Director, Public Relations

Karsh Hagan Madden; United States; Remote; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Medical, dental, vision, and benefits

401(k) with company match

Flexible PTO & holidays

Adequate tools and technology

Job summary

Karsh Hagan Madden in the United States seeks a Director of Public Relations to lead PR strategy, strengthen media relationships, and deliver results for destination clients. You will guide agile teams, shape communications, and connect travelers with compelling destinations nationwide.

You will mentor a 15-person PR team, cultivate senior-level media partnerships, drive business development, and contribute to corporate communications and trends insights to grow our practice.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead client relationships, strategy, and deliverables.
• Strong media relations with writers and editors.
• Experience building and maintaining senior-level relationships with national media.
• Demonstrated people-management with coaching and development.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Data-informed decision making in a fast-paced agency environment.
• Creative, adaptable mindset and cross-functional collaboration.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 30%.

Responsibilities

• Spearhead end-to-end PR strategy, brand positioning, and execution for a portfolio of top-tier accounts.
• Direct and mentor an agency PR department of approximately 15 multi-level practitioners, fostering an agile environment built on accountability, professional development, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Cultivate and leverage senior-level relationships with national media outlets, key journalists, and executive stakeholders to secure tier-one coverage and strategic industry partnerships.
• Lead PR growth initiatives—orchestrating pitch strategy, scope definition, and competitive pricing models that expanded client retainers and new accounts.
• Collaborate with team leads to author and standardize departmental SOPs across the agency, streamlining workflow efficiency by elevating consistency in client deliverables.
• Synthesize media analytics, performance metrics, and emerging PR trends to refine client strategy, quantify ROI, and capture new market opportunities.

Skills

Public relations strategy

Media relations

Client relationship management

Team leadership

Coaching and development

Written and verbal communication

Time management

Data-informed decision making

Cross-functional collaboration

Travel readiness

Job description

About KHM

Karsh Hagan Madden (KHM) is an independent marketing agency formed through the merger of Karsh Hagan and Madden Media with 5 decades of creative and strategic legacy with 1 unified shop!

We blend bold storytelling with precision media, PR, geospatial targeting, and observation-led strategy to help brands close the gap between how they are seen and how they are felt. Madden built our reputation in destination marketing and tourism. Karsh has spent years building brands in healthcare, banking, higher education, and retail alongside it. Together, we believe the strongest brands build communities, and our goal is to differentiate them in a world where consumers want something that means something to them.

Find out more at https://khm.agency/

About You

You're a confident communicator and collaborative leader who knows how to build strong relationships-both internally and externally. You're comfortable representing Madden within the destination marketing and public relations industry and enjoy working alongside a team that supports one another.

You're great leadership isn't just about setting the strategy-it's about inspiring, empowering, and enabling your team to bring it to life. You're energized by helping others learn and grow, contributing your own expertise, and finding ways to make the team stronger and more effective.

Most importantly, you thrive in a dynamic agency environment where priorities move quickly, collaboration matters, and every day brings something new.

About the Job

As a Director, Public Relations, you'll play a key leadership role in shaping PR strategy, strengthening media relationships, and delivering meaningful results for our destination clients.

You'll lead client strategy and communications while guiding agile teams through execution, helping our clients connect with travelers and inspire them to experience destinations across the United States. You’ll also help strengthen Madden's broader PR practice through team leadership, corporate communications, business development, and staying ahead of trends across the industry.

What You'll Be Doing

• Strategic Leadership: Spearhead end-to-end PR strategy, brand positioning, and execution for a portfolio of top-tier accounts, consistently driving high-impact media placements and client retention.
• Team Scale & Leadership: Direct and mentor an agency PR department of approximately 15 multi-level practitioners, fostering an agile environment built on accountability, professional development, and cross-functional collaboration.
• High-Stakes Relationship Management: Cultivate and leverage senior-level relationships with national media outlets, key journalists, and executive stakeholders to secure tier-one coverage and strategic industry partnerships.
• Business Development & Revenue Growth: Lead PR growth initiatives-orchestrating pitch strategy, scope definition, and competitive pricing models that expanded client retainers and new accounts.
• Operations & Efficiency: Collaborate with team leads to author and standardize departmental SOPs across the agency, streamlining workflow efficiency by elevating consistency in client deliverables.
• Data-Informed Insights: Synthesize media analytics, performance metrics, and emerging PR trends to refine client strategy, quantify ROI, and capture new market opportunities.

What You Need to Succeed

• Strong experience developing and leading public relations and media relations strategies.
• Proven ability to lead client relationships, strategy, and deliverables.
• Strong media relations skills with experience building and maintaining relationships with writers and media contacts.
• Demonstrated people-management experience and leadership with a passion for coaching and developing others.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to make thoughtful, data-informed decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Confidence working across teams and leading collaborative initiatives.
• A creative, adaptable mindset and comfort working in an agency environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 30%.

Don't Meet Every Requirement?

That’s okay! At Karsh Hagan Madden, we believe diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences make us stronger. If this role excites you but your skillset doesn't line up perfectly with the qualifications above, we still want to hear from you. Who knows-you might bring something to the table we didn’t even know we needed.

Perks & Benefits

• Competitive compensation.
• Medical, dental, vision, and additional benefits to support you and your family.
• 401(k) with Traditional and Roth options, plus a company match.
• Flexible PTO and paid holidays.
• The tools and technology you need to do your best work.

Come for the Work. Stay for the People

• At Karsh Hagan Madden, we're passionate about doing great work—and having fun while we do it. Here's what you can expect:
• A supportive team that's invested in your success.
• Opportunities to grow through mentorship, professional development, and meaningful new challenges.
• A collaborative culture where curiosity, creativity, and fresh ideas are always welcome.
• The chance to make an impact, contribute your unique perspective, and help shape great work.
• A workplace that values who you are, the ideas you share, and your potential to grow.

About the Interview Process

We like to keep it simple and transparent. Here's what the process may look like:

Round 1 : A friendly chat with our Recruiter to get to know you and share more about the role. Round 2 : An interview with some of the awesome teammates you'll collaborate with. Round 3 : A conversation with the Team Lead(s) to dive deeper into the role and team fit.

Note: Depending on the position, there might be a small assignment along the way to showcase your skills and creativity. Don't worry-we'll let you know in advance!

Heads up: At this time, we do not offer Visa sponsorship or relocation services.

KHM is an Equal Opportunity Employer. #LI-REMOTE