Associate Director / Director of Media Relations

Phaedon; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 133,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in Chicago is seeking an Associate Director / Director of Media Relations to lead a team and develop media strategies for high-profile clients. The ideal candidate will have extensive media contacts and experience in crisis communications. This hybrid role offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision

Paid time off

Holidays

Parental leave

Retirement plans

Qualifications

• 5-7+ years in media relations with leadership experience.
• Proven success in high-profile media campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of 2-3 media relations professionals.
• Develop and implement earned media strategies.
• Maintain strong relationships with key media contacts.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Crisis Communications

Media Relations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Relations

Bachelor's degree in Communications

Bachelor's degree in Journalism

Tools

Muckrack

SEMRush

Critical Mention

Job description

Associate Director / Director of Media Relations

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About Phaedon
At Phaedon, we are revolutionizing how companies engage with their audiences and are passionate about sparking participation to drive growth for both our clients and our employees. Phaedon is a data-driven, tech-enabled marketing organization with a breadth of capabilities that go beyond our competitors and redefine traditional industry archetypes. We have a history of delivering game-changing results for notable brands across advanced analytics, loyalty technology and services, marketing communications, and experience transformation to bring intelligent imagination and solve our clients' biggest business and brand challenges. Every role at Phaedon plays an integral part in fulfilling this vision.

About The Role
The Associate Director / Director of Media Relations is a team leader who plays a critical role in delivering action from within Phaedon's media relations practice. This position is responsible for developing and executing multi-faceted earned media strategies for high-profile accounts, providing strategic oversight, team leadership, and day-to-day client counsel. The role involves nurturing media relationships, sharpening the agency's media prowess, and raising the bar in execution.

The ideal candidate is culture-obsessed and understands what it takes for brands to break through in today's evolving media landscape. A deep list of current media contacts across various verticals is essential, with experience managing workstreams across major brand portfolios. Experience with CPG and/or alcohol brands is a bonus.

This position can be filled at either the Associate Director or Director level. The final title and compensation will be determined based on relevant experience, skills, certifications, and competencies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Lead a team of 2-3 media relations professionals, providing guidance and mentorship.
2. Monitor industry trends and identify media opportunities.
3. Develop POVs and proactive recommendations for internal and external stakeholders.
4. Shape and sharpen earned media strategies to support creative ideas and high-profile initiatives.
5. Maintain strong relationships with key media contacts across industries.
6. Develop and implement comprehensive earned media strategies aligned with client objectives.
7. Collaborate with teams to integrate media relations with broader PR and marketing efforts.
8. Manage execution details, timelines, and provide updates to leadership.
9. Build and maintain trusting client relationships, offering clear counsel and insights.
10. Conduct media training for spokespeople.
11. Maintain news judgment and manage reputation issues proactively.
12. Lead program measurement and KPI development.
13. Support agency growth opportunities and contribute to financial health through budget management.
14. Cultivate a culture aligned with Phaedon's values of support, growth, and partnership.

Location: Based in Chicago at AMA Plaza with a hybrid model (three days in-office per week).

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or related field
• 5-7+ years in media relations, including 3-5 years in leadership managing client work and teams; experience with CPG and/or alcohol brands is a bonus
• Proven success in media campaigns, including high-profile initiatives like the Super Bowl
• Strong network of media contacts across industries
• Experience in crisis communications and issues management
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Leadership and team management abilities
• Proficiency with media sourcing, monitoring, and analytics tools (e.g., Muckrack, SEMRush, Critical Mention)

What We Offer: Comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision, paid time off, holidays, parental leave, retirement plans, and more.

Pay Range: $90,000 - $132,500 annually, based on experience and other factors.

Phaedon is an equal opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities or religious beliefs.