Content and Public Relations (PR) Manager

illumin; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading advertising technology company based in Toronto is seeking a Content and Public Relations Manager to elevate its demand-side platform's brand presence. This full-time position offers the opportunity to craft bold narratives, manage relationships with top media outlets, and influence industry decision-makers through strategic content management. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in content marketing and media relations, along with a passion for utilizing innovative AI tools for enhanced engagement.

Benefits

Professional Growth Opportunities

Work-Life Balance with Hybrid Model

Access to Cutting-Edge AI Tools

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading content marketing or corporate communications in advertising or tech.
• Strong media relations experience with a history of securing publication coverage.
• Detail-oriented project management skills, able to oversee multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute bold content and PR strategies for the DSP.
• Build relationships with media and promote the brand.
• Craft compelling narratives and manage content across multiple formats.

Skills

Leadership

Content Marketing

SEO Expertise

Media Relations

Project Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or related field

Tools

HubSpot

WordPress

Google Analytics

SEMrush

Job description

Who we are

At illumin, we are transforming the advertising landscape. Our platform offers an integrated space for journey planning, execution, and reporting. It empowers marketers to connect with their audiences in powerful ways through real-time data and easy-to-use visual tools. By seamlessly combining media planning and buying in an intuitive interface, marketers can take complete control of their campaigns, meeting customers wherever they are in the buying journey and maximizing the impact of their ad spend through personalized insights for smarter decision-making.

We are at a pivotal moment, evolving into a product-led company with a team of over 100 skilled professionals and new leadership guiding our path forward. By harnessing the power of data, advancing our AI capabilities, and deeply investing in our people, we are preparing for a future that will redefine what’s possible in journey advertising.

Our work is guided by two beliefs: that the ability to execute is paramount to success and that we are only as good as our people. As we grow and transform, we are looking for team members (illumineers) who share our bias for speed, delivery over perfection, and an entrepreneurial mindset. Joining us now is a chance to be part of our transformation.

Who We Need

Reporting to the SVP, Marketing, we are hiring a Content and Public Relations (PR) Manager to join our team. You will play a key role in positioning our demand-side platform (DSP) as the driving force as an authentic challenger brand in the ad tech industry. You will craft bold, insight-driven content, spark conversations with top media outlets, and build campaigns that influence the industry’s biggest decision-makers.

You will focus on personalization at scale to deliver dynamic, tailored content across email, social media, and the web. You will further leverage generative AI tools such as Jasper, Writer, ChatGPT, GrammarlyGo, or SurferSEO to scale content production, improve SEO and AEO, and personalize content experiences across multiple formats and channels.

This is a full-time, hybrid or remote opportunity. Individuals within commuting distance of our downtown Toronto office will work onsite 2 days a week. Alternatively, fully remote employees are required to be available for onsite meetings and events regularly.

What's in It for You?

Visibility and Influence. You will be the voice of our brand with the creative freedom to shape how our DSP is perceived in a competitive ad tech space, crafting bold narratives that cut through the noise. You will make a measurable impact helping bring our vision and solutions to the forefront, drawing on predictive analytics to refine content strategy and forecast engagement trends based on historic and real-time data.

Impact and ownership. This is an opportunity to work in an industry at the forefront of innovation, AI, and data-driven marketing. From thought leadership content to high-profile PR campaigns, you will own projects end-to-end, seeing your ideas come to life across multiple channels.

Next-generation tools. This is an exciting move that will give you the freedom to leverage generative AI tools to scale content production, enhance SEO/ AEO, and personalize content experiences across multiple formats and channels. You will use AI-powered tools to monitor brand sentiment, identify emerging media narratives, and proactively respond to shifts in public discourse.

Professional Growth. At illumin, we are committed to helping you grow and reach your full potential. You will benefit from a VP who promotes a creative culture and the chance to take ownership. As part of a nimble and evolving marketing team, your work will have a measurable impact and open doors for future career progression in content strategy, PR, or brand leadership.

How You Will Make an Impact as our Content and PR Manager

• Bring thought leadership. You will collaborate with product and executive teams to elevate our brand as an innovator in the programmatic space. You will apply predictive analytics to refine content strategy and forecast engagement trends based on historic and real-time data.
• Design and implement a next-gen PR and content strategy. You will optimize demand generation and lead nurturing using HubSpot AI, or dynamic email content powered by customer behaviour to tailor customer journeys.
• Build out and deliver an engaging content strategy. You will own a bold content strategy that positions our DSP as a challenger brand in the programmatic advertising space. You will craft compelling blogs, white papers, case studies, and reports that educate and inspire advertisers and agencies. You will collaborate with product, sales, data, and marketing teams to produce content rooted in insights and performance benchmarks. You will ensure every piece is SEO- and AEO-optimized, high-impact, and aligned with demand generation and lead-nurturing goals.
• Manage public relations and media outreach. You will build strong relationships with top-tier trade media, journalists, analysts, and influencers. You will craft attention-grabbing press releases, pitches, and announcements that secure coverage in prominent publications, including AdExchanger, Digiday, The Drum, and Adweek. You will drive executive thought leadership by landing interviews, bylined articles, and speaking opportunities while tracking industry trends, privacy shifts, and competitor PR strategies to stay ahead.
• Prioritize social amplification. You will shape powerful brand messaging that resonates with advertisers, agencies, and industry stakeholders. You will lead social media (LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.) to spark engagement and elevate our presence in the ad tech community. You will partner with lead generation, sales, and product marketing to create high-converting campaigns, landing pages, and enablement content—using data-driven storytelling to spotlight wins and successes.
• Optimize. You will measure the impact of your work using tools like Google Analytics, SEMrush. You will report on coverage, engagement, and ROI, then continuously refine strategies with data-driven insights to amplify reach and results.

What You Bring:

• The experience. You have experience leading and developing content marketing or corporate communications within the advertising agency, publication, ad tech, programmatic advertising, martech, or digital media industries. You have strong media relations experience, with a proven track record of securing coverage in ad tech and digital marketing publications.
• The collaboration. You thrive in a cross-functional environment where there is opportunity to engage stakeholders, leverage existing content, and embed new information and approaches to optimize impact. You value the opinions of others and strive to foster a culture of knowledge sharing across all functions.
• The project management skills. You are highly organized and detail-oriented, able to create and maintain effective project plans, as well as manage project meetings and communications. You possess strong time management skills, enabling you to balance multiple competing priorities while consistently meeting deadlines. You are comfortable following structured processes and making decisions independently.
• The technical skills. You have in-depth knowledge of SEO, digital marketing, and paid media. You have exceptional writing and editing skills with the ability to simplify complex ad tech topics. You have experience working with content management systems (e.g., WordPress, HubSpot), social media platforms, and PR tools (e.g., Muck Rack, Meltwater, Cision, Sprinklr, or SimilarWeb).
• The interpersonal skills. You have exceptional communication skills. You are naturally curious and can channel your inquisitiveness into asking probing questions that build connections, uncover true motivations, and lead to long-term relationships. You can create compelling pitch decks, conduct research to support business development and make engaging presentations.
• The commitment to success. You can work both autonomously and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment. You are highly coachable and committed to personal growth, continually seeking ways to improve and learn. You can balance multiple deals at different stages while maintaining attention to detail, always prioritizing the customer's objectives.

What else should you know about us?

We are undergoing a transformative shift. We are embracing change and the opportunities that come with it, empowering every illumineer to innovate, experiment, and bring forward new ideas. Whether accessing new technology, restructuring workflows, or expanding your team, you will have full support if you can make the business case.

We are a broad and diverse team, but we all share a passion for success, a drive to do more, and a love of creating connections. We hire for talent and commitment and provide the guidelines and guidance to elevate skills, knowledge, and abilities across all areas. This is a place where proven methods meet bold ideas, offering opportunities to grow personally and professionally.

Apply Now

If you want to seize the opportunity to impact a company and influence an industry, and you have 70% of what we are looking for, apply now. We can't promise an interview, but we will consider your whole application.

What You Can Expect from Our Interview Process:

• A virtual interview with a Talent Advisor to discuss your interest in the role.
• An interview with the SVP Marketing to share your creative experience, exposure to AI, and your process. It’s an opportunity to learn more about illumin’s marketing strategy and solutions.
• A panel interview with the Product Marketing Director, Director of Digital Marketing, and members of the team.

Illumin is firmly committed to diversity within its community and welcomes applications from racialized persons/persons of color, Indigenous People of North America and the world, veterans, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

We are committed to providing equitable opportunities in employment and to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. We are equally committed to providing an inclusive and accessible workplace. If you require accommodations at any stage of the interview process, please email us at [e-mail].

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What industries is this role focused on?
Our DSP is designed for agencies and advertisers operating in the programmatic advertising and ad tech ecosystem, providing you with the opportunity to influence one of the fastest-evolving industries.

How much freedom will I have to experiment with AI tools?
We are looking for you to be the AI champion. We will actively encourage you to test, pilot, and scale innovative AI-driven approaches. Your experiments and insights will directly shape our marketing and PR playbook.

What kind of AI tools will I be using?
You will have access to a cutting-edge toolkit, including Jasper, ChatGPT, SurferSEO, GrammarlyGO, HubSpot AI, and advanced analytics platforms designed to optimize content, SEO, and PR performance.

Where is this role based?
Our team is based in Toronto and follows a hybrid model (2 days on-site). While we’re open to a fully remote candidate, regular travel to our HQ will be required for collaboration and key initiatives.

What future opportunities does this role offer?
This is a growth-focused role. The vision is to build out a content and PR team under your leadership, with a clear trajectory toward a Director-level position as you expand your ownership and impact.

What does the 30/60/90 day plan look like?

First 30 days: Onboard, dive into our brand, and build relationships with the marketing team and executives.

By 60 days: Start shaping the 2026 content strategy, bringing AI-driven insights and testing approaches.

By 90 days: Take ownership of the content and PR strategy, experimenting, iterating, and delivering results.

#LI-Hybrid
#LI-DNI