Content and Public Relations (PR) Manager

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Content and Public Relations (PR) Manager

🔹 Company: illumin

🔹 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (2 days on-site)

🔹 Category: Marketing & PR

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-28

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (2 days on-site)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Crafting bold, insight-driven content and campaigns to influence key decision-makers in the ad tech industry
• Managing public relations, media outreach, and developing a content strategy to position the company's DSP as a challenger brand
• Leveraging generative AI tools to scale content production, improve SEO and AEO, and personalize content experiences
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to produce content rooted in insights and performance benchmarks

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong background in content marketing or corporate communications within the advertising or digital media industries, with a proven track record of securing coverage in ad tech and digital marketing publications.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Bring thought leadership by collaborating with product and executive teams to elevate the brand as an innovator in the programmatic space, applying predictive analytics to refine content strategy and forecast engagement trends based on historic and real-time data.

✅ Design and implement a next-gen PR and content strategy, optimizing demand generation and lead nurturing using AI-powered tools or dynamic email content powered by customer behavior to tailor customer journeys.

✅ Build out and deliver an engaging content strategy that positions the DSP as a challenger brand in the programmatic advertising space, crafting compelling blogs, white papers, case studies, and reports that educate and inspire advertisers and agencies.

✅ Manage public relations and media outreach, building strong relationships with top-tier trade media, journalists, analysts, and influencers, crafting attention-grabbing press releases, pitches, and announcements that secure coverage in prominent publications.

✅ Prioritize social amplification by shaping powerful brand messaging that resonates with advertisers, agencies, and industry stakeholders, leading social media (LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.) to spark engagement and elevate the presence in the ad tech community.

✅ Optimize content strategy by measuring the impact of work using tools like Google Analytics, SEMrush, and reporting on coverage, engagement, and ROI, then continuously refining strategies with data-driven insights to amplify reach and results.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to simplify complex ad tech topics, and experience working with content management systems, social media platforms, and PR tools.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, or a related field

Experience: 5-10 years of experience in content marketing or corporate communications within the advertising or digital media industries, with strong media relations experience and a proven track record of securing coverage in ad tech and digital marketing publications.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to simplify complex ad tech topics
• In-depth knowledge of SEO, digital marketing, and paid media
• Experience working with content management systems (e.g., WordPress, HubSpot), social media platforms, and PR tools (e.g., Muck Rack, Meltwater, Cision, Sprinklr, or SimilarWeb)
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to create and maintain effective project plans, manage project meetings and communications, and make decisions independently
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to create compelling pitch decks, conduct research to support business development, and make engaging presentations

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with generative AI tools such as Jasper, ChatGPT, SurferSEO, GrammarlyGO, or HubSpot AI
• Familiarity with the programmatic advertising and ad tech industries

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have experience leading and developing content marketing or corporate communications, with a strong media relations background and exceptional writing and editing skills.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: CAD 90,000 - 120,000 per year (Based on industry standards for a mid-level marketing manager in Toronto)

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plan with company match
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible work arrangements
• Professional development opportunities

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with flexible hours and remote work options

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is based on industry standards for a mid-level marketing manager in Toronto, with a focus on content marketing and public relations experience.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Advertising Services

Company Size: 201-500 employees (Mid-sized company with a collaborative and dynamic work environment)

Founded: 2009 (With over a decade of experience, illumin is an established player in the ad tech industry)

Company Description:

• illumin is transforming the advertising landscape with its AI-powered advertising technology platform, enabling marketers to break free from siloed media buying and market to customers in meaningful ways
• The company offers an integrated space for journey planning, execution, and reporting, empowering marketers to connect with their audiences across Open Web channels, DOOH, and social media
• illumin is committed to embracing change, empowering its team members to innovate, experiment, and bring forward new ideas

Company Specialties:

• Online Display Advertising
• Demand Side Platform (DSP)
• Programmatic Marketing
• Media Buying
• Advertising
• Display Marketing
• Video Marketing
• Mobile Marketing
• Data Management Platform (DMP)
• Omnichannel Consumer Journey Platform

Company Website: illumin.com

ASSUMPTION: As a mid-sized company with a collaborative and dynamic work environment, illumin offers a unique opportunity for candidates to make a significant impact and grow professionally.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level marketing manager, with potential for growth into a Director-level position

Reporting Structure: Reporting directly to the SVP, Marketing, with opportunities to collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product, sales, data, and marketing teams

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (2 days on-site), with flexible hours and remote work options

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to build out a content and PR team under the candidate's leadership, with a clear trajectory toward a Director-level position
• Opportunities to experiment with AI-driven approaches and shape the marketing and PR playbook
• Chance to influence one of the fastest-evolving industries and make a measurable impact on the company's growth and success

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential, with opportunities to expand the candidate's ownership and impact over time.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (2 days on-site), with a modern and collaborative office space in downtown Toronto

Office Location(s): 70 University Ave, 1200, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2M4, CA

Geographic Context:

• Toronto is a multicultural city with a vibrant tech industry, offering a diverse range of cultural attractions, entertainment, and culinary experiences
• The downtown core is a bustling business district with easy access to public transportation, shopping, and dining options
• illumin's office is conveniently located near major transit hubs, making it easily accessible for employees

Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with flexible hours and remote work options

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers the best of both worlds, with the opportunity to collaborate and build relationships with team members in the office, while also enjoying the flexibility and convenience of remote work.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Virtual interview with a Talent Advisor to discuss the candidate's interest in the role
• Interview with the SVP, Marketing, to share the candidate's creative experience, exposure to AI, and process
• Panel interview with the Product Marketing Director, Director of Digital Marketing, and members of the team

Key Assessment Areas:

• Creativity and strategic thinking in content and PR strategy development
• Writing and editing skills, with the ability to simplify complex ad tech topics
• Media relations experience and ability to build strong relationships with top-tier trade media, journalists, analysts, and influencers
• Project management skills and ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
• Alignment with illumin's brand and values

Application Tips:

• Tailor the resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on problem-solving, collaboration, and adaptability
• Research illumin's brand, products, and industry trends to demonstrate a strong understanding of the company and its competitive landscape

ATS Keywords: Content Marketing, Public Relations, SEO, Digital Marketing, Project Management, Media Relations, Writing, Editing, Collaboration, Analytics, Social Media, AI Tools, Communication, Creativity, Data-Driven Strategy, Brand Messaging, Ad Tech, Programmatic Advertising

ASSUMPTION: The interview process is designed to assess the candidate's creativity, strategic thinking, writing and editing skills, media relations experience, project management skills, and alignment with illumin's brand and values.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, HubSpot)
• Social media platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, Instagram)
• PR tools (e.g., Muck Rack, Meltwater, Cision, Sprinklr, or SimilarWeb)
• AI-powered tools (e.g., Jasper, ChatGPT, SurferSEO, GrammarlyGO, or HubSpot AI)
• Analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, SEMrush)

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies listed are essential for success in this role, enabling the candidate to create, manage, and optimize content and PR strategies effectively.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Innovation: illumin encourages experimentation, continuous learning, and a bias for speed and delivery over perfection
• Collaboration: illumin fosters a culture of knowledge sharing and cross-functional collaboration
• Customer-centricity: illumin prioritizes the customer's needs and objectives in all aspects of its business

Work Style:

• Entrepreneurial mindset: illumin seeks team members who are proactive, adaptable, and comfortable working in a dynamic and evolving environment
• Data-driven: illumin leverages data and analytics to inform decision-making and optimize performance
• Results-oriented: illumin focuses on delivering measurable results and continuous improvement

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where change is embraced, and innovation is encouraged?
• Are you comfortable working with data and analytics to inform content and PR strategies?
• Do you have a proven track record of delivering measurable results and driving business impact through content and PR campaigns?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should assess their alignment with illumin's values and work style, as well as their comfort with change, data-driven decision-making, and a results-oriented approach.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously, requiring strong time management and prioritization skills
• Navigating a fast-paced and evolving industry, with a constant need to stay up-to-date on emerging trends and technologies
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with top-tier trade media, journalists, analysts, and influencers, requiring exceptional communication and networking skills
• Collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams, requiring strong project management and communication skills

ASSUMPTION: These challenges are inherent to the role and require a proactive, adaptable, and results-oriented approach to succeed.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike traditional marketing roles, this position requires a strong focus on thought leadership, media relations, and AI-driven content strategy
• Compared to other content marketing roles, this position offers a unique opportunity to influence a competitive ad tech industry and drive measurable business impact
• Career progression in this role may lead to a Director-level position, with opportunities to build out a content and PR team under the candidate's leadership

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of marketing, PR, and AI-driven content strategy, with significant growth potential and the opportunity to make a measurable impact on the company's success.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive content strategy that positions illumin's DSP as a challenger brand in the programmatic advertising space, including blogs, white papers, case studies, and reports
• Securing coverage in prominent ad tech and digital marketing publications, such as AdExchanger, Digiday, The Drum, and Adweek, through strategic media outreach and relationship-building
• Creating and executing a high-converting social media campaign that resonates with advertisers, agencies, and industry stakeholders, driving engagement and elevating illumin's presence in the ad tech community

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects highlight the candidate's ability to craft compelling content, build strong media relationships, and drive measurable results through strategic communication and marketing campaigns.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
• How does illumin support the professional growth and development of its team members?
• What are the key challenges facing the company in the next 12-24 months, and how can this role contribute to addressing them?
• How does illumin measure the success of its content and PR strategies, and what metrics are most important to track?
• What opportunities are there for collaboration and knowledge sharing with other departments and teams within the company?

ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to assess the candidate's understanding of the role, illumin's priorities, and the company's culture, as well as their ability to contribute to the company's success.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on problem-solving, collaboration, and adaptability
• Research illumin's brand, products, and industry trends to demonstrate a strong understanding of the company and its competitive landscape
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application, inquiring about the status of your application and expressing your continued interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.