Director of Public Relations

Champion is seeking a full-time Director of Public Relations to lead its Media Relations Team from its home office in Dallas. This role is ideal for a seasoned PR professional with 10+ years of experience on the agency and/or client side, ideally in the restaurant and hospitality industry. The Director of Public Relations will serve as a strategic leader and trusted advisor overseeing media relations, guiding client strategy, mentoring talent and helping shape the agency’s continued growth. This position offers career advancement, competitive compensation and benefits, a hybrid work schedule and the opportunity to work within a fast-paced, collaborative and high-performing team culture. About Champion Management Group, LLC Champion is a best-in-class, fully integrated marketing agency powered by a team of nearly 50 professionals who are experts in their respective fields and driven by a common purpose - to be an indispensable partner to our clients. We recognize that every brand is unique, requiring thoughtfully crafted programs designed to achieve both short- and long-term goals. Our clients know they will never get a "one size fits all" approach from their Champion team. Description Champion is a world-class, omni-channel public relations and digital media agency specializing in the restaurant, foodservice and hospitality industry. For nearly 25 years, Champion has helped leading and emerging brands build visibility, protect their reputations and grow. Today, Champion represents more restaurant brands than any PR agency in the nation, bringing unmatched category experience to earned media, digital strategy, crisis communications and brand storytelling. Key Responsibilities Leadership & Team Management Lead, manage and mentor a high-performing team of PR specialists, writers and Foster a culture of excellence, accountability, creativity and professional growth. Provide ongoing coaching, feedback and development, including performance reviews and promotion recommendations to junior and mid-level team members. Media Relations & Practice Oversight Oversee all media relations efforts and related practice areas, including national, consumer, trade, crisis communications and media training. Direct and support the creation, editing, distribution and pitching of more than 1,500 press releases, alerts and other media engagements annually. Ensure consistent delivery of high-quality media placements across national and local television, print, trade, radio, podcasts, digital outlets and other emerging media. Strategic Counsel & Brand Storytelling Develop and refine compelling brand narratives that elevate client visibility and Provide strategic guidance and recommendations to PR teams and cross-functional client support teams. Translate complex client initiatives into clear, engaging and newsworthy Proactive Media Engagement Identify and capitalize on timely, trending and culturally relevant news Position clients as credible, trusted experts and go-to media resources across national, local, digital and industry outlets. Coordinate media interviews, appearances and briefings, including preparation of talking points, sample Q&A and reporter background materials. Relationship Building Build, strengthen and maintain long-standing relationships with reporters, editors, producers and digital content creators nationwide. Stay informed on evolving media landscapes and shifting journalist needs. Crisis Communications & Reputation Management Serve as a senior advisor to client executives during real-time and potential crisis situations. Provide calm, thoughtful and strategic counsel under pressure. Client Partnership & Business Development Act as a trusted advisor to senior client stakeholders, delivering measurable results and long-term value. and strategic presentations. Strengthen internal alignment to ensure client satisfaction and retention. Qualifications & Experience 10+ years of progressive public relations experience, gained within a PR agency and/or Demonstrated success leading media relations programs at a national or multi-market level. Strong national and local media relationships. Exceptional writing skills, with the ability to produce high-impact press releases, media pitches, bylined articles, white papers, executive communications and thought leadership content. Strong verbal communication and presentation skills, with confidence supporting executive-level client interactions and business development efforts. Real-world experience managing crisis communications and reputational issues. Prior experience working within or supporting restaurant, foodservice, hospitality or lifestyle brands strongly preferred. Highly organized, detail-oriented and self-motivated professional who thrives in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. Energetic leadership style Benefits career advancement competitive compensation and benefits hybrid work schedule #J-18808-Ljbffr Champion