Associate Manager, Public Relations

About the role

Being a BrinkerHead means creating moments that make everyone feel special—whether supporting restaurants, celebrating wins with the team, or sparking ideas that keep guests coming back. At Brinker’s Restaurant Support Center (RSC), every role fuels the success of Chili’s® Grill & Bar and Maggiano’s Little Italy®, directly impacting team members and guests. The culture emphasizes teamwork, pride, and having fun while working hard.

Chili’s is looking for a PR storyteller who can turn a good story into a moment people want to talk about. The Associate Manager, Public Relations will support the development and execution of PR strategies and programs that keep Chili’s top of mind, generate buzz, and bring the brand personality to life across earned media and cultural conversations. This hands‑on role stays plugged into what’s happening in the world, identifies timely opportunities, and works closely with the PR team, agency partners, and internal stakeholders to turn insights into media opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Support the PR team in developing and executing PR campaigns, programs, and initiatives that drive brand awareness and support business priorities.
• Maintain a constant pulse on the news cycle, pop culture, social media, food and restaurant trends, competitors, and emerging conversations to identify timely opportunities for Chili’s.
• Spot potential “Chili’s moments” – from viral trends and cultural conversations to breaking news, entertainment moments, and unexpected opportunities – and help turn them into smart, relevant PR ideas.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams and agency partners to bring integrated brand campaigns, projects, and big ideas to life.
• Partner with Social/Marketing, Internal Communications, and other teams to identify and maximize PR opportunities across the business.
• Develop creative, compelling PR materials such as press releases, media pitches, alerts, backgrounders, talking points, and other communications that reflect Chili’s voice.
• Pitch stories and coordinate media interviews with Chili’s spokespeople and subject‑matter experts.
• Respond to and manage incoming media requests through the PR inbox and media hotline.
• Monitor and track media coverage, company and competitor news, social conversations, and industry trends; distill key takeaways and proactively share insights with internal teams.
• Support PR measurement and reporting to help the team understand what’s working, what’s resonating, and where new opportunities exist.
• Bring fresh ideas around emerging media, creators, social trends, pop culture, and new storytelling approaches.
• Assist with PR events, gifting programs, in‑restaurant tastings, activations, and other brand moments, from planning through execution.
• Engage directly with restaurants, leading tastings and partnering with restaurant teams to ensure food, presentation, and guest experiences are on point.

Requirements

• 1+ years of public relations, communications, marketing, journalism, or related experience; agency or in‑house experience preferred.
• Genuine interest in PR, media, pop culture, social trends, and what makes people talk.
• Strong understanding of the news cycle and cultural moments shaping conversations, with a habit of staying up‑to‑date on trends.
• Excellent writing and communication skills; ability to make stories compelling without overcomplicating them.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to keep projects moving amid multiple priorities.
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment where plans can change quickly.
• Highly collaborative; able to work with cross‑functional teams, agency partners, and external media.
• Self‑starter who takes initiative, asks smart questions, and isn’t afraid to roll up sleeves.
• High energy, positive attitude, and a genuine desire to make an impact.
• Restaurant, hospitality, consumer, or lifestyle experience is a plus but not required.
• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, marketing, journalism, or a related field preferred.
• Travel is limited.

Benefits

• Hybrid schedules with weekly flex days to work from home, providing flexibility that fits your life.
• Generous dining discounts at Chili’s® Grill & Bar and Maggiano’s Little Italy®.
• On‑site gym and fitness classes such as yoga and boot camp to support wellbeing at work.
• A collaborative, casual culture with company‑wide events and plenty of opportunities to connect, work hard, and play hard.