Senior Publicist - Travel & Lifestyle Media Relations

Fixed-Term 15 Month Maternity Leave: Start Date January 2027, with potential for extensionToronto (Fully Remote)Salary range: $80,000-$90,000 commensurate with experiencePosition OverviewThe Senior Publicist is a senior client-facing role responsible for leading media relations programs for Development Counsellors International's (DCI) destination and hospitality clients in the Canadian market. This position ensures client stories reach the right Canadian journalists, editors and producers, and that media relations efforts translate into earned coverage that builds visibility and inspires travel and bookings.
The Senior Publicist partners closely with account leadership and senior client decision-makers to turn destination and hospitality stories into compelling editorial opportunities. The role combines strategic counsel with hands-on writing, pitching and media event execution, ensuring media relations delivers measurable results for clients.
About DCIDevelopment Counsellors International partners with tourism boards, convention centres and hotels to turn their stories into earned media that inspires people to travel or book meetings. We're a collaborative, results-driven team that believes great storytelling moves people.
Key OutcomesMedia Coverage & Results
Develop creative, newsworthy story angles that align client objectives with media interests
Secure meaningful earned media coverage for destination and hospitality clients across Canadian print, broadcast and digital outlets
Track, report and evaluate coverage quality and impact for clients
Client Counsel & Relationships
Serve as a trusted media relations advisor to senior client decision-makers
Present strategic recommendations, plans and results with confidence and clarity
Set clear expectations with clients on opportunities, timelines and outcomes
Media Network & Industry Presence
Stay current on shifts in the Canadian media landscape, including outlets, editorial staff and story trends
Maintain relationships with Canadian journalists, editors and producers
Represent clients professionally and knowledgeably in front of media
CompetenciesIndependence & Self-Management
Works proactively and independently in a remote environment.
Manages multiple clients, priorities and deadlines effectively.
Takes ownership of outcomes without needing close direction.
Remains composed and effective under tight deadlines.
Collaboration & Team Partnership
Keeps teammates informed and shares media insight openly.
Contributes to a supportive, high-performing team culture.
Adaptability & Responsiveness
Responds quickly to breaking news, editorial opportunities and client needs.
Adjusts strategies as media, market and client conditions change.
Qualifications & Experience
8-10 years of media relations experience, ideally within travel, tourism or hospitality
Established relationships with Canadian journalists, editors and producers across print, broadcast and digital media
Proven track record of securing editorial coverage
Strong strategic thinking and the confidence to present recommendations to senior-level clients
Excellent English-language writing, storytelling and pitching skills
Proactive and self-motivated, able to work independently while collaborating with a team
This is not an influencer marketing role, but please call out experience in this area if you have it
French language skills an asset
Must be legally authorized to work in Canada
DCI welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request throughout the recruitment process.
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