Media Public Relations Specialist

Hello Mainland • Chicago, IL

6d • $50,000 - $60,000

About The Position

Hello Mainland is seeking a driven, competitive, and results-oriented PR Specialist to develop compelling stories into media opportunities and measurable client results. The role focuses on building media relationships, pitching stories, securing interviews, and generating coverage that increases clients’ visibility and credibility. The successful candidate will be an outgoing, adaptable communicator who is confident contacting reporters, editors, and producers by phone and email, and who demonstrates persistence, creativity, accountability, and responsiveness to feedback in a fast-paced, performance-driven environment.

The position manages media outreach and public relations content across multiple client accounts, collaborating with Account Managers and internal teams to support client objectives. Success involves meeting performance expectations for outreach, interviews, placements, and client results, while maintaining organized records and adapting approaches when pitches are unsuccessful.

The salary range is $50,000–$60,000 annually, plus bonus. Actual compensation depends on relevant experience, skills, qualifications, and business needs. Eligible employees may have access to medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off and holidays; retirement benefits, if applicable; and other company-sponsored benefits and programs. Eligibility, coverage, and details are subject to applicable plans and policies. Mainland is an equal opportunity employer committed to a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.

Requirements

• 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 and writing press releases, articles, or other professional content.
• Understanding of newsworthiness, storytelling, and developing compelling media angles.
• Competitive, results-driven mindset and ability to work toward measurable performance goals.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple clients, deadlines, and competing priorities.
• Ability to accept feedback, adapt quickly, solve problems independently, and maintain momentum through challenges.

Nice To Haves

• Existing media relationships or demonstrated success securing interviews and media placements.
• Bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Proactively pitch local, regional, trade, and national media to secure client coverage and interview opportunities.
• Develop story angles, media pitches, and timely opportunities aligned with client objectives and industry trends.
• Build and maintain relationships with reporters, editors, producers, and assignment desks through phone and email outreach.
• Interview franchisees, founders, executives, and other stakeholders to identify newsworthy stories and opportunities.
• Create and maintain targeted media lists, outreach strategies, and pitching plans.
• Write and edit press releases, articles, profiles, media pitches, and other public relations content.
• Collaborate with Account Managers and internal teams on media strategies and client objectives.
• Manage multiple client accounts and track pitches, follow-ups, interviews, and placements.
• Monitor media trends, industry developments, and breaking news to identify proactive pitching opportunities.
• Meet performance expectations for outreach activity, secured interviews, media placements, and client results.
• Adjust pitching strategies, incorporate feedback, and develop new approaches when outreach is unsuccessful.
• Maintain consistent media visibility through strong execution, urgency, accountability, and follow-through.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Retirement benefits, if applicable
• Additional company-sponsored benefits and programs available to eligible employees
• Bonus

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed