About SMCSMC 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 RoleWe’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 DoMedia & PR-
Build, maintain, and actively leverage relationships with media across Vancouver, BC, Canada, and key international markets
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Develop and lead press strategies, pitches, and story angles that secure meaningful coverage
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Own outreach from start to finish, including targeting, pitching, and follow-up
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Identify the right journalists for each story based on beat, recent work, and relevance
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Secure placements across print, digital, broadcast, and emerging platforms
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Track, analyze, and report on media coverage and performance
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Lead award submissions, including identifying opportunities, drafting submissions, and managing timelines
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Support and execute press events, openings, and experiential moments
Media Hosting & Experiences-
Curate media and influencer guest lists for hosted dinners, events, and launches
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Contribute to table strategy and guest composition
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Help shape hosting angles and experiences that are intentional and coverage-driven
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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
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Manage outreach and partnerships with a focus on quality and impact, not volume
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Ensure influencer activity supports broader PR and storytelling objectives
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Track performance and optimize partnerships
Client Management-
Act as a day-to-day PR lead alongside agency Client Leads
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Provide strategic counsel on timing, positioning, and opportunities
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Lead status updates, reporting, and ongoing communication
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Ensure deadlines, deliverables, and expectations are consistently met
Storytelling & Strategy-
Contribute to campaign ideation with a PR-first mindset
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Develop press materials, messaging, and narrative frameworks
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Identify culturally relevant opportunities to insert brands into conversation
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Support integrated campaigns across PR, social, and experiential
What You Bring-
3–5+ years experience in PR, preferably within an agency environment
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Intimate knowledge of the local, national, and relevant international media landscape
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Existing, active relationships with journalists, creators, editors, and producers
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Proven ability to secure meaningful earned media coverage independently
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Ability to connect the right story to the right person quickly and effectively
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Deep understanding of hospitality, food, lifestyle, and/or travel sectors
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Experience working with influencers and managing creator partnerships
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Excellent writing skills across pitches, press releases, and client communications
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Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple clients at once
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A sharp instinct for what makes a story newsworthy
Who You Are-
You think like a storyteller, not just a publicist
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You are proactive and don’t wait to be told what to pitch
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You understand culture and how brands show up in it
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You are confident in your relationships and your instincts
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You take ownership and care about outcomes, not just ticking boxes
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You thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative agency environment
What Success Looks Like-
Consistently securing high-quality, relevant media coverage
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Strong, responsive relationships with key journalists and editors
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Proactive pitching that drives results, not just reactive execution
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Clear visibility into coverage performance and opportunities
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Meaningful contributions to campaigns that feel culturally relevant and worth talking about
Growth & DevelopmentThis 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 SMCAt 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
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Comprehensive extended health benefits (after probation)
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3 weeks paid vacation + 5 SMC bonus days (approximately 4 weeks total)
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Hybrid work model: 3 days in-office (Yaletown), 2 days remote
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MacBook Air laptop
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$600 annual phone allowance
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$600 annual lifestyle allowance
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Monthly team socials and shared experiences
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Industry dinners, tastings, launches, and hospitality events across Vancouver
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Professional development, mentorship, and growth opportunities
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A collaborative environment where ideas, ownership, and leadership are shared
Why SMC-
Work on brands that people actually experience, talk about, and return to
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Be part of a team that prioritizes earned media over vanity metrics
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Have a real voice in shaping campaigns, not just executing them
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Build relationships and a reputation that extend beyond the agency
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Contribute to work that creates real cultural and commercial impact
Equal OpportunitySMC Communications is an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive and respectful workplace.
