Freelance Publicist (Chicago-Based | ~10 hrs/week)

Company 
Development Counsellors International (DCI), is a New York-headquartered destination marketing agency. Our PR teams help destinations tell their stories and land high-profile media coverage. Learn more at www.aboutdci.com

DCI is an equal opportunity employer and has taken a Diversity Pledge to ensure our agency is advancing racial justice, identifying unconscious bias, educating our staff, and using our place marketing platform to advocate for change. Our agency is also a member of the Diversity Action Alliance and Black Travel Alliance. While this job posting is a guide, we welcome applicants who may bring diverse backgrounds, ideas, and experiences to DCI. 

The Role

We’re searching for a seasoned freelance publicist based in the Chicago metro area, with a strong traditional media network of travel, hospitality and food & beverage contacts specifically in the Midwest. This is a part-time freelance role averaging approximately 10 hours per week. You’ll craft strategic pitches, pitch them to your journalist contacts, land strategic Midwest media coverage, and become DCI’s Midwest media guru. Influencer partnerships are not included in this role. This is perfect for someone who thrives on both independence and collaboration with an HQ-based team.

What you’ll be doing

·      Shape Media Strategy: pitch themes and editorial calendars aligned with client goals.

·       Build Media Relationships: Connect with journalists and producers, monitor trends and identify coverage opportunities.

·       Pitch & Secure Coverage: Draft pitches, pitch story ideas, book interviews to generate editorial placements.

·       Events: Manage press trips and media events.

Clients You’ll Work With

·       Under the radar, mid-west located travel destinations.

Qualifications

·       5+ years media relations experience; Agency experience preferred

·       Network of mid-west regional travel and lifestyle media relationships

·       Strong, creative, AP-style writing an absolute must

·       Ability to “spot” a story angle

·       Strong interpersonal skills; ability to pitch stories over the phone or over email

·       Highly self-motivated, with the ability to work independently

·       Impeccable organization; Microsoft Office proficiency

·       Driver’s license required

·       Applicants must be U.S. citizens or have all necessary approvals to live/work in the U.S. without Visa sponsorship

Compensation

·       Compensation Range: $50–$75/hour (DOE)