Who You Are:

The Communications Manager reports to the Director of Communications and is charged with the execution of public relations strategies on behalf of USHG and its businesses. This fast-paced role works collaboratively across USHG departments, engaging directly with restaurant teams to establish PR goals and secure media coverage. Key job functions include proactive pitching, vetting of all press inquiries, drafting press materials, updating media lists, and staffing PR shoots & interviews. This person must have strong writing and pitching skills to get our restaurants and people covered (for the right reasons!) by relevant news outlets – and an innate love for all things hospitality. They should be well-versed in the ever-changing media landscape and an expert resource for our operators.

What You’ll Do:

• Pitch media and secure press coverage:
  • Identify trends, unique story angles, and out-of-the-box strategies for securing media placements.
  • Proactively pitch local and national press across a diverse set of publication genres including broadcast, culinary, business, trade, and lifestyle outlets.
  • Regularly dine out with journalists at USHG restaurants and facilitate introductions that lead to coverage.
  • Vet and respond to all incoming press opportunities.
• Liaise between operators and external partners/agencies:
  • Communicate press goals and business needs to any outside partners.
  • Review proposals and strategies to ensure alignment with USHG values.
  • Respond to press requests promptly.
• Handle USHG-wide awards submissions:
  • Nominate USHG restaurant and key spokespeople for relevant awards and accolades.
  • Work closely with the Director of Communications to execute a company-wide awards strategy.
• Collaborate on programming & partnerships:
  • Work in partnership with the marketing team to execute and promote on-site activations and events.
  • Utilize press and industry relationships to extend invitations, as appropriate.
• Attend and establish USHG’s presence at industry events:
  • Secure talent representation at relevant events, panels, and buzz-worthy gatherings.
  • Act as a representative of USHG at key events.
• Maintain and create press materials:
  • Regularly update all press-facing collateral, including press kits, restaurant descriptions, team bios, and fact sheets.
  • Draft press releases and assist with copywriting, as necessary.
• Communicate with our restaurants and people:
  • Share daily press alerts.
  • Attend and provide updates during regularly scheduled meetings.
  • Staff and prep teams for media opportunities.
  • Create recaps for senior leadership team.

What We’ll Need From You:

• 2-4 years of relevant food & beverage PR experience.
• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Established and proven media relationships across a wide range of publications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• A love of food media and a passion for restaurant storytelling.
• Social media awareness.
• Organized with strong attention to detail and project management skills.
• Proactive with an “act like an owner” mentality; strategic, structured thinker with a bias towards action.
• “Team sport” mentality and ability to steer cross-functional projects and communications.
• Ability to be in-office (Manhattan) 2-3 days per week.
• Ability to staff early morning, late night and weekend press opportunities, when necessary.

What You’ll Get From Us:

• Annual salary of $75,000 - $85,000, plus bonus potential*
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Paid Time Off to support you with an active life outside of work
• Paid Parental Leave
• 51% dining discount throughout the USHG family of restaurants
• Flexible Spending Options (health care, dependent care, transit & parking)
• Employee Assistance Program to support overall mental wellbeing
• Exclusive access to primary care, mental health, and other healthcare services through Radish Health
• Matched 401(k) to help you invest in your future
• Access to the USHG HUGS Employee Relief Fund

• The above represents the expected salary for this position. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we'll consider your experience and other job-related factors.