Public Relations Contractor

The Northwest Marine Trade Association (NMTA) is the nation’s premier regional recreational marine trade association, representing 600 marine businesses across the recreational boating ecosystem, including boat dealers and brokers, manufacturers, fishing, retail, service providers, marinas and boatyards. NMTA produces the Seattle Boat Show, Anacortes Boat & Yacht Show and champions the growth of recreational boating throughout the northwest. The NMTA and the Seattle Boat Show will celebrate their 80th anniversaries in 2027.

About the role

We're looking for a Pacific Northwest-based public relations contractor or firm to help us earn meaningful and measurable media coverage — TV, radio, print, online, trade media — across three distinct seasons of activity. This is a hands-on, in-the-field role that requires showing up: on the water with on-air hosts and photographers, on the show floor at the Seattle Boat Show, and wherever the story is. If you know PNW media, love being on boats, and can write a compelling newsletter as easily as you can pitch a morning show producer, we want to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• Seattle Boat Show (November – February)
  • Drive earned media coverage in the lead-up to and during the Seattle Boat Show
  • Coordinate on-site media visits, interviews, and live segments
  • Pitch TV, radio, print and online outlets on show features, exhibitors, and storylines
  • Serve as a media liaison on the show floor
• Grow Boating Campaign (May – September)
  • Develop and pitch positive "grow boating" story angles to media outlets
  • Coordinate on-water experiences for on-air hosts, producers, photographers and influencers
  • Build relationships with outdoor, lifestyle, and news media contacts across the region
  • Identify and develop compelling human-interest and community boating stories
• WaterLife Newsletter (Year-Round)
  • Write NMTA's bi-weekly member newsletter, WaterLife
  • Develop editorial calendar and story ideas in collaboration with NMTA staff
  • Craft clear, engaging content relevant to marine industry members and boating enthusiasts

Requirements

• Established relationships with PNW TV, radio, print, online, trade media contacts
• Experience coordinating event PR, media days, or on-location press activities
• Experience with organic social media and relationships with influencers
• A portfolio of earned media placements and/or published writing samples
• Ability to work on-site at the Seattle Boat Show and on the water during media activations
• Seattle/PNW-based and available for in-person work
• Thrive in a seasonal, project-based contract structure
• Can work independently and manage your own pitching calendar
• Have a strong writing voice and can adapt it across newsletter, pitch, and press release formats

Qualifications

Passion for or experience in the marine, outdoor recreation, or boating industry (a big plus).

Pay

This is a contract (1099) position. Compensation is up to $40,000 annually depending on scope.