Hello Mainland Media Public Relations Specialist Chicago, IL · Full time Company website

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About Mainland (Founded 2008)

Mainland is not a traditional agency. We are a growth platform built for brands that need to win, not just show up.

Since 2008, we’ve operated at the intersection of content, public relations, and digital, helping companies build momentum through a system we call 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.

We move fast. We expect accountability. And we care deeply about the work.

We call it Give a Shit.

About the role

At Hello Mainland, we're looking for a driven, competitive, and results-oriented PR Specialist who knows how to turn great stories into meaningful media opportunities. This is a fast-paced, performance-driven role for someone who thrives on building relationships, pitching with purpose, and delivering measurable results for clients.

The ideal candidate is an outgoing and adaptable communicator who is confident engaging with reporters, editors, and producers by phone and email. You'll be responsible for identifying compelling stories, developing creative pitches, securing interviews, and generating consistent media coverage that builds visibility and credibility for our clients.

Success in this role requires persistence, creativity, accountability, and a willingness to push through rejection. We're looking for someone who takes ownership of their results, responds well to feedback, and brings energy and urgency to every opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

• Proactively pitch local, regional, trade, and national media to secure meaningful coverage and interview opportunities for clients.
• Develop compelling story angles, media pitches, and timely opportunities that align with client objectives and industry trends.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with reporters, editors, producers, and assignment desks through consistent phone and email outreach.
• Conduct interviews with franchisees, founders, executives, and key stakeholders to uncover newsworthy stories and opportunities.
• Create and maintain targeted media lists, outreach strategies, and pitching plans to maximize client visibility.
• Write and edit press releases, articles, profiles, media pitches, and other public relations content.
• Collaborate with Account Managers and internal teams to execute media strategies and support overall client objectives.
• Manage multiple client accounts, prioritize outreach efforts, and maintain organized tracking of pitches, follow-ups, interviews, and placements.
• Monitor media trends, industry developments, and breaking news to identify proactive pitching opportunities.
• Consistently meet established performance expectations related to outreach activity, secured interviews, media placements, and client results.
• Demonstrate resilience and adaptability by adjusting pitching strategies, incorporating feedback, and identifying new approaches when outreach is unsuccessful.
• Contribute to a consistent drumbeat of media visibility through strong execution, urgency, accountability, and follow-through.

Requirements & Qualifications

• 1–3 years of experience in public relations, media relations, communications, journalism, sales, or a related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with confidence engaging media contacts by phone and email.
• Experience developing media pitches, writing press releases, articles, or other professional content.
• Understanding of newsworthiness, storytelling, and how to develop compelling media angles.
• Competitive, results-driven mindset with the ability to work toward measurable performance goals.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple clients, deadlines, and competing priorities.
• Ability to accept feedback, adapt quickly, solve problems independently, and maintain momentum through challenges.
• Existing media relationships or demonstrated success securing interviews and media placements preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, or a related field preferred.

Salary Range: $50,000-$60,000 annually plus bonus. Actual compensation will be determined based on relevant experience, skills, qualifications and business needs. Benefits Eligible employees have access to Mainland's benefits package, which may include: Medical, dental and vision insurance Paid time off and paid holidays. Retirement benefits, if applicable.

Additional company-sponsored benefits and programs available to eligible employees. Specific eligibility, coverage and benefit details will be provided during the hiring process and are subject to the terms of the applicable plans and policies.

EEO- Mainland is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are made without regard to any status protected by applicable federal, state or local law.