Freelance Publicist (NYC-based) | 15-20 hrs/month)  

New York, United States | PR - Econ Dev | Contract | Partially remote

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Company  

Development Counselors International (DCI) is a destination marketing agency headquartered in NYC. Our PR teams help destinations tell their stories and land high-profile media coverage. Learn more at www.aboutdci.com 

DCI is an equal opportunity employer and has taken a Diversity Pledge to ensure our agency is advancing racial justice, identifying unconscious bias, educating our staff, and using our place marketing platform to advocate for change. Our agency is also a member of the Diversity Action Alliance and Black Travel Alliance. While this job posting is a guide, we welcome applicants that may bring diverse backgrounds, ideas and experiences to DCI.  

The Role 

We’re searching for a seasoned freelance publicist based in the New York City metro area, with a strong traditional media network of business and economy, workplace and industry reporters, including national print, national broadcast and podcast media (WSJ, Bloomberg, NYT, Business Insider, CNBC, NBC, CNN). This is a part-time freelance role averaging approximately 15-20 hours per month. You’ll craft strategic pitches, pitch them to your journalist contacts, and land strategic media interviews, with the goal of landing media results. Influencer partnerships are not included in this role. This is perfect for someone who thrives on both independence and collaboration. 

What you’ll be doing 

  • Leverage Existing Media Relationships + Build New Ones: Connect with mainstream journalists and producers, monitor trends and identify coverage opportunities. 

  • Pitch & Secure Coverage: Draft pitches and targeted media lists, pitch story ideas, book interviews to generate editorial placements. 

Clients You’ll Work With 
U.S. cities and states that are implementing marketing and PR campaigns to attract business investment. 

Qualifications 

  • 5+ years media relations experience 

  • A proven network of business and economy reporters - workplace, real-estate, tech and industry reporter connections are a big plus  

  • Strong, creative, AP-style writing an absolute must 

  • Ability to “spot” a story angle and craft compelling, relevant and newsworthy pitches 

  • Strong interpersonal skills; ability to pitch stories over the phone or over email 

  • Highly self-motivated, with the ability to work independently 

  • Impeccable organization; Microsoft Office proficiency 

  • Applicants must be U.S. citizens or have all necessary approvals to live/work in the U.S. without Visa sponsorship 

Compensation 

  • $75-$100/hour (DOE)