Pr Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary

Winger Marketing is seeking an experienced Public Relations Manager to lead strategic public relations initiatives and earned media efforts for a diverse portfolio of clients. This position is responsible for developing compelling communications strategies, strengthening client visibility, cultivating media relationships, and identifying opportunities that position clients effectively within their industries and communities.

The successful candidate will possess a strong background in media relations, strategic communications, public relations writing, reputation management, and client counsel within a professional marketing, public relations, communications, advertising, or agency environment.

Primary Responsibilities

As Public Relations Manager, you will provide strategic direction and execution across client public relations initiatives.

Responsibilities include:

• Developing and executing public relations strategies aligned with client objectives, audiences, and organizational priorities.
• Building and maintaining productive relationships with journalists, editors, producers, industry publications, and other media contacts.
• Identifying timely earned media opportunities and developing targeted outreach strategies.
• Writing and editing press releases, media pitches, contributed articles, talking points, executive statements, and other communications materials.
• Pitching client stories, announcements, executive perspectives, and subject-matter expertise to appropriate media outlets.
• Preparing executives and client representatives for interviews, media appearances, and public communications.
• Monitoring relevant news, industry developments, and emerging issues that may affect client communications.
• Providing strategic guidance on messaging, reputation management, and sensitive communications matters.
• Maintaining accurate media lists and developing relationships with new media contacts.
• Tracking earned media coverage and preparing reports that communicate PR performance and outcomes.
• Supporting crisis communications and reputation-management initiatives when required.
• Collaborating with account, creative, content, digital, and leadership teams to maintain consistent client messaging.

Operational Environment

This position operates in a collaborative agency environment supporting multiple client accounts and communications priorities simultaneously.

Successful performance requires:

• Strong editorial judgment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Confidence communicating with journalists and senior client representatives.
• Strong relationship-building abilities.
• Sound judgment when handling sensitive or time-critical communications.
• Excellent organization and prioritization.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and client priorities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of four years of professional experience in public relations, media relations, strategic communications, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing media relations strategies.
• Strong professional writing and editing capabilities.
• Experience pitching journalists and securing earned media opportunities.
• Excellent interpersonal and client communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple client accounts and competing priorities.
• Strong understanding of contemporary media channels and communications practices.

Preferred Experience:

• Public relations or integrated marketing agency experience.
• Established media relations experience.
• Executive communications.
• Reputation management.
• Crisis communications.
• Thought leadership programs.
• Media monitoring and reporting.
• Client-facing communications counsel.

Employee Benefits

Eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid vacation days
• Paid holidays
• Professional development assistance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Performance-based bonus opportunities

About Winger Marketing

Winger Marketing is a full-service integrated marketing and communications agency delivering strategic branding, public relations, digital marketing, creative services, media planning, and communications solutions for organizations across multiple industries. We believe effective public relations is built through thoughtful strategy, compelling storytelling, trusted relationships, and a strong understanding of the audiences our clients need to reach.

We invest in talented professionals who value accountability, creativity, collaboration, and exceptional client service.

Winger Marketing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.