NOW HIRING IN CHICAGO
CHICAGO | PUBLICIST: Mid-Level to Senior Level (3-6+ Years of Experience):
CHICAGO: WE'RE GROWING! Obsessed with food? Cocktails? Travel? Storytelling? Us too.
H2 Public Relations is NOW HIRING in our Chicago office! We're looking for a Mid to Senior Level Publicist who genuinely loves hospitality in one of the greatest restaurant cities in the world, and is ready to jump in and help tell the stories behind some of the most exciting restaurants, bars, chefs, hotels, spirits brands and more in the Midwest + beyond.
We're searching for a creative powerhouse with proven experience in media relations, events, partnerships, social strategy, and big-picture creative communication. Someone who thrives on fresh ideas, loves building buzz, isn't afraid to think wildly outside-of-the-box, and is ready to roll up their sleeves alongside one of the scrappiest, hardest-working teams in the business.
If you're the kind of person who gets excited about super buzzy and delicious spots like Avec, Pretty Cool Ice Cream, Adalina Prime, Cariño, Bar Bambi, The Publican, Schnieder Deli, The Greggory, not to mention….hot tub boats (!!), we’d love to meet you.
Check out the full job description below and learn more about our boutique, women-owned and operated agency.
ABOUT H2 PUBLIC RELATIONS:
H2 Public Relations is a small, independent, woman-owned boutique firm founded in San Diego in 2007, with our second Chicago office launching in 2011. For nearly two decades, we have served as a preferred PR partner for some of the most respected names in hospitality, lifestyle, real estate, and travel—from James Beard Award and Michelin-recognized chefs, to Food Network champions, tourism-driven destinations and neighborhoods, and nationally acclaimed hoteliers and lifestyle developers.
In our Chicago office, we are proud to represent a roster that includes avec, Cariño, The Publican, Pretty Cool Ice Cream, Bar Bambi, Omakase Yume, Big Star, Schnieder Deli, Petite Acres and many more. Our clients have been covered by The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Esquire, Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, Condé Nast Traveler, USA Today, Today Show, Good Morning America, among many others.
THE ROLE:
This position is designed for someone who operates independently, thinks strategically, and has the instincts and initiative to lead. You will manage a portfolio of Chicago's top hospitality and lifestyle clients, running campaigns from concept through coverage, while mentoring junior team members and contributing to new business growth.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
Media Relations & Press
A proven portfolio of established media contacts across Chicago, with demonstrated national reach in broadcast, print, and digital.
Experience pitching and securing meaningful coverage: not just round-ups, but thoughtful feature stories, profiles, and in-depth narratives that go beyond the surface.
An instinct for the angle: the ability to identify and develop unique story hooks that are specific, timely, and tailored to each reporter and outlet.
Familiar with exclusives: crafting a multi-angle strategy, managing timelines, keeping clients in the loop, and juggling moving deadlines without letting anything slip.
Fluent in AP Style and capable of writing across every format independently: free-form pitches, press releases, media alerts, bios, and fact sheets.
Chicago Hospitality Knowledge
A genuine, deep knowledge of Chicago's restaurant and hospitality scene, the who's who, what's opening, what's trending, and why it matters.
Understanding of both front-of-house and back-of-house dynamics; the kind of literacy that makes clients trust you as a true industry insider.
Existing relationships within the Chicago food, beverage, and lifestyle community.
Account & Client Management
You have experience leading client accounts independently. You are able to run meetings, developing forward-thinking strategy, managing timelines, and delivering results without hand-holding.
We are looking for a charming piranha. The ability to develop genuine rapport with clients who may be busy in the kitchen all day long: confident, professional, proactive, and always one step ahead of their needs.
A track record of over-communicating: keeping clients in the loop, never letting a project stall, and finding creative ways to keep momentum going even when assets are slow to arrive.
Experience managing or mentoring junior publicists: delegating effectively, editing with care, and developing talent and creativity productively.
Events, Activations & Partnerships
Hands-on experience with event planning and execution, from concept to run-of-show — including curating industry VIP lists, media events, influencer activations, and brand partnerships.
Ability to execute TV coordination and photo shoots independently.
A strong eye for what makes an activation newsworthy, shareable, and on-brand.
Social Strategy & Storytelling
A killer instinct for the social landscape: not just posting, but building a purposeful and intentional social strategy that supports larger campaign goals.
Trendspotting! Finding the viral moment, and moving quickly and creatively to move our clients into that moment.
The ability to think in content: knowing the difference between pitch writing and social voice, and code-switching between the two fluently.
Experience developing social content strategy including format (carousel, reel, static), copy, hashtags, tagging, sounds, timing, and collaboration workflows.
A creative, out-of-the-box thinker who understands how stories can be told — and amplified — across platforms.
Exceptional writing across every channel, with a journalist's eye for what makes something worth reading.
QUALIFICATIONS
• 3–6+ years of agency or in-house PR experience, preferably in hospitality, travel, or lifestyle.
• Must be located in Chicago and available to work in-office Tuesday & Wednesday, as well as take meetings and attend events, shoots and more throughout the week.
• Must be extremely detail-oriented, deadline-driven, and comfortable managing multiple clients and priorities simultaneously.
• Must be able to thrive and genuinely enjoy, the energy, fast pace and roll-your-sleeves-up nature of a boutique agency.
• Some evening events and social obligations are part of the role and expected.
• Ability to contribute to new business meetings and pitch presentations is a plus.
• Are we looking for a unicorn? Probably, but we’re confident you’re out there and ready to join our pack!
BENEFITS & PERKS
• Blue Cross Blue Shield Health, Dental & Vision Insurance (available after 90 days)
• SEP-IRA retirement benefit
• Monthly phone and personal stipends
• Weekly flex hours
• Work from home Monday, Thursday & Friday
• Generous perks to Chicago's top restaurants, bars, and lifestyle experiences
• Paid sick days, holidays, and PTO
• Paid volunteer hours for a cause you're passionate about
WHERE WE'RE LOCATED
Our Chicago office is in the vibrant Logan Square neighborhood, a 10-minute walk from the Blue Line. We are surrounded by some of the city's best restaurants and bars, including Txa Txa Club, Estereo, Lula Café, Daisies, Giant, and more. Ample free parking is available nearby.
HOW TO APPLY
Send your resume, writing & pitch samples and portfolio to jobs@h2publicrelations.com. We would also love to see examples of secured media coverage in hospitality: local, regional, and national.
Candidate must be located in Chicago. No calls, DMs, or personal emails please.
Now Accepting FALL /WINTER 2026 Internship Applications
CHICAGO | (PAID) SOCIAL MEDIA, PR & MARKETING INTERNSHIP
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR FALL/WINTER INTERNSHIP
H2 Public Relations is looking for a dynamic Social Media, PR & Marketing intern to join our small boutique agency in Chicago on a part-time basis beginning Fall 2026. This PAID internship will span a period of 18 weeks, with 15-20 hours a week of work. This position is hybrid, and will require some weekly training with our team at our Logan Square office.
We’re looking for someone who has completed prior internships or course work in the field and is looking to get a more hands on feel for a PR position. If you have a passion for writing, hospitality, media, producing great content, and you have a knack for creating clean and crisp design assets via Canva, this internship is a great opportunity for a behind-the-scenes look into the world of hospitality PR with some of the most exciting clients in the business.
The Social Media, PR & Marketing internship job responsibilities include (but are not limited to):
Assisting on high-profile hospitality, hotel and restaurant accounts in Chicago, including Adalina Prime, Chicago Boat Company, The Graceful Ordinary, The Publican, Avec, The Greggory, Arla, Petite Acres, Schnieder Deli and more.
Supporting all junior, mid-level and senior level publicists with tasks assigned and daily duties.
Social Media curriculum will include, but is not limited to: producing outside-the-box content ideas for engaging campaigns, drafting copy, tracking analytics, competitor research, audience management, and more.
Creating catchy and compelling content for newsletters with event descriptions + Canva designs.
PR curriculum will include, but is not limited to: drafting materials such as pitches, press releases, biographies, invite copy, blog copy and more. Prior writing experience and knowledge of AP format is a must.
Intern will be invited to attend client meetings and may assist account leads with meeting agendas and PR reports.
Intern will assist with press clips, media grids, tracking circulation numbers and placement values.
Reviewing editorial calendars to learn how to identify personalized angles for each of the clients.
Working in tandem with existing H2 team to further reach the goals of the clients for unique activations, event planning, partnerships and cross collaborations plus producing full promotional strategies to support these initiatives.
Attending & facilitating photo shoots, TV segments, podcasts, and client events alongside H2.
A pursued degree and a past internship in Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism/Communications, or a related field is preferred. Strong writing skills, and attention to detail in a fast-paced deadline driven environment is necessary. For consideration, please email resume, cover letter, writing samples + canva designs to demonstrate your creativity to PR @ h2publicrelations.com. Please also feel free to send us links/handles to demonstrate your social media experience. No calls, please -- We will contact you to arrange a meeting if you sound like a good fit!
SAN DIEGO | PR & SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING internship
H2 Public Relations is currently accepting applications for Winter. internships. We’re looking for a dynamic and motivated Public Relations + Social Media Marketing Intern to join our team in San Diego. This is a 3-month, hybrid internship for school credit only, requiring approximately 15 hours per week, including weekly in-person training at our Liberty Station office.
We’re seeking candidates who are creative, outgoing, detail-oriented, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Ideal candidates possess strong networking skills, multi-tasking ability, proficiency in AP style writing, and a passion for storytelling.
This is a hands-on opportunity to gain real-world experience in the public relations and marketing industries in Southern California and beyond.
OPPORTUNITIES INCLUDE (BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO):
Support high-profile client accounts including Del Mar Wine + Food Festival, Run The Jewels’ Juice Runners, Urban Kitchen Group, Café Vivant + Somm Cellars, 31ThirtyOne by Deckman’s, Fox Point Farms, Cesarina, and others
Assist publicists at all levels with daily tasks, media outreach, and campaign coordination
Participate in creative brainstorms and strategy sessions for upcoming campaigns and events
Attend and help coordinate photoshoots, TV segments, client meetings, and media opportunities
Draft pitches, bios, blog posts, newsletters, and social copy
Create visual content and assets via Canva and other design tools
Track and analyze social media performance and competitor trends
Research editorial calendars to identify personalized pitch angles for each client
Contribute to event planning, partnership development, and promotional strategy building
Pitch writing, editor research, client communications, and blog/invite copywriting
Learning how to develop compelling narratives and align client stories with current media trends
Social content ideation, caption writing, audience engagement, analytics tracking, and competitive research
Supporting on-site at shoots and assisting in producing content for client accounts
Requirements:
Must be based in San Diego and available for in-person work one day per week at our Liberty Station office
Strong written and verbal communication skills; knowledge of AP style is a must
Pursuing a degree in Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, Journalism, or a related field
Experience with social media platforms and trends; Canva or basic design tools is a plus
Organized, adaptable, and enthusiastic about gaining hands-on agency experience
To Apply:
Please email your resume and cover letter to PRSD@h2publicrelations.com.
Optional: Include links to your social media handles, writing samples, or design portfolio to showcase your creative abilities.
No calls, please. We’ll contact you if we think you’re a good fit!