Director, Media Strategy

As Director, Media Strategy, you will serve as a senior media strategist and client advisor across Highwire's portfolio of clients in a variety of industries including technology, healthcare, energy, financial services, professional services, and cybersecurity, with a primary focus on developing and executing C-suite thought leadership platforms that drive awareness and impact. You will own the development of executive visibility strategies that span high-stakes financial communications, corporate milestones, and evergreen thought leadership that sustains CEO and C-suite presence in top-tier media across all mediums.

Responsibilities

Serve as the day-to-day strategic lead for C-suite thought leadership programs at major technology and healthcare companies; Develop and execute executive visibility strategies that establish C-suite leaders as authoritative voices across technology, healthcare, and the intersection of both; Build and manage evergreen thought leadership platforms that sustain executive presence between major news moments; Provide strategic counsel to senior clients on message development, media positioning, and storytelling across earned and owned channels; Lead media strategy for high-profile financial communications events, including earnings calls, IPO media programs, and corporate milestone campaigns; Develop proactive media narratives that support positioning before, during, and after financial events, including briefing top-tier financial and business press; Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists and editors at top-tier financial, business and consumer media; Guide clients through sensitive or high-stakes communications moments, providing best-in-class media counsel on reputation, crisis, and leadership transition scenarios across sectors; Maintain deep, current knowledge of the B2B & B2C technology and business and consumer healthcare media landscapes, including emerging outlets and new media; Identify and pursue emerging media opportunities that position clients ahead of industry conversations, leveraging trend-based pitching and proactive storytelling; Monitor media trends, competitive coverage, and industry narratives to provide clients with proactive, data- and intelligence-driven strategic guidance; Design and lead agency-wide training programs that elevate media relations skills across Highwire's full roster of account teams; Serve as an internal resource and advisor for account teams looking to strengthen storytelling angles, pitch strategies, media targeting, and executive visibility planning; Partner with practice leads and senior leadership to identify skill gaps across the agency and build structured learning pathways that address them; Champion a culture of media excellence agency-wide, raising the bar on the quality, creativity, and strategic rigor of earned media programs across all client verticals; Serve as a senior client lead across a portfolio of major technology and healthcare accounts, ensuring consistent high-quality program delivery and measurable business results; Provide senior counsel on messaging, positioning, and media engagement strategies aligned to clients' broader communications and business objectives; Identify and act on organic growth opportunities within existing client accounts; Manage and mentor 2-3 direct reports, providing regular feedback, coaching, and professional development guidance; Foster a collaborative, high-performing team environment with high standards of accountability, creativity, and client service; Support new business initiatives, from research and ideation through pitch presentation, with a specific focus on media strategy; Champion Highwire's culture of inclusion, empowerment, and collaboration; Represent Highwire at industry events, conferences, and media networking opportunities

Requirements

7+ years of media relations experience with at least 4 years within a PR agency; demonstrated expertise in business, technology, financial, and healthcare media; proven experience developing and executing C-suite thought leadership programs for major technology, financial and/or healthcare companies; track record of securing placements in top-tier business, technology, and health media; direct experience with financial communications — including earnings media programs, IPO communications, or related high-stakes corporate milestones — required; deep fluency in the B2B and B2C technology and healthcare media landscapes with a strong understanding of how emerging media outlets and formats are reshaping storytelling; established relationships with reporters, editors, and producers at leading national print/digital and broadcast, and trade media outlets; demonstrated ability to develop and deliver training, workshops, or internal capability-building programs that elevate team performance at scale; strong strategic leadership and senior client management experience, with the ability to serve as a trusted advisor at the executive level; experience managing and developing high-performing teams in a fast-paced environment

Benefits

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