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&As, 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.