Cox

Publicist (AJC)

Atlanta GA Full time

Company

Cox Enterprises

Job Family Group

Communications

Job Profile

Corporate Communications Sr Specialist

Management Level

Individual Contributor

Flexible Work Option

Hybrid - Ability to work remotely part of the week

Travel %

Yes, 5% of the time

Work Shift

Day

Compensation

Compensation includes a base salary of $81,400.00 - $122,000.00. The base salary may vary within the anticipated base pay range based on factors such as the ultimate location of the position and the selected candidate’s knowledge, skills, and abilities. Position may be eligible for additional compensation that may include an incentive program.

Job Description

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic publicist to join our Communications team. This role will be instrumental in elevating the AJC’s brand presence, driving media coverage, and supporting high-impact storytelling initiatives across platforms. The ideal candidate is a savvy communicator with a strong media network, a passion for news, and a collaborative spirit. 

 

Key Responsibilities 

  • Develop and execute media outreach strategies to secure coverage for AJC journalism, initiatives, and talent. 

  • Cultivate and maintain relationships with local, regional, and national media contacts. 

  • Draft compelling press materials including pitches, press releases, media advisories, bios, and talking points. 

  • Support communications planning for editorial projects, events, partnerships, and executive visibility. 

  • Monitor media coverage and provide regular reporting and analysis. 

  • Collaborate cross-functionally with newsroom, marketing, and other teams to align messaging and amplify impact. 

  • Help manage inbound media inquiries and coordinate interviews and responses. 

  • Assist in crisis communications and reputation management as needed. 

  

Qualifications 

  • Bachelor's degree (preferably in communications, journalism or related field) and 4 years of experience in public relations, media relations, or communications, preferably in journalism, media, or nonprofit sectors. This candidate could also have a master's degree and 2 years’ experience; a Ph.D. and 1 year of experience in a related field; or 8 years’ experience in a related field with no degree. 

  • Proven track record of securing media placements across a range of outlets. 

  • Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills. 

  • Strong understanding of the media landscape and news cycles. 

  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. 

  • Experience with media monitoring tools and PR software (e.g., Meltwater, Cision). 

  

Preferred Attributes 

  • Passion for journalism and civic engagement. 

  • Creative thinker with a proactive approach to problem-solving. 

  • Comfortable working with senior leaders and public-facing talent. 

  • Some familiarity with Atlanta’s media and cultural landscape. 

Benefits

The Company offers eligible employees the flexibility to take as much vacation with pay as they deem consistent with their duties, the company’s needs, and its obligations; seven paid holidays throughout the calendar year; and up to 160 hours of paid wellness annually for their own wellness or that of family members. Employees are also eligible for additional paid time off in the form of bereavement leave, time off to vote, jury duty leave, volunteer time off, military leave, and parental leave.

About Us

As our primary divisions Cox Automotive and Cox Communications drive new waves of innovation, Cox Enterprises is entering spaces like cleantech, healthcare, esports and more. We're a family business guided by a legacy of bold innovation that’s driven by those who want to make their mark. Benefits of working at Cox may include health care insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement planning (401(k)), and paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, flexible vacation/wellness days, and/or PTO). For more details on what benefits you may be offered, visit our benefits page. Cox is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer – All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual’s age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law. Cox provides reasonable accommodations when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with disability, unless such accommodations would cause an undue hardship.

Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship. No OPT, CPT, STEM/OPT or visa sponsorship now or in future.