Imagine a world propelled by what's possible. Every day we’re looking for new and better ways to help people experience what it feels like to be unconstrained and to dream big without fear or limitations. We’re driven to keep pushing the boundaries so our employees, customers and vendors have control and choice over what really matters to them.

As a PR Specialist, you have a flair for storytelling and pitching ideas.  You love the challenge of building key media and influencer relationships and using them to see our brand grow. You have a passion for what you do, confidence in the story you are telling and ability to adapt to the ever changing needs of a growing tech company.  In this role, you will develop and execute a media and PR strategy that meets our business goals and objectives.  You’ll build our brand reach, work your media connections and share the BuildDirect story.  This is your chance to influence the success of a growing Canadian company that has big ambitions – are you up for the challenge?

BuildDirect is a privately held technology company that is knocking down walls, changing the foundation and building a smarter, simpler and empowered home improvement industry.

We love the people we work with and the culture we’ve built. For us, curiosity is a mindset that sees a problem as the start of a great solution. We believe the best learning and greatest discoveries come from trying, even if you fail. We love that we aren’t perfect, but every day we are trying to get better at what we do

What You’ll Do

• Be an ambassador for our corporate brand and reputation
• Launch and manage creative public relations plans and media strategies that will gain coverage for BuildDirect
• Develop great relationships with media and influencers both in US and Canada to promote BuildDirect and gain positive media exposure
• Build and manage a database of media lists and contacts
• Create written communication and content including press releases, messaging and blog posts
• Research and develop story ideas and draft media relations materials such as pitches, press releases and briefing materials
• Keep up-to-date with emerging trends and non-traditional media channels to maximize coverage and recommend strategic direction
• Work with our executive team to refine our corporate identity, advertising and branding standards
• Identify metrics to gauge the success of public relations and external communications programs
• Write speeches, memos and letters for executive management when requested
• Convert business and brand objectives into a cohesive story

What You’ll Achieve

• Develop a media and PR strategy that aligns with BuildDirect’s business goals and objectives within the first three months
• Generate a significant increase in brand awareness with the target audiences within the first six months
• Identify and rank media and influencers within 500 miles of each BuildDirect warehouses within the first two months

What You’ll Need

• 5+ years of experience, ideally within both agency and in-house roles
• Diploma or Degree in Public Relations, Communications, Business or related field
• Existing relationships with US and Canadian media, including traditional and non-traditional outlets
• Strong communication and relationship building skills to get to know the media, bloggers and influencers you may be in touch with frequently
• Experience running PR campaigns from start to finish
• Experience with media relations and storytelling, including creating pitches and facilitating media briefings
• Ability to write both creatively and confidently with purposeful messaging
• Excellent organizational and planning skills and the ability to juggle multiple priorities
• Demonstrated creative and strategic mindset
• Previous experience working for a technology company preferred

What You Must Have

• An audacious spirit that embraces uncertainty and challenges with enthusiasm
• High levels of integrity and a commitment to do what you say you are going to do
• Strong entrepreneurial spirit that has grit, determination and challenges the status quo
• High degree of empathy and the ability to see other’s perspective
• Strong sense of curiosity and the desire to learn and get better everyday