Public Relations Specialist

Join Our Team

BBB of Michigan is seeking an energetic, relationship-focused Public Relations Specialist to help strengthen our visibility, expand community partnerships, generate earned media coverage, and share the impact of our work across the state.

This role is ideal for a creative communications professional who enjoys building relationships, connecting with diverse audiences, coordinating outreach events and initiatives, and serving as a visible ambassador for a trusted nonprofit organization. Working closely with the Marketing Manager, the Public Relations Specialist will help increase awareness of BBB of Michigan through media relations, educational outreach, community engagement, fundraising and outreach events, scholarship and awards programs, and strategic partnerships.

This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while helping strengthen trust, ethics, consumer protection, and business excellence throughout Michigan.

Key Responsibilities

· Build and maintain relationships with media outlets, chambers of commerce, schools, nonprofits, government agencies, military organizations, and community groups throughout Michigan.

· Develop press releases, media pitches, articles, talking points, presentation decks, videos, and other public relations communications.

· Identify proactive storytelling, earned media, podcast, and other digital media opportunities that strengthen BBB's reputation and visibility.

· Identify opportunities for leadership speaking engagements, media appearances, panel discussions, and award nominations.

· Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships that expand BBB's visibility, educational outreach, and community impact.

· Coordinate interviews, speaking engagements, outreach activities, events, and community partnerships.

· Coordinate scholarship programs, awards initiatives, educational outreach efforts, networking events, and fundraising activities.

· Assist with grant research, grant application support, and funding opportunity tracking.

· Support sponsorship and partnership initiatives by developing presentation decks and gathering impact metrics, success stories, photos, videos, and media coverage that demonstrate BBB® of Michigan's value and community impact.

· Develop and deliver presentations on scams, fraud prevention, ethics, trust, consumer protection, emerging business topics, and BBB services.

· Maintain accurate records of outreach activities, partnerships, program participation, and community engagement efforts.

· Represent BBB of Michigan at networking events, conferences, community programs, and outreach initiatives.

· Assist in developing and supporting BBB of Michigan's ambassador program.

· Utilize project management systems to coordinate outreach activities, timelines, and stakeholder communications.

Required Qualifications

· Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.

· Minimum of three years of experience in public relations, communications, community engagement, event management, nonprofit outreach, or a related field.

· Excellent writing, editing, public speaking, and presentation skills.

· Experience working with media outlets and a willingness to participate in interviews in person, online, or by phone.

· Strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities.

· Experience coordinating events, programs, or community initiatives.

· Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.

· Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

· Proficiency with Microsoft 365, including PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint.

Preferred Qualifications

· Experience using project management platforms such as Monday.com, Microsoft Planner, or similar tools.

· Experience researching grants, supporting grant applications, fundraising initiatives, donor relations, or nonprofit development activities.

· Grant writing experience is a plus.

· Experience using Canva and Cision (PR Newswire) is preferred.

· Knowledge of Storyblok, AEM, or similar Content Management Systems is a plus.

· Video content creation and video editing experience using Premiere Pro, CapCut or similar tools is a plus.

· Experience working in a nonprofit, association, chamber, membership, or mission-driven organization.

Work Schedule & Travel

This is a full-time exempt position, typically working Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM.

BBB of Michigan offers a hybrid work schedule:

· In-office: Tuesday–Thursday

· Remote: Monday & Friday

Occasional evening and weekend work is required for events, presentations, networking activities, and community outreach.

Travel between the Grand Rapids and Southfield offices is required, along with additional travel throughout Michigan for events, presentations, media opportunities, and community engagement activities. Attendance at national BBB conferences and training programs may also be required. Estimated travel: up to 40%.

What Success Looks Like

Success in this role requires someone who can build meaningful relationships, identify new opportunities, and effectively represent BBB of Michigan throughout the community. Success will be reflected through increased earned media coverage, stronger community partnerships, successful execution of outreach and fundraising events, growth in educational outreach participation, expanded scholarship and awards program engagement, and increased visibility of BBB's mission and impact. The ideal candidate is organized, proactive, accountable, and committed to delivering exceptional experiences for stakeholders, community partners, businesses, and consumers.

About the BBB:

Founded in 1912, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a non-profit agency focused on advancing marketplace trust. At BBB of Michigan, we are committed to building trust in the marketplace through ethical business practices, consumer education, and meaningful community engagement. Joining our team means becoming part of an organization dedicated to making a positive difference for businesses and consumers across Michigan.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Benefits include:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental/Optical insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Fun company events

Apply today and help us Support, Educate and Empower Michigan businesses and consumers.

Pay: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• This is a hybrid position. Can you work in the Southfield or Grand Rapids office every week, Tuesday–Thursday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., as required?
• 2. This role involves travel between our offices in Grand Rapids and Southfield, as well as occasional events in other parts of the state or national BBB, Inc. conferences. Is this acceptable to you?
• 3. What is your salary requirement? (Please do not write “negotiable.” Provide a specific range or dollar amount.)
• 4. What project management tools have you used to manage deadlines, tasks, and team collaboration?
• 5. Why do you want to be a part of the BBB of Michigan team?

Ability to Commute:

• Grand Rapids, MI 49546 (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Grand Rapids, MI 49546