Job Title: 2026 Media Relations Assistant (MRA)
Department: Public Relations
Department Head: Senior Vice President, Public Relations
Reports To: Manager of Communications
Compensation: Seasonal – Paid Hourly
Possible Start Date: July 30, 2026
Possible End Date: October 22, 2026
ABOUT THE STATE FAIR OF TEXAS
Since its inception in 1886, the State Fair of Texas has celebrated all things Texan by promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment. The State Fair of Texas is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with proceeds helping to preserve and improve our home, Fair Park; underwrite museums, community initiatives, and scholarship programs to support students throughout the Lone Star State pursuing higher education; and help improve State Fair operations. The 2026 exposition runs September 25 through October 18 in Fair Park. Visit BigTex.com for more information.
SUMMARY
The State Fair of Texas is seeking several Media Relations Assistants (MRAs) to join our seasonal team for the nonprofit organization’s largest community program and fundraiser of the year – the annual State Fair of Texas event. We are looking for folks that are high-energy, go-getters, and overall team players with knowledge and love of Big Tex and the State Fair of Texas. This seasonal position is a crash course in all things PR. Whether you’re a recent college graduate looking to dip your boots into the industry, or you’re hoping to transition to a new career in public relations, this opportunity will provide you with a variety of experiences and allow you to build relationships and hone new skills to take with you to your next adventure.
Responsibilities may include writing PR materials or marketing copy, including press releases, marketing collateral, social media posts, newsletter copy, or website copy, preparing media kits, pitching story ideas, assisting with special events, working with other departments to improve communication efforts, interacting with outside vendors and members of the media, and assisting with the Fair’s overall PR activities. Strong copywriting, storytelling, communication, and organizational skills are required.
This is an in-person paid (hourly) position from July 30 through October 22, 2026. Applicants must be able to work all 24 days of the Fair (September 25, 2026, through October 18, 2026). Work may include long hours, including early mornings, late nights, and weekends, in all weather conditions, when necessary.
DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES
Possible Functions:
- Maintain awareness and possible coordination of public and community relations activities.
- Assist in tracking and maintenance of media coverage through Cision, update media database, and help qualify and fulfill media requests.
- Assist with the development and distribution of press materials and correspondence to the media and general public.
- Produce written materials for the department and assist other departments when necessary.
- Assist in the cultivation of relationships with media, community organizations, and the general public.
- Assist in the coordination of television appearances, interviews, radio remotes, and film shoots as necessary. Some may require overnight hours.
- Transport media, production companies, and VIPs throughout the fairgrounds, as needed.
- Assist in the execution of special events and promotions, like the Big Tex Choice Awards and Texas Auto Show Media Day.
- Project a positive image of all aspects of the State Fair of Texas within the community at all times.
- Provide a wide variety of general administrative support, including, but not limited to, maintenance of accurate and detailed files and records; verify accuracy of the information, research discrepancies, and record information.
- Respond to requests for information from management/supervisory personnel or guests.
- Work Hospitality Centers, Contact Center, and Guest Relations as requested leading up to and during the event.
- Provide information on departmental and State Fair of Texas policies and procedures as required; and transfer inquiries to the appropriate individual or department as necessary; receive, resolve, and respond to guest inquiries and complaints.
Marginal Functions:
- May answer multi-line telephone system.
- Perform additional related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
- Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment.
- Principles of writing, proofreading, and report preparation.
- Policies and procedures of assigned department.
Ability to:
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Possess excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Must be able to interact and communicate professionally, respectfully, and effectively with peers, leadership, community officials, media, and the public.
- Be proactive and reliable in planning and implementation of responsibilities.
- Manage your own time, establish schedules, and meet deadlines, including managing multiple projects simultaneously.
- Maintain active participation in continuing education and career development activities and programs.
- Explain the State Fair of Texas program and services, as necessary.
- Provide effective administrative support.
- Work all 24 days of the Fair, September 25, 2026, through October 20, 2026.
- Work long hours including early mornings, late nights, and weekends, in all weather conditions, when necessary.
- Maintain strong organizational skills, be detail-oriented, multi-task, and handle high-pressure situations.
- Operate a motor vehicle such as a golf cart, requiring a valid driver’s license.
EXPERIENCE and TRAINING GUIDELINES
- Preferred Education and/or Experience:
- A bachelor's degree in journalism, public relations, communications, or related field, or equivalent experience.
- Recent college graduates or PR professionals with up to five (5) years of experience.
- Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Must have interpersonal skills to deal effectively with all business contacts.
- Knowledge of the media industry is helpful.
- Highly proficient computer skills with demonstrated knowledge and practical application of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other software programs as needed.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Environmental Conditions:
- Office environment; exposure to computer screens.
- Exposure to a range of environments, including outdoors and all-weather conditions, during the annual State Fair of Texas event.
Physical Conditions:
- Essential and other important responsibilities and duties require maintaining the physical condition necessary for sitting for prolonged periods of time; prolonged standing, bending, and lifting; walking and driving golf carts outdoors; working consistently requires manual dexterity.
