Public Relations Specialist Job at Mainland in Chicago

Hello Mainland Public Relations Specialist - Chicago, IL
At Hello Mainland, PR Specialists are expected to create wins. This is not a passive role for someone who wants to hide behind email. It 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.

About Mainland (Founded 2008). Mainland is not a traditional agency. It is a growth platform built for brands that want to win, not just show up. We operate at the intersection of content, public relations, and digital, helping companies build momentum through the Conveyor Belt: create meaningful stories, amplify them through media, and convert that attention into real business outcomes. We work with ambitious brands, especially in franchising, that want more than activity. They want results. That means everything we do is tied to a clear definition of winning, measurable outputs, and consistent execution.

Description
PR Specialist

Starting Salary: $52,000 + Multiple bonus incentives (Current Annual Opportunity to earn at more than $25,000)

Location: Chicago, IL — in office

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
This is a goal‑driven role tied to output and results.

Pitch consistently and with urgency

Be fearless on the phone

Handle rejection without losing momentum

Adjust angles when outreach is not landing

Create a steady interview flow for clients

Contribute to a real drumbeat of visibility and credibility

Show 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
At Mainland, 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. The role matters because it helps turn strategy into visibility. The right person will help clients earn attention, credibility, and momentum in the market.

Hello Mainland is a growth agency built to help brands grow through content, public relations, digital strategy, and franchise development marketing. We are a fast‑moving team that values accountability, strong communication, and people who give a shit about doing great work.

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