Director, Consumer PR & Growth (Chicago Hybrid)

SHIFT; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SHIFT is seeking a Chicago-based Director to lead our consumer team, managing programs for a major restaurant client and mentoring team members. You will drive media relations, influencer marketing, and social media programs while collaborating with a remote network and cross-functional partners.

You will oversee the development and execution of PR strategies, build strong client relationships, and contribute to SHIFT’s content engine.

Qualifications

• Seven+ years of increasing responsibility in an agency or fast-paced client environment.
• Experience in food, beverage, CPG and hospitality – fast food chain restaurant and/or franchise experience is preferred.
• Ability to work with a remote team.
• Ridiculously strong oral, written and interpersonal communications.
• Experience and passion for bringing together various groups to a consensus and shared goal and moving projects forward.
• A deep understanding of today’s consumer – from micro to macro shifts – and how those trends are impacting people’s purchasing power and the brands they engage with.
• A demonstrated record of developing and executing successful public relations strategies and programs while closely managing budgets.
• Experience in influencer marketing and social media best practices; with knowledge of what it takes to create earned media campaigns and sponsored opportunities.
• Experience reaching top‑tier media with creative storytelling.
• Strong personnel management and mentoring skills.
• The ability to form strong client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Managing a large client in fast food / restaurant space.
• Ensuring your team’s work is client‑ and/or media‑ready before we press send.
• Collaborating with experts across the network who can strengthen your team’s efforts, and/or whom your team’s expertise can help strengthen theirs.
• Running client events in the Chicago area (and beyond) in collaboration with owner/operators.
• Identifying and working with media, influencers and partners.
• Ensuring all clients are kept informed on emerging trends, actively engaged in our relationship and delighted with our work.
• Broadening our base of relationships within your clients.
• Nurturing and growing your network of trusted relationships with the media, industry analysts and influencers.
• Leading new business prospecting, proposals and presentations.
• Contributing to SHIFT’s content engine to help cement SHIFT as voice of authority/credibility and you as a thought leader in the consumer behavior/experience space.
• Building SHIFT’s and your own personal profile through active engagement in relevant industry/trade groups, events and initiatives.

Skills

Seven+ years experience

Food & beverage experience

Remote teamwork

Communication skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Consumer insights

PR strategy & budgets

Influencer & social media

Media relations

Team leadership

Client relationship management

Job description

SHIFT is seeking a Chicago-based Director to lead our consumer team, managing programs for a major restaurant client and mentoring team members. You will drive media relations, influencer marketing, and social media programs while collaborating with a remote network and cross-functional partners.

You will oversee the development and execution of PR strategies, build strong client relationships, and contribute to SHIFT’s content engine.