Earned Media Director: Strategy & Impact

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

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.