Media Relations Specialist

Join to apply for the Media Relations Specialist role at Mainland Base pay range: $50,000.00/yr - $55,000.00/yr ABOUT MAINLAND Born out of a need to transcend the old ideas of storytelling for the 21st century, Mainland is the one‑stop shop for storytelling and amplification. We believe in a full‑circle approach to creating impactful stories. Who we are is synonymous with what we do. At our core, Mainland is driven by three guiding principles to create a brand biography: people, storytelling and measurable results. We deliver better relationships, strategy, service, and results while consistently accomplishing and exceeding our clients’ expectations. We offer public relations, content marketing, social media, graphic design and branding, consumer brand strategy, franchise development consulting, marketing strategy and execution, advertising and experiential marketing services. We are the agency of choice for the Franchise Brands industry, but we also serve the Hospitality, Travel, Home Services, Real Estate, and Technology industries. WHY WORK FOR US? Are you looking for a start‑up culture with the resources, stability and foundation of an established company with 15 years at the top of its field? What about an entrepreneurial environment balanced with autonomy and structure to spur creativity and new ideas? Do you want to be challenged daily and given opportunities to grow personally and professionally? Challenging convention is at the core of everything we do. We eliminate the mindset that the status quo is enough through next‑level content, creative, distribution and talent. We build teams that continually strive to get better than the day before. With that said, we invite you to apply even if you don’t meet every single requirement listed below. Our success starts with our people, and we are looking for people who want to grow with us WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR IN A MEDIA RELATIONS SPECIALIST We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Media Relations Specialist to join our PR team. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of securing media coverage through effective pitching and relationship building. They will be responsible for developing and executing media relations strategies that support our organization’s goals and enhance our brand reputation. Key Responsibilities: Media Relations Strategy: Develop and implement comprehensive media relations strategies that align with our overall communications objectives. Pitching: Craft and deliver compelling pitches to journalists and media outlets across various platforms. Relationship Building: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key journalists, editors, and influencers. Media Monitoring: Monitor media coverage and analyze trends to inform future media relations efforts. Press Releases & Materials (as needed): Write and distribute press releases, media advisories, and other press materials. Crisis Communications: Assist in the development and execution of crisis communications plans as needed. Media Events: Coordinate and manage media events, including press conferences and interviews. Media Training: Provide media training to spokespeople within the organization. Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree: in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field. Proven Experience: 2+ years of experience in media relations or a similar role, with a demonstrated track record of securing media coverage. Strong Pitching Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling pitches and build relationships with journalists. Media Savvy: Deep understanding of the media landscape and the ability to identify and target key media outlets. Relationship Building: Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Organization & Time Management: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment. Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing priorities and respond effectively to unexpected situations. This position plays between $50,000 - $55,000 per year. We pay 75% of a high‑quality national PPO insurance plan plus offer voluntary dental and vision. We also match the first 1% of a 401(k) plus 50% of the next 5% after the first year. Professional Paid Time Off is given after 90 days of full‑time employment (the first 90 days’ time off is unpaid), plus we have a paid holiday schedule. Professional Paid Time Off allows for open‑ended PTO opportunities, as long as outcomes and overall agency resource needs are met. Additional benefits such as paid holidays, charity match benefit and more. Requirements: Occasional overtime work may be necessary to fulfill job demands. We are a hybrid company; 3 days each week in the Chicago office are required (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays). Equipment: This position requires you to have a computer with fast internet access, where you can participate in video and phone calls as well as complete work. You will also need to have a personal phone. We have a bring‑your‑own‑device policy and compensate up to $1,000 per year (based on anniversary) for computer, internet, and phone use. We do not provide technical support. This position offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment and make a significant impact on our organization’s media presence. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Seniority level: Associate Employment type: Full‑time Job function: Public Relations #J-18808-Ljbffr