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Director, Media Strategy

San Francisco, California, United States

This Media Strategy function will focus on strategic storytelling across corporate communications for executive communications. The function will include strategic storytelling expertise on feature storytelling, market-moving stories, expanding corporate offerings, expanding earnings offerings, and more. Serves as a cross-agency, billable resource for media strategy, contributes to new business efforts, and mentors media excellence within Highwire and Longjump teams.

Highwire is looking for an energetic, self-starting Director, Media strategy with 7+ years experience to join our team focusing on strategic, high-level media relations. The position provides a fantastic opportunity for an organized and seasoned media relations guru to work in a fast-paced environment with collaborative teams on high-level media outreach, client positioning, and reputation and issues management across our client teams. This role will also be involved in new business development.  This role will also serve as a mentor and assist with training for all Highwire team members on media relations strategy.

Key Responsibilities 

  • Strong relationships particularly with business, broadcast and influencer media and ability to direct staff to develop the same. 
  • Strong grasp and creative use of social media channels to engage and support efforts. 
  • Deliver exemplary client service for specified clients. 
    • This will include: Developing and maintaining a strong working relationship with the client who listens and values your advice. 
  • Developing a strong working knowledge of your clients’ business, their competitors and relevant industry bodies. 
  • Professional, articulate and timely client communication. 
  • Development of consistent, creative, successful pitches
  • Review/assess industry trends to identify opportunities to inject clients into current news cycles; drive story idea development, work closely with traditional and online media to shape and control communications that are in line with overall account objectives.
  • Provide creative and strategic guidance on media relations to clients, and account teams.
  • Oversee a wide range of media outreach activities and measure results for clients.
  • Manage press and event planning alongside an overall media relations strategy.
  • Develop press materials as well as recommendations and program recaps.
  • Serve as a trusted resource for media relations strategy to Highwire’s client and account teams.
  • Collaborate across account teams to achieve overarching client goals.
  • Partner with account leaders to manage client activities, junior staff, and general account management.
  • Maintain relationships with a broad set of media and influencers and help other team members establish their own relationships.
  • Regular touchpoints with media and distribution of insights and trends to the agency.
  • Active mentoring of the Highwire team with responsibility for up to two direct reports. 
  • Lead and participate in new business development efforts with specific revenue targets.

Agency Operations

  • Maintain 1-2 direct reports, assist in development of goals for reports, deliver annual reviews and quarterly check ins. 
  • Participation in new business process including proactively identifying new targets, research and presenting at pitch. 
  • Maintain a respectful, enthusiastic, and professional attitude towards coworkers, clients, and outside colleagues and lead team by example. 
  • Support teams and manage up and down. 
  • Responsible use of flexible work policies. 
  • Uses Highwire social channels; writes for Highwire blog. 
  • Mentor junior staff to elevate development

Self Development

  • Proactively set up quarterly goals with manager; track against goals and demonstrate growth
  • Effectively prioritize responsibilities based on impact, timelines, workflow, and client goals
  • Identify areas for self-improvement and bring suggestions and solutions to management
  • Lead by example and ensure teammates have clear direction on roles/responsibilities
  • Attend networking events, seminars, and conferences, including outside-of-work-hours, as required to maintain personal professional development and to build networking and new business contacts

Success Factors

  • At least 7 years PR agency experience 
  • Record of high academic achievement with good degree and A level results, particularly English and/or Business 
  • Core tech brand PR background with some knowledge of corporate PR and crisis management 
  • Experience of running a reactive and proactive press office and handling incoming press enquiries
  • Experience measuring the ROI of communications activities
  • Experience with social media influencer engagement, content campaigns, and media coverage amplification
  • Excellent publicity skills – a strong understanding of the media, editorial requirements and what ‘makes’ a story 
  • Ability to demonstrate creativity and innovative thinking
  • A wide network of national technology and business as well as regional contacts across a broad spectrum of media 
  • Ability to build relationships internally and externally, interfacing at all levels 
  • Superior people and communication skills, both verbal and written 
  • Strong organizational and time management skills 
  • Team player who works well under pressure 
  • Thrives in an environment of flexibility and change

 

The salary range for this position is $110,000 to $150,000, with the final offer based on a combination of factors, including education, relevant experience, skills, prior training, internal equity, and local geographic market data. This role also includes a competitive benefits package with medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) matching, generous paid time off, and additional perks designed to support your overall well-being and growth. #LI-Hybrid

About Highwire

Highwire is a strategic marketing communications agency at the intersection of innovation and industry. We partner with ambitious companies and established brands to navigate complexity, lead markets, and grow with purpose. With integrated expertise in strategic marketing and communications, corporate reputation, creative, and insights, we cut through the noise to deliver bold ideas and measurable impact across B2B technology, healthcare, cybersecurity, energy, professional and financial services, and more.

At Highwire, we believe that storytelling fuels transformation. We know that the most impactful stories represent all voices and perspectives. As a values-driven agency, we foster an inclusive environment where everyone—regardless of age, race/ethnicity, size, shape, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and different abilities–can feel safe, celebrated and worthy.

We ensure that every Highwire Walker has the requisite support to soar in their careers. Our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging is foundational and embedded in our business and culture. We aspire to change our industry and build a better future for all.

Our people-first culture is driven by four core values:

  • Team Empowerment
  • Growth Mindset
  • Inclusion Always
  • Fierce Distinction

We’re looking for individuals with big ideas, strong opinions, and the energy to bring them to life. If you thrive in an environment that values personal accountability, high standards, and boundless motivation, this is the opportunity for you. Be part of our award-winning culture and contribute to an exciting and growing business where you can make a real impact.

Highwire. Above all.

Our people-first culture is reflected in the meaningful benefits, flexibility, and support we offer:

  • Competitive salary with merit-based opportunities for growth
  • Flexible hybrid work model tailored to your schedule and lifestyle
  • Generous vacation policy, including extended summer and winter breaks
  • Early log-off on Fridays through our Empower Hours program
  • 401(k) plan with employer matching
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus FSA options
  • Paid parental leave benefits
  • Commuter benefits
  • Annual Growth Mindset stipend for books, events, or learning experiences
  • Monthly technology reimbursement
  • Wellness benefit program for mental and physical health
  • 501c3 donation matching program
  • Mentorship and ongoing professional development opportunities
  • Monthly recognition and team celebrations
  • Employee referral and new business referral bonuses
  • Quarterly Highwire events and team gatherings
  • Dog-friendly office environment
  • A supportive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace where you can grow and do your best work

Location & Work Environment

Highwire offers both remote and hybrid work options, depending on where you live.

Hybrid: Candidates located within commuting distance of our New York, NY or San Francisco, CA offices follow a hybrid schedule, with three in-office days per week.

Remote: We hire for fully remote roles in the following states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Washington, D.C..

Please note: We are only able to consider candidates who reside in one of the locations listed above at the time of hire.

Join the Highwire team

If you’re inspired by the opportunity to shape meaningful stories and grow alongside a team that values innovation, accountability, and inclusion, apply below to start the conversation.

Please note: This posting may be used to build our talent pipeline, connect with top professionals in the industry, or extend reach across multiple locations. We welcome all interested candidates to apply and explore opportunities at Highwire!

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