans change, and is motivated to turn good ideas into great work.

Responsibilities

Media Relations & Story Development

  • Research, identify and pitch compelling story ideas to local, regional and national media outlets.
  • Build and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, producers, freelancers and other media contacts.
  • Develop targeted media lists and identify the right reporters, publications and platforms for each story and client.
  • Draft and distribute press releases, media advisories, story pitches and other public relations materials.
  • Monitor media coverage, news cycles, and industry trends to identify timely opportunities for clients.
  • Follow up persistently and professionally on pitches, finding creative ways to keep client stories relevant and top of mind.
  • Help clients identify and articulate the stories, experiences and differentiators that make them worth covering.

Press Trips & Media Experiences

  • Help plan, coordinate and host media visits and press trips, from initial outreach and itinerary development to on-the-ground logistics and follow-up.
  • Build relationships with journalists and travel writers by creating thoughtful, well-organized and genuinely valuable media experiences.
  • Coordinate with clients, tourism partners, hotels, restaurants, attractions and other stakeholders to support successful media visits.
  • Remain flexible and solutions-oriented when travel plans, schedules or media needs change.
  • Travel frequently to support client work, media hosting and other public relations initiatives.

Client Service & Agency Collaboration

  • Support day-to-day media relations activities across multiple client accounts, balancing competing priorities and deadlines.
  • Contribute ideas and recommendations in client meetings and internal brainstorming sessions.
  • Translate client goals and brand positioning into relevant, newsworthy story angles.
  • Track media outreach, coverage, and campaign progress; help prepare client reports and evaluate results.
  • Take ownership of assigned projects, communicate proactively, and keep teammates informed of progress, challenges and opportunities.

Expectations

  • 2–4 years of experience in public relations, media relations, journalism, communications or a related field.
  • Strong writing, editing, research and storytelling skills.
  • Understanding of earned media, newsworthiness and effective pitching practices.
  • Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with confidence in conducting outreach and following up with media contacts.
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple client accounts, projects and deadlines.
  • A proactive, persistent approach to problem-solving and the ability to adapt in a fast-paced agency environment.
  • Willingness and ability to travel for client work, including planning and hosting press trips and media events.

Must Have

  • Experience in travel and tourism public relations, destination marketing, hospitality or outdoor recreation.
  • Familiarity with Montana's tourism industry, or ability to learn the landscape quickly.
  • Knowledge of Montana's or competing visitor markets, travel media and the stories and experiences that make the state distinctive as a destination.
  • Experience pitching and securing coverage in local, regional and national media.
  • Existing relationships with journalists, editors, freelancers or producers in relevant media markets.
  • Experience working with consumer products, lifestyle brands, hospitality businesses or other consumer-facing clients.
  • Experience coordinating press trips, media visits, familiarization tours or other media engagement opportunities.
  • Familiarity with media databases, contact management platforms and coverage monitoring tools.

Full Benefits

  • Competitive Salary
  • Health, Dental, Vision
  • Retirement Matching
  • PTO

To apply, email a cover letter, resume and a writing sample to Brittany@windfallstudio.com.