Puttshack is hiring: Public Relations Manager in Chicago

Overview

Public Relations Manager role at Puttshack. A hybrid position based in Chicago, reporting to the CMO, focused on leading local consumer PR across 17+ U.S. locations to drive awareness, buzz, and foot traffic. Core areas include earned local media, influencer programs, and reputation management. This in-office role requires 3 days per week at the Home Office in Chicago (River North).

About Puttshack

Puttshack is an upscale, tech-infused mini golf experience that appeals to everyone. More than just indoor mini golf, Puttshack leverages groundbreaking technology to elevate the game while serving world-class food and full bar in a cool environment. The experience is about having fun together.

Position Responsibilities

• Lead local PR strategy and execution per market to drive awareness, coverage, and reservations; translate national platforms into city-specific storylines.
• Pitch and secure local placements across broadcast, print, digital, and community outlets; maintain media relationships and prepare market-ready press materials.
• Build and manage local influencer programs; vet creators, negotiate deliverables, ensure FTC compliance, and integrate UGC.
• Act as a stakeholder in crisis and reputation communications; develop holding statements and escalation paths with HR/Legal, Operations, and venue teams.
• Advise Guest Services on responses to guest feedback and sensitive issues, ensuring tone and resolution align with brand standards and legal guidance.
• Manage regional PR agencies: set KPIs, brief, align tactics, monitor coverage and sentiment, and optimize performance.
• Provide media training and briefing for venue leaders and corporate spokespeople; prepare briefing docs and run mock interviews.
• Drive affiliate and sponsored content to increase qualified referral traffic and reservations; manage listings, messaging, and assets.
• Align PR and social calendars; oversee LinkedIn brand storytelling and escalated guest feedback responses.
• Lead community/CSR partnerships and local sponsorships to deepen ties and create earned storytelling opportunities.
• Measure and report impact (placement quality, SOV, sentiment, referral traffic, reservations uplift); deliver insights and next steps.
• Manage budgets, timelines, approvals, media lists, FAQs, boilerplates, and asset libraries.
• Own new venue opening PR, including timelines, media previews, VIP/media nights, and post-campaign reporting.
• Other projects or duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive experience in communications and public relations, including 2-3 years in a manager-level role; hospitality, entertainment, food & beverage, or multi-unit retail experience preferred.
• BS/BA in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, PR, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Exceptional pitching and writing; proven success with local media, openings, and in-market events.
• Experience managing agencies and creators; strong cross-functional collaboration with Marketing, Ops, and venue leaders.
• Data-literate; familiar with PR and analytics tools.
• Excellent verbal/written communication; organized, proactive, and calm under pressure.
• Knowledge of industry trends and a strong media network is a plus.
• In-office 3 days/week (River North) and domestic travel up to 15%; willingness to support occasional nights/weekends for events.
• Must pass a post-offer background check.

• Preferred: Experience within F&B or entertainment venues; experience with multi-unit organizations.

Location

Hybrid role with 3 days onsite at the Home Office in Chicago (River North), IL.

Employment Type

Full-time