Junior Account Manager/ Media Strategist (Independent Contractor)

Junior Account Manager/ Media Strategist (Independent Contractor)

Expected Commitment: Approximately 40 hours per week 

Overview

Bonfire Partners is seeking a Junior Account Manager / Media Strategist to support client account teams with writing, research, media relations, and project coordination. This "Swiss Army Knife" role is designed to support senior account managers by owning execution-focused work, allowing them to focus on high-level strategy and client counsel.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, an exceptional writer, highly organized, and eager to build a career in public relations. This role works across multiple client accounts and industries, supporting media outreach, thought leadership, and day-to-day communications initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Writing & Content (60-70% of role):

• Draft bylines, contributed articles, and thought leadership content for senior team review.
• Create briefing documents for client interviews, podcasts, speaking engagements, and media opportunities.
• Build, research, and maintain targeted media lists for pitches and campaigns.
• Draft media pitches, follow-up emails, and other outreach materials.
• Assist in developing press releases, FAQs, messaging documents, and client communications.
• Support social media content creation and amplification tied to earned media and thought leadership initiatives.

Media Research & Project Coordination (30–40%)

• Manage media amplification initiatives and tactical communications projects.
• Research journalists, publications, podcasts, newsletters, and industry trends.
• Identify and recommend the most relevant media contacts for specific announcements and story opportunities.
• Coordinate logistics for media outreach campaigns and interview scheduling.
• Maintain media databases, CRM systems, Notion workspaces, and project trackers.
• Support account managers by organizing priorities, tracking deliverables, and ensuring projects remain on schedule.
• Monitor media coverage and maintain accurate coverage reports for client accounts.
• Proactively identify news opportunities, industry trends, and story angles that support client objectives.

Required Qualifications

• 1-3 years of experience in PR, communications, journalism, or related field
• Strong writing skills with the ability to match tone and style
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational abilities
• Comfortable with technology and learning new tools quickly
• Proactive, self-starter mentality with ability to anticipate needs
• Strong research skills and media savvy
• Ability to juggle multiple projects and deadlines
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across multiple client accounts and priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with media databases such as Muck Rack or Cision.
• Experience using Notion, CRM systems, or project management platforms.
• Background in journalism, content marketing, or agency public relations.
• Understanding of the technology, startup, venture capital, and business media landscape.
• Experience leveraging AI tools to support writing, research, and workflow efficiency.

What Success Looks Like

• Account managers are able to spend more time on strategic client initiatives because execution-focused work is completed accurately and efficiently.
• Written drafts consistently require minimal revisions.
• Media lists are accurate, comprehensive, and strategically targeted.
• Deliverables are completed accurately and on time.
• Projects move forward with minimal oversight through proactive communication and ownership.
• Opportunities to improve processes and support clients are identified proactively.

Location & Classification Notice

This position is an independent contractor (1099) engagement. Due to state-specific worker classification, tax, and compliance requirements, we are currently able to engage contractors residing only in the following U.S. states: AZ, FL, GA, IN, NV, NC, OH, SC, TN, TX, and UT.

We periodically review eligible locations as regulatory requirements evolve.

Attention to Detail

At Bonfire Partners, attention to detail is essential. In your cover letter or application note, please include the word "Headline" and briefly tell us about a recent business, technology, or startup news story that caught your attention and why (2–3 sentences).