Director, Earned Media - Conservative Media Relations

Rational 360; Washington; Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits package

Remote work options

Job summary

A leading strategic communications firm is seeking a Director of Earned Media with expertise in media relations and a strong understanding of the conservative media landscape. This role involves executing media strategies, building relationships with journalists, and effectively managing communication campaigns for clients. Candidates should have 5–8 years of experience and exhibit strong communication skills. This position offers exciting leadership opportunities in a dynamic environment with competitive compensation.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of experience in media relations or public affairs.
• Working knowledge of the conservative media landscape.
• Ability to manage multiple client priorities.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple client priorities simultaneously.
• Prior experience in a communications agency, campaign, Capitol Hill, media outlet, or advocacy organization preferred.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with a collaborative and entrepreneurial spirit.
• A strategic thinker who understands how media engagement fits into broader communications and public affairs goals.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute earned media strategies.
• Build strong relationships with center-right reporters and influencers.
• Draft press materials including pitches and releases.
• Pitch stories and secure media coverage.
• Monitor media landscape for proactive engagement.
• Collaborate with team for integrated campaigns.
• Contribute to new business development.
• Manage junior staff and provide mentorship.

Skills

Media relations

Political communications

Strong written communication

Ability to pitch stories

Relationship building

Job description

ABOUT RATIONAL 360

Rational 360 is a leading, independently owned, DC-based strategic communications and public affairs firm that partners with major corporations, nonprofits, trade associations, and advocacy organizations navigating policy, reputation, and media challenges. We offer a fast-paced, collaborative, and entrepreneurial environment where smart strategy and measurable results drive everything we do.

With a staff of approximately 100 and growing, Rational 360 is partially employee‑owned and deeply invested in professional development, mentorship, and career advancement. Our teams work at the forefront of strategic communications, public policy, and media engagement across a wide variety of sectors.

ROLE OVERVIEW

Rational 360 is seeking a Director of Earned Media with strong media relations experience and a working knowledge of the conservative media landscape. The ideal candidate will be a skilled communicator with a sharp political instinct, capable of identifying newsworthy angles, securing media placements, and supporting client storytelling across national and conservative media outlets.

This role is ideal for candidates with a background in public affairs, campaign communications, or journalism, who are looking to grow their leadership skills and deepen their impact in the earned media space. You will help lead media relations strategy and execution for multiple client accounts and serve as a trusted resource for media outreach and press engagement.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and execute earned media strategies that align with client goals and target conservative and national media outlets.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with conservative and center‑right reporters, producers, editors, and digital influencers.
• Draft compelling press materials, including pitches, press releases, op‑eds, and talking points.
• Pitch stories and secure media coverage in both traditional and digital outlets.
• Monitor the media landscape and identify opportunities for proactive media engagement or rapid response.
• Collaborate with account leads, digital strategists, and policy specialists to execute integrated communications campaigns.
• Contribute to new business development and proposal writing when needed.
• Manage junior staff and interns, providing mentorship and quality control.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• 5–8 years of experience in media relations, public affairs, political communications, or journalism.
• Working knowledge of the conservative media landscape and demonstrated ability to secure placements in center‑right outlets (e.g., Fox News, Washington Examiner, Daily Caller, etc.).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to craft and pitch compelling narratives.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment and manage multiple client priorities simultaneously.
• Prior experience in a communications agency, campaign, Capitol Hill, media outlet, or advocacy organization preferred.
• Highly organized and detail‑oriented, with a collaborative and entrepreneurial spirit.
• A strategic thinker who understands how media engagement fits into broader communications and public affairs goals.

BENEFITS

• Rational 360 offers competitive compensation and a generous, comprehensive benefits package.
• Employees work on‑site in our downtown DC office three days a week, with the option to work remotely two days per week.