Story-Driven Media Relations Pro

Mainland; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental & vision insurance

Paid time off

Holidays

Retirement benefits

Other benefits

Job summary

Mainland in Chicago is seeking a driven PR Specialist to turn stories into meaningful media opportunities. You will identify compelling angles, pitch local to national media, and secure interviews to build client visibility through proactive outreach by phone and email.

The role rewards persistence, creativity, and accountability, with responsibility for multiple accounts, tracking pitches, and reporting results.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of experience in public relations, media relations, communications, journalism, sales, or a related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with confidence engaging media contacts by phone and email.
• Experience developing media pitches, writing press releases, articles, or other professional content.
• Understanding of newsworthiness, storytelling, and how to develop compelling media angles.
• Competitive, results-driven mindset with the ability to work toward measurable performance goals.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple clients, deadlines, and competing priorities.
• Ability to accept feedback, adapt quickly, solve problems independently, and maintain momentum through challenges.
• Existing media relationships or demonstrated success securing interviews and media placements preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Proactively pitch local, regional, trade, and national media to secure meaningful coverage and interview opportunities for clients.
• Develop compelling story angles, media pitches, and timely opportunities that align with client objectives and industry trends.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with reporters, editors, producers, and assignment desks through consistent phone and email outreach.
• Conduct interviews with franchisees, founders, executives, and key stakeholders to uncover newsworthy stories and opportunities.
• Create and maintain targeted media lists, outreach strategies, and pitching plans to maximize client visibility.
• Write and edit press releases, articles, profiles, media pitches, and other public relations content.
• Collaborate with Account Managers and internal teams to execute media strategies and support overall client objectives.
• Manage multiple client accounts, prioritize outreach efforts, and maintain organized tracking of pitches, follow-ups, interviews, and placements.
• Monitor media trends, industry developments, and breaking news to identify proactive pitching opportunities.
• Consistently meet established performance expectations related to outreach activity, secured interviews, media placements, and client results.
• Demonstrate resilience and adaptability by adjusting pitching strategies, incorporating feedback, and identifying new approaches when outreach is unsuccessful.
• Contribute to a consistent drumbeat of media visibility through strong execution, urgency, accountability, and follow-through.

Skills

Media relations

Storytelling

Pitching

Communication

Journalism

Education

Bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, or a related field

Job description

Mainland in Chicago is seeking a driven PR Specialist to turn stories into meaningful media opportunities. You will identify compelling angles, pitch local to national media, and secure interviews to build client visibility through proactive outreach by phone and email.

The role rewards persistence, creativity, and accountability, with responsibility for multiple accounts, tracking pitches, and reporting results.