Overview
Starting Salary: $52,000 + Multiple bonus incentives (Current Annual Opportunity to earn at more than $25,000)
Location: Chicago, IL — in office
At Hello Mainland, PR Specialists are expected to create wins. This is a performance‑driven position for someone who can find the story, pitch with urgency, handle rejection, and keep pushing until clients earn real media results.
This role is for someone competitive, outgoing, adaptable, and hungry to improve. You will spend a large portion of your day engaging reporters, editors, producers, and assignment desks by phone and email, developing angles, creating momentum, and turning outreach into interviews and meaningful placements.
If you want a quiet job, this is not it. If you hate rejection, this is not it. If you want a role where effort matters, performance is visible, and wins are earned, this may be a strong fit.
What You’ll Do
Pitch local, regional, trade, and national media on behalf of Hello Mainland clients
Secure interviews and media opportunities that lead to meaningful placements
Build and maintain relationships with reporters, editors, producers, and assignment desks
Develop creative story angles, hooks, and timely opportunities that align with client goals and media demand
Conduct interviews with franchisees, founders, executives, and client stakeholders to uncover strong stories
Support development of media lists, pitch strategy, and outreach plans
Write press releases, profiles, articles, and other written content as assigned
Work closely with account managers and team leads to support broader client strategy
Track outreach, follow‑up, and results across assigned accounts
Continuously improve pitching instincts, writing quality, and ability to create momentum for clients
What Success Looks Like
pitches consistently and with urgency
is fearless on the phone
handles rejection without losing momentum
adjusts angles when outreach is not landing
creates steady interview flow for clients
contributes to a real drumbeat of visibility and credibility
shows effort, resilience, and follow‑through every day
What We’re Looking For
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Confidence engaging media by both email and phone
Competitive mindset and willingness to be measured on results
Ability to take feedback, adapt quickly, and keep moving
Strong organization and follow‑up habits
Curiosity around what makes something a story
Ability to manage multiple clients and priorities at once
Positive attitude, strong effort, and hunger to learn
Preferred Experience
1–3 years of experience in public relations, media relations, communications, journalism, sales, or a related field
Experience writing press releases, articles, blogs, or other professional content
Understanding of what is and is not a story
Experience creating pitches, developing angles, and securing media opportunities
Existing media relationships or a track record of placements is a plus
Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, or a related field is a plus
In-Office Requirement
This role is based in Chicago and is an in‑office position. Regular in‑office presence is required. This is not a hybrid role.
Why This Role Matters
PR is not about sending emails and hoping something lands. It is about finding the real story, pitching with purpose, and creating tangible wins that move a client forward. This role matters because it helps turn strategy into visibility. The right person will help clients earn attention, credibility, and momentum in the market.
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Mainland is hiring: Public Relations Specialist in Chicago
Mainland, Chicago, IL, USA
Job type: Full Time