Junior Publicist

DineAmic Hospitality•Chicago, IL

13d

About The Position

The Junior Publicist supports public relations and marketing for DineAmic Hospitality’s Chicago-area restaurants. The role involves media outreach, content development, research, reporting, and support for public relations activations and campaigns. The successful candidate is organized, proactive, collaborative, and able to manage competing deadlines, identify timely story opportunities, and build professional relationships. Strong writing skills, sound judgment, attention to detail, and curiosity about food, hospitality, media, and culture are important. The position works primarily in an office environment using a computer and standard office equipment, with frequent communication and collaboration with internal teams, media contacts, and external partners. Local travel to restaurant locations, media appearances, and offsite activations may be needed. Occasional evening or weekend work supports restaurant openings, media visits, and special events.

Requirements

At least one year of public relations experience in an in-house role or at a PR agency.
Demonstrated experience drafting and editing pitches, press releases, or other media materials; writing samples are required.
Experience researching media contacts, building targeted media lists, and identifying relevant publications or platforms.
Experience coordinating multiple projects and deadlines and maintaining accurate calendars, databases, or reports.
Strong writing skills, sound judgment, attention to detail, and ability to manage competing deadlines.
Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience will be considered.

Nice To Haves

Previous hospitality experience is preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

Build and maintain targeted media lists and relationships with journalists, editors, influencers, and other relevant contacts.
Research pitching opportunities, develop story angles, and draft pitches, press releases, media alerts, biographies, Q&As, and talking points.
Manage editorial calendars and coordinate media requests, providing accurate and timely information and pursuing relevant coverage.
Assist with media and influencer visits, restaurant openings, offsite activations, and media appearances.
Contribute research and creative ideas to campaigns, identifying timely opportunities tied to trends, news, and cultural moments.
Collaborate with marketing and restaurant teams to coordinate public relations initiatives.
Track press coverage and prepare weekly reports highlighting coverage, competitor activity, industry trends, and media opportunities.
Maintain organized contact databases, calendars, and reporting documents.
Perform additional duties as needed within the scope of the role.