Publicist

Company Description

Hype PR is a creative, results-driven media relations and influencer marketing agency that believes in a more personal approach to public relations. We invest in relationships and storytelling first, and it is at the core of all we do.

Our clients range from well-known household names to challenger start-ups, to personalities and thought leaders looking to build a personal brand. We’ve handled epic Olympic campaigns for Canadian Tire, landed magazine covers and first-ever broadcast placements for brands like Knix, launched purpose-driven athlete-led campaigns for Special Olympics Canada, represented names like Penny Oleksiak, and produced our fair share of intentional events and red carpets on behalf of eOne and TIFF. We are the perfect match for entrepreneurial spirits, those who want to play big, and passionate human-interest advocates who understand the value of PR.

Job Description

We are seeking a Publicist to join our team. This role sits at the intersection of media and digital strategy, storytelling, and client counsel; pitching journalists, securing meaningful coverage, and helping shape how our clients show up in culture. This is a hands-on role that spans strategy, media outreach, narrative development, and results reporting.

The ideal candidate has 2-4 years of PR or communications experience, a genuine instinct for a good story, and an up-to-date mental map of the Canadian media landscape. You know which journalists cover what, you read the news obsessively, and you have an eye for the angles that cut through.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Develop and execute earned media strategies for prospective and existing clients across consumer, lifestyle, entertainment, and purpose-driven verticals.
• Identify compelling story angles and craft pitches, press releases, media advisories, and key messaging that resonate with journalists and editors.
• Build and nurture relationships with reporters, editors, producers, and podcast hosts across print, digital, broadcast, and emerging platforms.
• Proactively pitch stories to target media, following up with persistence and professionalism to drive coverage.
• Serve as a day-to-day client contact; managing timelines, communications, and expectations with confidence and clarity.
• Support the planning and execution of press events, media previews, product launches, and red-carpet moments.
• Monitor media coverage and compile reports that speak to the impact and reach of campaign activity.
• Coordinate media interview prep, including talking points and briefing documents for spokespeople.
• Collaborate with the broader team on integrated campaigns that bring earned, owned, and influencer elements together.
• Stay current on news cycles, emerging cultural moments, and shifts in the media landscape to keep pitching timely and relevant.

Qualifications

• 2-4 years of experience in PR, communications, or a related field (agency experience is a strong asset).
• Demonstrable knowledge of the Canadian media landscape; you know the outlets, the journalists, and the beats that matter.
• A true talent for storytelling: you can find the hook in any brief and make an editor care.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including pitch writing, press release drafting, and media messaging.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple clients and deadlines simultaneously.
• Comfortable in a client-facing role; poised, proactive, and solutions-oriented.
• Experience with media monitoring tools and coverage reporting.
• Degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field, preferred.
• A genuine curiosity about culture, news, and what makes stories travel.

Why Us?

• A strong, non-hierarchical team culture: Whether we are together in person for a team retreat or working remotely, there is a foundational belief that we’re all in it together. You will never feel alone in a project, and you’ll always have the support you need to make it a success.
• We invest in you: In addition to full benefits, you will have the option to plus+ up and invest incrementally in anything related to your mental and physical health, up to $1,500 in spend.
• Atypical time off: PTO is in addition to Summer Fridays and unplanned time off for personal care.
• Professional growth: We have a networking budget set aside to give you an opportunity to connect with new contacts, welcome the chance to consider conferences you may wish to attend, and reimburse professional development when relevant to your role.

We are a high-performing company dedicated to creating an inspiring workplace for all. It is the policy of Hype PR to provide equal opportunities to all qualified persons, and to recruit, hire, train, promote, and compensate persons in all jobs without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.