Publicist

hybrid
1120 Hamilton Street 307, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, V6B 2S2
full-time . April 28, 2026

Description

About SMC

SMC is a creative communications agency that transforms brands into stories people share. We specialize in PR, social, digital, design, and experience, with a deep focus on food & beverage, hospitality, and lifestyle brands.

We believe the most powerful marketing doesn’t interrupt culture; it becomes part of it. Our work is built to earn attention, not just buy it.

The Role

We’re looking for an experienced Publicist who can secure meaningful coverage and knows exactly who to call to make it happen.

This is a high-impact role for someone who understands that great PR is driven by relationships, timing, instinct, and strong storytelling. You won’t just execute, you’ll own outcomes.

You’ll lead day-to-day PR and media relations across a portfolio of hospitality and lifestyle clients, contributing to integrated campaigns that span earned, social, and creative.

What You’ll Do

Media & PR

Build, maintain, and actively leverage relationships with media across Vancouver, BC, Canada, and key international markets
Develop and lead press strategies, pitches, and story angles that secure meaningful coverage
Own outreach from start to finish, including targeting, pitching, and follow-up
Identify the right journalists for each story based on beat, recent work, and relevance
Secure placements across print, digital, broadcast, and emerging platforms
Track, analyze, and report on media coverage and performance
Lead award submissions, including identifying opportunities, drafting submissions, and managing timelines
Support and execute press events, openings, and experiential moments

Media Hosting & Experiences

Curate media and influencer guest lists for hosted dinners, events, and launches
Contribute to table strategy and guest composition
Help shape hosting angles and experiences that are intentional and coverage-driven
Participate in media hosting alongside the internal and client teams

Influencer & Creator Partnerships

Identify and engage creators who align with brand positioning and campaign goals
Manage outreach and partnerships with a focus on quality and impact, not volume
Ensure influencer activity supports broader PR and storytelling objectives
Track performance and optimize partnerships

Client Management

Act as a day-to-day PR lead alongside agency Client Leads
Provide strategic counsel on timing, positioning, and opportunities
Lead status updates, reporting, and ongoing communication
Ensure deadlines, deliverables, and expectations are consistently met

Storytelling & Strategy

Contribute to campaign ideation with a PR-first mindset
Develop press materials, messaging, and narrative frameworks
Identify culturally relevant opportunities to insert brands into conversation
Support integrated campaigns across PR, social, and experiential

What You Bring

3–5+ years experience in PR, preferably within an agency environment
Intimate knowledge of the local, national, and relevant international media landscape
Existing, active relationships with journalists, creators, editors, and producers
Proven ability to secure meaningful earned media coverage independently
Ability to connect the right story to the right person quickly and effectively
Deep understanding of hospitality, food, lifestyle, and/or travel sectors
Experience working with influencers and managing creator partnerships
Excellent writing skills across pitches, press releases, and client communications
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple clients at once
A sharp instinct for what makes a story newsworthy

Who You Are

You think like a storyteller, not just a publicist
You are proactive and don’t wait to be told what to pitch
You understand culture and how brands show up in it
You are confident in your relationships and your instincts
You take ownership and care about outcomes, not just ticking boxes
You thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative agency environment

What Success Looks Like

Consistently securing high-quality, relevant media coverage
Strong, responsive relationships with key journalists and editors
Proactive pitching that drives results, not just reactive execution
Clear visibility into coverage performance and opportunities
Meaningful contributions to campaigns that feel culturally relevant and worth talking about

Growth & Development

This role is designed with growth in mind. The Publicist will have a clear pathway toward Senior Publicist, with expanded responsibility across strategy, client leadership, and campaign development as experience and impact grow.

At SMC, we support ongoing professional development through mentorship, hands-on learning, and exposure to a diverse range of clients and integrated campaigns.

How We Support You at SMC

At SMC Communications, we believe that when our team thrives, our work thrives too. Our culture is rooted in collaboration, hospitality, and a shared passion for meaningful brand experiences.

What We Offer

Competitive salary: $70,000–$80,000 depending on experience
Comprehensive extended health benefits (after probation)
3 weeks paid vacation + 5 SMC bonus days (approximately 4 weeks total)
Hybrid work model: 3 days in-office (Yaletown), 2 days remote
MacBook Air laptop
$600 annual phone allowance
$600 annual lifestyle allowance
Monthly team socials and shared experiences
Industry dinners, tastings, launches, and hospitality events across Vancouver
Professional development, mentorship, and growth opportunities
A collaborative environment where ideas, ownership, and leadership are shared

Why SMC

Work on brands that people actually experience, talk about, and return to
Be part of a team that prioritizes earned media over vanity metrics
Have a real voice in shaping campaigns, not just executing them
Build relationships and a reputation that extend beyond the agency
Contribute to work that creates real cultural and commercial impact

Equal Opportunity

SMC Communications is an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive and respectful workplace.

Compensation

$70,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Know someone who would be a perfect fit? Let them know!