ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Media Relations Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Pinkston

Public Relations - Account Executive

Falls Church, VA

$60K - $67K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Primary responsibilities include securing media coverage and developing written materials for ... entry level and new team members Requirements Skills & Qualifications Required * Undergraduate ...

Pinkston

Public Relations - Account Executive

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$60K - $67K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Primary responsibilities include securing media coverage and developing written materials for ... entry level and new team members Requirements Skills & Qualifications Required * Undergraduate ...

Pinkston

Public Relations - Account Executive

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$60K - $67K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Primary responsibilities include securing media coverage and developing written materials for ... entry level and new team members Requirements Skills & Qualifications Required * Undergraduate ...

All JobsMedia Relations JobsEntry Level Media Relations JobsEntry Level Media Relations Jobs in Virginia

Entry Level Media Relations information

See Virginia salary details

$16.9K

$61.4K

$93.7K

How much do entry level media relations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level media relations in Virginia is $61,362.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,600.00 and $71,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed for an entry level media relations professional?

To thrive as an Entry Level Media Relations professional, you need strong written and verbal communication skills, a bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field, and an understanding of media landscapes. Familiarity with media monitoring tools, press release distribution software, and basic social media platforms is typically required. Proactive relationship-building, attention to detail, and adaptability are standout soft skills in this field. These skills and qualities ensure effective message delivery, successful media engagement, and the ability to respond swiftly to dynamic public relations needs.

What is an entry level media relations professional?

Entry level media relations jobs involve assisting organizations with managing their public image and communications with the media. People in these roles typically draft press releases, monitor news coverage, build media contact lists, and help coordinate interviews or press events. They work closely with senior public relations staff to support campaigns and respond to media inquiries. These positions are a great way to gain experience in communications, public relations, and media strategy.

What is the difference between Entry Level Media Relations vs Public Relations Assistant?

AspectEntry Level Media RelationsPublic Relations Assistant
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Communications, Journalism, or related fieldBachelor's in Communications, Public Relations, or related field
Work EnvironmentMedia outlets, PR firms, corporate communications teamsPR agencies, corporate PR departments, media firms
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across media, corporate, and agency sectorsCommon in PR agencies and corporate communications
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level media relations rolesComparing entry-level PR support roles

Entry Level Media Relations focuses on building relationships with media outlets and managing media communications, while a Public Relations Assistant supports overall PR campaigns, including writing press releases and coordinating events. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are found in media, corporate, and agency settings. The main difference lies in their specific focus areas within the broader PR field.

What are common challenges faced by entry level media relations professionals, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level media relations professionals often face challenges such as building media contacts from scratch, handling tight deadlines, and mastering the nuances of effective communication with journalists. To overcome these, it's important to proactively network with reporters, stay organized with media lists, and develop strong writing and pitching skills. Seeking mentorship from experienced team members and regularly reviewing feedback can also accelerate growth and confidence in the role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Media Relations jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Media Relations jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Media Relations jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Media Relations job openings:

Entry Level Media Relations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Media Relations job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,362 per year, or $29.5 per hour.

Public Relations - Account Executive

Pinkston

Falls Church, VA

$60K - $67K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Account Executives at Pinkston regularly interact with members of the press and clients, coordinating interviews and facilitating meetings in addition to building a track record of media placements. Primary responsibilities include securing media coverage and developing written materials for clients. Account Executives remain updated on current events and news as they create unique opportunities for their clients within the news cycle.

Additional Details

  • Status: Exempt Salaried
  • Work Location: Falls Church, Virginia
  • Travel: 0-5%
  • Salary Range: $60k - $67k

Role Responsibilities (Pitching/writing, media intel, client relations)

  • Pitch stories to media contacts by email, social media and phone
  • Coordinate with team to draft and edit written materials, including press releases and strategic communication plans
  • Absorb and build a credible understanding of media outlets and audiences
  • Identify creative placement opportunities for media coverage and communicate to clients
  • Establish and develop working relationships with media contacts
  • Identify relevant topics for clients within the news cycle
  • Assist with the onboarding and development of entry level and new team members

Requirements

Skills & Qualifications

Required

  • Undergraduate degree or relevant experience in public relations, communications, journalism or a related field
  • 1-2 years of relevant communications and/or public relations experience
  • Possesses strong research, interpersonal, writing and editing skills
  • Adapts to change, meets deadlines and is able to prioritize client deliverables
  • Alignment with Pinkston's guiding principles

Preferred

  • Public speaking experience

Culture

  • Possesses a sense of persistency in all tasks; seeks to push through challenges and ensure excellence in deliverables
  • Commitment to excellence and drive to exceed expectations
  • Seeks to see broader story of client work and understand how individual work contributes to a greater narrative
  • Possesses a collaborative spirit, values teamwork and has strong ability to give and receive feedback and instruction
  • Awareness of how actions impact internal organization and external stakeholders

Who We Are
Pinkston is a full-service branding, marketing, and communications agency offering integrated public relations, creative, digital, and research services to transform companies and organizations. As an outcome-driven agency, Pinkston is committed to delivering customized, strategic solutions that drive real-world impact.

Benefits

Pinkston offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes company-sponsored health, dental, and vision plans accompanied by employer-funded life insurance, HRA, and short-term disability plan. Optional long-term disability and additional Life Insurance are also available. Pinkston provides a 401k retirement plan and contributes to each employee's retirement annually regardless of employee participation.

At Pinkston, we believe great things happen when people come together and are committed to building a collaborative in-person work environment. Pinkston is also committed to a healthy work-life balance. We offer flexibility through an innovative hybrid work model that gives team members the opportunity to work from home 30% of the time. Pinkston provides generous holiday and vacation policies, paid parental leave, and an additional week of paid "volunteer time off" to encourage employees to invest time in a 501C non-profit of their choice.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Pinkston is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. Pinkston makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

Apply