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 & Communications

🔹 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 and media outreach to secure coverage in prominent publications.
• Developing a content strategy that positions illumin's DSP as a challenger brand in the programmatic advertising space.
• 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 ad tech or digital media industries, with a proven track record of securing media coverage in ad tech and digital marketing publications.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Bring thought leadership by collaborating with product and executive teams to elevate illumin's 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 like HubSpot AI or dynamic email content powered by customer behavior to tailor customer journeys.

✅ Build out and deliver an engaging content strategy that positions illumin's 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 to secure coverage in prominent publications and drive executive thought leadership through interviews, bylined articles, and speaking opportunities.

✅ Prioritize social amplification by shaping powerful brand messaging that resonates with advertisers, agencies, and industry stakeholders, leading social media platforms to spark engagement and elevate illumin's presence in the ad tech community.

✅ Optimize content performance by measuring the impact of work using tools like Google Analytics and SEMrush, reporting on coverage, engagement, and ROI, and 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 create compelling pitch decks, conduct research to support business development, and make engaging presentations.

🎯 Required Qualifications

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

Experience: 5-10 years of experience leading and developing content marketing or corporate communications within the advertising agency, publication, ad tech, programmatic advertising, martech, or digital media industries.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in leading and developing content marketing or corporate communications strategies within the ad tech or digital media industries.
• Strong media relations experience, with a proven track record of securing coverage in ad tech and digital marketing publications.
• 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 build connections, uncover true motivations, and lead to long-term relationships.
• Commitment to personal growth and continuous learning.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with generative AI tools like Jasper, ChatGPT, SurferSEO, GrammarlyGO, or similar platforms.
• Familiarity with predictive analytics tools and techniques.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, dynamic startup environment.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong background in content marketing or corporate communications within the ad tech or digital media industries, along with a proven track record of securing media coverage in ad tech and digital marketing publications, are strongly encouraged to apply.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a Content and PR Manager role in Toronto, the estimated salary range is CAD 90,000 - 120,000 per year. This estimate is subject to change based on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

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

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with a hybrid work arrangement (2 days on-site).

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications. Benefits are subject to change and may be confirmed during the interview process.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Advertising Services

Company Size: Medium (201-500 employees)

Founded: 2009

Company Description:

• illumin is a leading provider of journey advertising solutions, empowering marketers to connect with their audiences in powerful ways through real-time data and easy-to-use visual tools.
• The company's platform offers an integrated space for journey planning, execution, and reporting, enabling marketers to take complete control of their campaigns and maximize the impact of their ad spend through personalized insights for smarter decision-making.
• illumin is transforming the advertising landscape by seamlessly combining media planning and buying in an intuitive interface, making it easy for marketers to meet customers wherever they are in the buying journey and maximize the impact of their ad spend through personalized insights for smarter decision-making.

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: illumin is a well-established company in the ad tech industry, with a strong focus on innovation, data-driven marketing, and providing comprehensive journey advertising solutions for its clients.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level to Senior

Reporting Structure: The Content and PR Manager will report directly to the SVP, Marketing.

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (2 days on-site) with the opportunity for fully remote candidates, requiring regular travel to the Toronto headquarters for collaboration and key initiatives.

Growth Opportunities:

• As the company grows and evolves, there will be opportunities to expand the content and PR team under the leadership of the Content and PR Manager, with a clear trajectory toward a Director-level position.
• The role offers the chance to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, with the potential for significant impact on the company's growth and success.
• The Content and PR Manager will have the opportunity to shape the company's brand narrative and influence key decision-makers in the ad tech industry.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with the opportunity to make a measurable impact on the company's brand and reputation in the ad tech industry.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (2 days on-site) with the opportunity for fully remote candidates, requiring regular travel to the Toronto headquarters for collaboration and key initiatives.

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

Geographic Context:

• Toronto is the largest city in Canada and the provincial capital of Ontario, with a diverse and multicultural population.
• The city is a major center for business, finance, and technology, with a thriving ad tech industry.
• Toronto offers a high quality of life, with numerous cultural attractions, entertainment options, and recreational opportunities.

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with a hybrid work arrangement (2 days on-site).

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers the best of both worlds, allowing employees to work from home most of the week while still enjoying the benefits of in-person collaboration and team building when working on-site.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• A virtual interview with a Talent Advisor to discuss the candidate's interest in the role.
• An interview with the SVP, Marketing to share the candidate's creative experience, exposure to AI, and process. It's an opportunity to learn more about illumin's marketing strategy and solutions.
• A panel interview with the Product Marketing Director, Director of Digital Marketing, and members of the team.

Key Assessment Areas:

• Candidates' ability to craft bold, insight-driven content and build campaigns that influence key decision-makers in the ad tech industry.
• Candidates' media relations experience and ability to secure coverage in prominent publications.
• Candidates' project management skills and ability to create and maintain effective project plans, manage project meetings and communications, and make decisions independently.
• Candidates' communication skills and ability to build connections, uncover true motivations, and lead to long-term relationships.
• Candidates' commitment to personal growth and continuous learning.

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in content marketing or corporate communications within the ad tech or digital media industries, with a strong focus on media relations and securing coverage in ad tech and digital marketing publications.
• Prepare for interview questions that focus on your creative experience, exposure to AI, and process, as well as your ability to craft bold, insight-driven content and build campaigns that influence key decision-makers in the ad tech industry.
• Be ready to discuss your approach to project management, communication, and collaboration in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

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

ASSUMPTION: The interview process will focus on assessing candidates' ability to craft bold, insight-driven content and build campaigns that influence key decision-makers in the ad tech industry, as well as their media relations experience, project management skills, and communication skills.

🛠️ 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)
• Generative AI Tools (e.g., Jasper, ChatGPT, SurferSEO, GrammarlyGO)
• Predictive Analytics Tools
• SEO and AEO Optimization Tools (e.g., SEMrush)
• Project Management Tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: The Content and PR Manager will be expected to have experience working with a variety of tools and technologies relevant to content marketing, public relations, and project management, as well as a willingness to learn and adapt to new tools as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Innovation: illumin encourages its employees to think outside the box, experiment, and drive change in the ad tech industry.
• Collaboration: illumin fosters a culture of knowledge sharing and cross-functional collaboration to deliver exceptional results for its clients.
• Customer-centricity: illumin prioritizes the needs and preferences of its customers, ensuring that its solutions meet their unique marketing challenges and objectives.

Work Style:

• Dynamic: illumin operates in a fast-paced, ever-evolving industry, requiring employees to be adaptable and responsive to change.
• Data-driven: illumin relies on data and analytics to inform its marketing strategies and drive continuous improvement.
• Creative: illumin values innovative thinking and encourages its employees to approach challenges with a creative mindset.

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with illumin's company values, particularly in terms of innovation, collaboration, and customer-centricity?
• How comfortable are you working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, and how do you adapt to change?
• How do you approach data-driven decision-making, and how do you use data to inform your content and PR strategies?
• How do you balance creativity and data-driven insights in your content and PR work?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who demonstrate a strong alignment with illumin's company values, a willingness to adapt to change, and a data-driven approach to content and PR will be well-suited to this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The ad tech industry is fast-paced and constantly evolving, requiring the Content and PR Manager to stay up-to-date with the latest trends, tools, and best practices.
• The role may involve working with tight deadlines and managing multiple projects simultaneously, requiring strong time management and organizational skills.
• The Content and PR Manager may need to navigate complex stakeholder relationships and manage competing priorities, requiring exceptional communication and collaboration skills.
• The role may require occasional travel to attend industry events, conferences, or client meetings.

ASSUMPTION: The Content and PR Manager must be able to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and adapt to change, with a strong focus on continuous learning and personal growth.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other content marketing or PR roles in the ad tech industry, this role offers a unique opportunity to influence key decision-makers and shape the brand narrative of a leading journey advertising platform.
• Unlike other roles, this position requires a strong background in content marketing or corporate communications within the ad tech or digital media industries, with a proven track record of securing media coverage in ad tech and digital marketing publications.
• This role offers significant growth potential, with the opportunity to expand the content and PR team under the leadership of the Content and PR Manager and eventually transition into a Director-level position.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity for the right candidate to make a measurable impact on the company's brand and reputation in the ad tech industry, with significant growth potential and the chance to shape the brand narrative of a leading journey advertising platform.

📝 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 that educate and inspire advertisers and agencies.
• Securing coverage in prominent ad tech and digital marketing publications, such as AdExchanger, Digiday, The Drum, and Adweek, through strategic media outreach and attention-grabbing press releases, pitches, and announcements.
• Creating a dynamic, tailored content experience across email, social media, and the web, leveraging generative AI tools to scale content production, improve SEO and AEO, and personalize content for multiple formats and channels.

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are designed to showcase the Content and PR Manager's ability to craft bold, insight-driven content, manage public relations and media outreach, and leverage generative AI tools to deliver measurable results in the ad tech industry.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the company's marketing strategy and how this role fits into that overall plan?
• How does the company support the professional growth and development of its employees, particularly in the marketing and PR departments?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days, and how can I best prepare for those expectations?
• How does the company measure the success of its content and PR efforts, and what key performance indicators (KPIs) will I be responsible for tracking?
• What opportunities are there for collaboration and knowledge sharing with other departments, such as product, sales, and data teams?
• How does the company approach diversity, equity, and inclusion, and what initiatives are in place to foster a supportive and inclusive work environment?

ASSUMPTION: These key questions are designed to help candidates better understand the company's marketing strategy, expectations for the role, and the opportunities for professional growth and collaboration within the organization.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in content marketing or corporate communications within the ad tech or digital media industries, with a strong focus on media relations and securing coverage in ad tech and digital marketing publications.
• Prepare for interview questions that focus on your creative experience, exposure to AI, and process, as well as your ability to craft bold, insight-driven content and build campaigns that influence key decision-makers in the ad tech industry.
• Be ready to discuss your approach to project management, communication, and collaboration in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role.

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