Director, Media Relations

Rational 360; Washington (Washington County); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Collaborative team

High-impact projects

Competitive compensation

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Rational 360 is seeking a Director of media relations with a track record of securing premier placements and guiding client storytelling across national, regional, and trade outlets. The role emphasizes strategic media instincts, strong communication, and leadership to guide multiple client accounts from the agency's DC area.

This hybrid role requires building journalist networks, mentoring junior staff, and collaborating with policy specialists to execute integrated campaigns.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years in media relations, public affairs, communications, or journalism.
• Proven ability to secure placements with top national, regional, and trade outlets.
• Strong written and verbal storytelling abilities.
• Deep relationships with journalists across outlets and beats.
• Ability to manage multiple client priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in a communications agency or corporate department is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute earned media strategies across print, TV, and digital.
• Build relationships with senior reporters, editors, and media influencers.
• Draft pitches, press releases, op-eds, and talking points.
• Pitch stories to premier national, regional, and trade outlets.
• Monitor the media landscape for opportunities and rapid response.
• Collaborate with account leads, digital strategists, and policy specialists.
• Mentor junior staff and interns.

Skills

Media relations

Journalist networks

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Job description

Role Overview

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 360?

• Collaborative, mission-driven team environment


• Exposure to high-impact work across public affairs, communications, and digital


• Competitive compensation and benefits


• Hybrid work model with flexibility- this role will be required to adhere to our hybrid work policy which requires employees to work in-person from 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 360 is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to building an inclusive workplace.