• In partnership with Only in Oak Brook, initiate a public/media relations effort generating coverage within traditional and new media, drive destination awareness and engage key audiences.
• Work with Only in Oak Brook to develop strategic key messages based on destination differentiators, offerings and experiences.
• Spearhead the creation and implementation of an annual pitch calendar with breakthrough story ideas and pitches that also consider consumer preferences about finding travel inspiration
• Based on key audiences, goals and objectives, develop a list of targeted lifestyle, travel, culture, meetings/events, wedding and business media
• Proactively pitch targeted media based on planned editorial calendars and seize on story opportunities that arise throughout the year.
• Work with Only in Oak Brook to drive increased attendance and generate more hotel stays in conjunction with the annual Taste of Oak Brook
• Vet media inquiries in a timely manner and in alignment with Only in Oak Brook’s goals and objectives
• Connect vetted journalists, travel writers and influencers to Only in Oak Brook for media visits, interviews and story development
• Identify and apply for “Top” destination awards and accolades and other differentiators that positively raise Oak Brook’s profile
• Identify and pursue media opportunities to position Oak Brook as the premier Chicagoland location for business corporate headquarters, retail stores and restaurants
• Create written press materials including templates for media alerts, press releases, talking points, fact sheets and media briefing documents
• Secure individual press trips and familiarization tours as appropriate and assist with curating specific itineraries
• Participate in regular meetings with Only In Oak Brook about both status/updates as well as brainstorming/idea generation
• Participate in occasional in-destination meetings, visioning/planning activities, partner meetings and Hotel Convention Visitor Committee meetings
• Tourism-based media visits and earned media: Increase visibility and positive coverage of Oak Brook as both a premier tourist destination and the place to stay when visiting Chicago through targeted media visits and earned media.
• Reporting: Receive detailed reports on earned media, media values and strategic insights for ongoing and future marketing efforts
• Travel Writer and Influencer Vetting: Evaluate potential travel writers and influencers who express interest in visiting Oak Brook, advising on the best content to focus on.
• Story Crafting: Develop a compelling narrative communicating Oak Brook’s unique story and vision to potential visitors.
• Develop messaging and specific campaign around retail shopping in Oak Brook and dining at Oak Brook restaurants. • Develop messaging and specific campaign for Oak Brook for the holidays and holiday shopping season.
• Develop messaging and specific campaign about why Oak Brook is the premier suburb in Chicagoland.
• Develop messaging and specific campaign about why Oak Brook is the perfect location for corporations.
1. Client Relations & Reporting
• Conduct monthly strategic meetings to discuss upcoming campaigns, present promotional strategies and obtain approval for calendar of activities
• Review campaign performance metrics with Village staff, adjusting as necessary for approval
• Provide quarterly reporting on scope of work and program budget management
• Collaborate with Village staff to prepare any necessary agendas and presentations for external meetings, ensuring alignment and approval
• Conduct research on industry trends and provide relevant updates
• Attend Hotel Convention and Visitors Committee Meetings quarterly
• Track and report on visitor segmentation to inform strategic decisions
2. Project Management
• Advise on brand strategies, including SEO-optimized content to support the Only In Oak Brook brand • Support Only In Oak Brook initiatives with insight and PR execution as needed
• Assist with development/enhancement of Only in Oak Brook’s social media strategy
• Develop and collaborate on an annual tourism promotion calendar for each market sector (leisure consumer/meetings/weddings) and cover topics such as local events, retail shopping, restaurants and historic Oak Brook etc.
• Identify appropriate distribution channels (newswire agencies, networks, trade shows, media lists etc.) • Media promotion for the 2026 President’s Cup to position Oak Brook as the luxury destination to stay and visit for this event
• Leverage PR opportunities to promote Oak Brook Hotels, retail and restaurants, tourism partners and campaigns such as:
o Oak Brook itineraries including overnight stays in key geographic markets
o Promotional contests and giveaways
o Featured business profiles
• Manage creative resources when necessary. Share all native/raw files with the Village upon completion of design assets/use
• Copyright where applicable
3. Content Creation
• Create all content and collateral needed for the strategy
• Special emphasis on video content and photographic assets
• Create press releases, story idea pitches, media kits and other PR materials and assets to communicate Only in Oak Brook’s appeal effectively
• Develop a local, regional and national media distribution list
4. Media Relations
• Monitor regional and national editorial calendars, leveraging established media relationships to secure earned media coverage
• Media monitoring for Oak Brook mentions and overage
• Create and distribute Oak Brook fact and story sheets for various events, activities, village assets and promotions taking place here
• Maintain media toolkit with messaging, photography and other creative assets
• Engage with media influencers to reach Oak Brook’s distinct audience markets (leisure/business/weddings), coordinating media visits and travel writers to showcase Oak Brook’s appeal
5. Social Media Services
• Consult with marketing manager and help develop a comprehensive, platform-specific social media strategy aligned with overall marketing goals and brand voice.
• Develop strategy to increase engagement and grow followers on social
• Social media content creation and production: Develop original, engaging content (static, short & long form video, stories, reels, etc.) as needed and tailored to each platform and audience segment; ensure each piece is platform-optimized and aligned with brand messaging
• Develop copy guidelines for posts, captions, hashtags and calls to action in brand voice
• Develop an annual strategic roadmap that guides all social media efforts
• Provide ongoing strategic consultation as platforms and brand priorities evolve
• Provide a defined number of monthly deliverables per platform
• Create a monthly calendar for review and approval while aligning social posts with key dates, events and promotions
• Advise and provide expertise on social media advertising and help develop an overarching strategy and recommend social tactics that enhance and amplify Oak Brook as a destination
• Advise and provide expertise on organic and UGC content
• Develop and vet social media influencers for potential collaboration
• Track measurable outcomes from social media activities on a monthly basis and provide reporting
• Actively monitor Only in Oak Brook’s social media channels, responding to comments, messages and mentions in a timely and engaging manner
Due Date: Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 10:00 A.M. prevailing time
Contact: Rania Serences 1200 Oak Brook Road Oak Brook, IL 60523 (630) 368-5164
