Development Counsellors International

Role Description We’re searching for a seasoned freelance publicist based in the Chicago metro area, with a strong traditional media network of travel, hospitality and food & beverage contacts specifically in the Midwest. This is a part-time freelance role averaging approximately 10 hours per week. You’ll craft strategic pitches, pitch them to your journalist contacts, land strategic Midwest media coverage, and become DCI’s Midwest media guru. Influencer partnerships are not included in this role. This is perfect for someone who thrives on both independence and collaboration with an HQ-based team. What you’ll be doing - Shape Media Strategy: pitch themes and editorial calendars aligned with client goals. - Build Media Relationships: Connect with journalists and producers, monitor trends and identify coverage opportunities. - Pitch & Secure Coverage: Draft pitches, pitch story ideas, book interviews to generate editorial placements. - Events: Manage press trips and media events. Clients You’ll Work With - Under the radar, mid-west located travel destinations. Qualifications - 5+ years media relations experience; Agency experience preferred - Network of mid-west regional travel and lifestyle media relationships - Strong, creative, AP-style writing an absolute must - Ability to “spot” a story angle - 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 - Driver’s license required - Applicants must be U.S. citizens or have all necessary approvals to live/work in the U.S. without Visa sponsorship Compensation - Compensation Range: $50–$75/hour (DOE)

Remote / Travel Required | Start: Spring 2026 THE OPPORTUNITY Development Counsellors International (DCI), a destination marketing firm, is seeking a contract Tourism Brand Strategist to support both active client work and new business opportunities across destination marketing and branding engagements. This project-based role is intended for a senior strategist with a proven ability to turn research, performance data and market intelligence into strategic recommendations that drive meaningful impact for destination clients. The right candidate has done this work before. They understand the distinct challenges destination organizations face in balancing brand development with stakeholder interests, seasonal demand, geographic dispersal and long-term destination competitiveness. They also know how to lead stakeholders through complex conversations, build consensus in the room and translate research into messaging frameworks and strategic direction that clients can put into action. All work is done in partnership with DCI’s research, creative, media and account teams. Key Responsibilities Engagements vary by client and phase, but core responsibilities include: • Translate research (visitor segments, perception studies, market analyses) into audience insight, actionable brand and marketing strategy • Lead brand workshop facilitation, in-person and virtual, to surface destination identity, stakeholder consensus and creative direction • Collaborate with DCI's creative and research leads to align brand positioning with visual identity development • Develop destination brand frameworks: value proposition, brand promise, personality and tone, messaging pillars and audience-specific key messages • Build phased multi-year marketing strategies inclusive of media mix recommendations, earned/owned/paid tactics, co-op opportunities, and KPI frameworks • Guide clients through the relationship between marketing strategy and broader destination outcomes, including visitation, stakeholder value, economic impact and market share. • Contribute to annual planning, budget discussions, market prioritization and long-term strategic thinking for assigned accounts. Qualifications • 15+ years of brand strategy experience, with meaningful work in destination marketing, tourism, or place branding • Proven ability to think strategically while also maintaining a practical understanding of execution and performance. • Strong understanding of destination marketing strategy, traveler behavior and the role advertising plays in influencing visitation. • Ability to interpret tourism research, audience insights and campaign performance data and turn findings into brand frameworks. • Skilled workshop facilitator who can lead diverse stakeholder groups and generate alignment without losing strategic edge. • Strong writer who can produce strategy documents that are clear, concise, and built to be used, not just read • Strong client leadership skills and the ability to manage multiple brands, priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced agency environment. • Comfortable operating autonomously on active accounts while collaborating closely with creative and account teams Preferred Experience - Experience working on domestic or international destination accounts targeting U.S. and Canadian travelers. Compensation - $ 100 - $150/hourly depending on experience