Director, Media Relations

Rational 360, Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) matching

Paid time off

ESOP

Job summary

Rational 360 is seeking a Director of Media Relations to lead and execute earned media strategies across national, regional, and trade outlets. The role emphasizes securing premier placements and guiding client storytelling for multiple accounts.

The ideal candidate has a strong network of journalists, sharp strategic instincts, and a track record of delivering coverage across print, broadcast, and digital channels.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of experience in media relations, public affairs, communications, or journalism.
• Extensive demonstrated ability to secure placements with top-tier national, regional, and trade media outlets across print and broadcast.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to craft and pitch compelling narratives.
• Deep working relationships with journalists and media professionals across outlets.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple client priorities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute earned media strategies for top-tier outlets across print, broadcast, and digital.
• Build and maintain relationships with senior reporters, producers, editors, and media influencers.
• Draft press materials including pitches, press releases, op-eds, and talking points.
• Pitch stories and secure coverage in premier national, regional, and trade outlets.
• Monitor media landscape and identify opportunities for proactive engagement or rapid response.
• Collaborate with account leads, digital strategists, and policy specialists on integrated campaigns.
• Manage junior staff and interns, providing mentorship and quality control.

Skills

Media relations

Strategic storytelling

Journalist relationships

Written communication

Project management

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications or related field

Job description

Rational 360 is seeking a Director with an emphasis on media relations, having extensive experience securing premier placements and a comprehensive understanding of the modern media landscape. The ideal candidate will be a skilled communicator with strategic media instincts, capable of identifying newsworthy angles, securing premier media placements, and supporting client storytelling across leading national, regional, and trade media outlets.

Top candidates will have established networks of journalists and media contacts spanning different outlets and beats across the media spectrum.

This role is great for candidates with a background in public affairs, corporate 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.

About Rational 360

Rational 360 is a full-service strategic communications and digital company that helps organizations win in high-stakes public affairs, corporate communications, and reputation management. We combine data-driven insights, creative storytelling, and cutting-edge technology to deliver results for clients across industries. Our team is collaborative, entrepreneurial, and driven by impact.

With a staff of approximately 120 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.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute earned media strategies that align with client goals and target top-tier media outlets across print, broadcast, and digital channels.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior reporters, producers, editors, and media influencers.
• Draft compelling press materials, including pitches, press releases, op-eds, and talking points.
• Pitch stories and secure media coverage in premier national, regional, and trade outlets, both traditional and digital.
• 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.
• Manage junior staff and interns, providing mentorship and quality control.

Requirements

• 5–8 years of experience in media relations, public affairs, communications, or journalism.
• Extensive demonstrated ability to secure placements with top-tier national, regional, and trade media outlets across print and broadcast.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to craft and pitch compelling narratives.
• Deep working relationships with journalists and media professionals across a variety of outlets.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple client priorities simultaneously.
• Prior experience in a communications agency, corporate communications department, 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.

Why Join Rational?

• Collaborative team environment with exposure to high-impact work across public affairs, strategic communications, marketing and digital
• Competitive compensation and benefits, including medical, dental, and vision, 401(k) corporate match, and paid time off
• Participation in our ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan)
• Professional development and growth opportunities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Hybrid work model with flexibility: this role requires in-person work at our HQ located in downtown DC on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays

Salary range for this role is 85,000 to 115,000 USD annually.

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship now or in the future.

Rational is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to building an inclusive workplace.