Freelance Publicist (Chicago-Based | ~10 hrs/week)
Development Counsellors International · Chicago, IL
- On site
- Contract
- $75,000 / year
- Chicago, IL
Job highlights
- Part-time freelance publicist role, approx. 10 hrs/week.
- Requires strong Midwest media network for travel, hospitality.
- Focus on pitching, securing coverage, and media strategy.
- Must have 5+ years of media relations experience.
- Independent work with HQ team collaboration.
About the role
Freelance Publicist Midwest
Development Counsellors International (DCI), a New York-headquartered destination marketing agency, is seeking a seasoned freelance publicist based in the Chicago metro area. Our PR teams help destinations tell their stories and land high-profile media coverage. DCI is committed to advancing racial justice and diversity. While this job posting is a guide, we welcome applicants who may bring diverse backgrounds, ideas, and experiences to DCI.
The Role
This is a part-time freelance role averaging approximately 10 hours per week. You will craft strategic pitches, pitch them to your journalist contacts, and land strategic Midwest media coverage, becoming DCI’s Midwest media guru. Influencer partnerships are not included in this role. This position is ideal for someone who thrives on both independence and collaboration with an HQ-based team.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Shape Media Strategy: Develop 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, and 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 is essential.
- Ability to “spot” a story angle.
- Strong interpersonal skills; ability to pitch stories over the phone or via 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)
Key skills/competency
- Media Relations
- Public Relations
- Journalist Outreach
- Content Strategy
- Media Pitching
- Travel PR
- Lifestyle PR
- Midwest Media Network
- AP Style Writing
- Event Management
Skills & topics
- Freelance Publicist
- Media Relations
- Public Relations
- Travel PR
- Chicago Jobs
- Midwest Media
- Journalist Outreach
- Content Strategy
- Part-time
- Destination Marketing
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your 5+ years of media relations experience and your specific Midwest travel, hospitality, and F&B media contacts. Quantify achievements in securing coverage.
- Craft a compelling pitch: In your cover letter, showcase your understanding of DCI's mission and demonstrate your ability to 'spot' story angles relevant to Midwest destinations.
- Network strategically: Leverage your existing Midwest media relationships to demonstrate your reach and effectiveness in securing placements for travel and lifestyle clients.
- Prepare for interviews: Be ready to discuss your media relations strategy, writing samples (AP-style), and how you manage independent work while collaborating with a remote team.
Technical preparation
Master AP-style writing for pitches.,Develop targeted Midwest media lists.,Practice phone and email pitching techniques.,Demonstrate Microsoft Office proficiency.
Behavioral questions
Describe a challenging media pitch you executed.,How do you build and maintain media relationships?,Explain your process for identifying story angles.,How do you manage independent work and deadlines?
Frequently asked questions
- What is the expected weekly time commitment for the Freelance Publicist Midwest role at DCI?
- The Freelance Publicist Midwest role at Development Counsellors International (DCI) is a part-time freelance position that averages approximately 10 hours per week.
- Does DCI require specific media contacts for the Freelance Publicist Midwest position?
- Yes, DCI specifically seeks a publicist with a strong traditional media network of travel, hospitality, and food & beverage contacts within the Midwest region.
- What are the main responsibilities of the Freelance Publicist Midwest at DCI?
- The main responsibilities include shaping media strategy, building media relationships, pitching and securing coverage in Midwest media outlets, and managing press trips and media events for travel destinations.
- Are influencer partnerships part of the Freelance Publicist Midwest role?
- No, influencer partnerships are not included in this Freelance Publicist Midwest role at DCI. The focus is on traditional media coverage.
- What writing style is expected for pitches and media materials from the Freelance Publicist Midwest?
- A strong, creative, AP-style writing ability is an absolute must for the Freelance Publicist Midwest at DCI.
- What kind of clients will the Freelance Publicist Midwest work with?
- The Freelance Publicist Midwest will work with under-the-radar, Midwest-located travel destinations.
- Is agency experience preferred for the Freelance Publicist Midwest role?
- Yes, agency experience is preferred for the Freelance Publicist Midwest position at Development Counsellors International (DCI), though 5+ years of media relations experience is the primary requirement.
- What is the compensation range for the Freelance Publicist Midwest at DCI?
- The compensation for the Freelance Publicist Midwest role at DCI ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, depending on experience (DOE).