Junior Publicist Job at DineAmic Group in Chicago

The Junior Publicist supports public relations and marketing across DineAmic Hospitality's Chicago-area restaurants through media outreach, content development, research, and PR activations. Successful candidates are organized, proactive, and collaborative communicators who manage competing deadlines, identify timely story opportunities, and build professional relationships. This role requires strong writing skills, sound judgment, attention to detail, and curiosity about food, hospitality, media, and culture.
Essential Responsibilities + Duties
Media Relations + Content Development

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&A, and talking points.
Manage editorial calendars and coordinate media requests to provide accurate, timely information and secure relevant coverage.

PR Activations + Campaign Support

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 PR initiatives.

Research + Reporting

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.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience will be considered.
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 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.
Previous hospitality experience preferred, but not required.

Physical Demands + Work Environment

Work primarily performed in an office environment using a computer and standard office equipment.
Frequent communication and collaboration with internal teams, media contacts, and external partners.
Local travel to restaurant locations, media appearances, and offsite activations as needed.
Occasional evening or weekend work to support restaurant openings, media visits, and special events.

Core Competencies

Accountability
Adaptability
Communication Skills
Emotional Intelligence
Integrity
Personal Development
Professionalism
Self-Management
Teamwork and Collaboration
Technical Proficiency with computers and POS systems

Benefits + Perks

BCBS Medical
BCBS Dental
EyeMed Vision
Company-paid Short-term Disability Insurance
Company-paid Life and AD&D Insurance
Company-paid Employee Assistance Program
Paid Time Off
Paid Sick Leave
Commuter Benefits
401K + Match
Monthly Food & Beverage Allowance and Discount

DineAmic Hospitality is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.
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