Director, Media Relations (Corporate & Executive Communications)

Praytell•New York, NY

2d•$110,000 - $125,000•Remote

About The Position

Praytell is a creative communications agency built by strategic minds and spirited hearts who believe original storytelling, unexpected ideas and an instinctive recoil from anything remotely boring can shape culture and make people… well, give a sh!t. We partner with brands to create timely, integrated and headline-worthy campaigns across social, earned, digital, experiential and emerging platforms, all rooted in smart strategy, creative excellence and a deep understanding of what’s resonating right now. We’ve been doing this for just over a decade and have picked up some pretty cool awards along the way, including PRWeek’s Best Place to Work (8x and counting), Agency of the Year and even a few your mom might recognize - even if she doesn’t fully get what you do for a living. Our work is collaborative, fast-moving and driven by curiosity, grounded in how we show up for our clients and for one another. If you’re looking to join an ambitious, deeply supportive team that’s focused on doing great work with great people and doesn’t take itself too seriously, we’d love to hear from you. The Opportunity Praytell is seeking a seasoned media relations professional to join our Media Team in New York, focused on helping companies and executives build credibility, visibility and influence. This role centers on translating complex business stories into clear, compelling narratives that resonate with business, financial and industry media, supported by a strong rolodex of trusted media relationships. You’ll lead media strategy and execution, guide executive storytelling and thought leadership, and play a key role in moments that shape a company’s reputation and growth. The position partners closely with account teams, contributes to new business efforts and supports the development of junior talent, all while staying ahead of the evolving media landscape. As Director, Media Relations, you will be: Joining Praytell’s Media Team, this role plays a key part in shaping corporate storytelling by driving corporate and business media relations across a wide range of categories, including lifestyle, food and beverage, beauty, tech, travel and more Accountable for elevating client narratives and inserting executives and brands into culturally relevant, business-forward media conversations across verticals Developing compelling corporate and executive media angles and identifying feature and thought leadership opportunities to generate interest and secure coverage across traditional outlets (print, online, broadcast) - think Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Forbes, Fortune, CNBC, Business Insider, Entrepreneur and Yahoo Finance - as well as emerging platforms (Substacks, podcasts, social and digital video, e-newsletters). Driving innovative media strategies and execution in collaboration with account teams, while providing insight-driven strategic input on campaign planning. Supporting executive participation at key industry moments, including conferences, panels, summits and media roundtables. Working with the account team on media lists, press releases, briefing docs, bylines and mailers. Cultivating and expanding your relationships with media (including digital, social, broadcast, etc.); networking with media to build relationships via virtual/IRL meet-and-greets. Managing proactive and reactive media relations for clients, including company milestones, executive announcements, funding or growth moments, and issues management. Mentoring and training junior staff in media relations strategy and skills, which includes participating in and leading development programs for staff and culture initiatives. Staying up-to-date on industry news, trends and updates to inform media strategy and recommend new pitch angles/ideas. Collaborating with other members of the Media Team to develop ongoing industry POVs, share learnings from media meetings, and act as a media relations brain trust for the PR department. Participating in new business opportunities (note, this may require occasional travel), as well as mentorship and training programs for junior staff development. Joining client calls and serving as the subject matter expert on media trends, emerging platforms, target outlets, etc. Media training spokespeople as part of upcoming campaign work and staffing interviews on behalf of clients.

Requirements

You have 8+ years of experience in public relations, preferably in an agency environment, with deep expertise in corporate and business media strategy, executive visibility and media relations.
You’ve developed and executed insight-driven media strategies that shape corporate storytelling, elevate executive thought leadership and support company milestones across industries including food and beverage, technology, consumer lifestyle and beyond.
You bring a deep rolodex of trusted media relationships, with a strong track record of securing meaningful coverage in top-tier business, financial and industry outlets, as well as emerging platforms such as Substacks, podcasts, social and digital video and more.
You’re experienced in advising senior-level clients and executives, participating in new business pitches and clearly communicating strategy, recommendations and results.
You bring hands-on experience supporting executives across interviews, conferences, panels, summits and media briefings.
You maintain strong, trusted relationships with business, trade, digital and broadcast media and actively cultivate new connections across channels.
You’re comfortable managing both proactive and reactive media relations, including announcements, growth moments and reputation-sensitive situations.
You have experience mentoring, managing and developing junior staff and contributing to team culture and professional development.
Ambitious and entrepreneurial
Flexible and adaptable
Meticulous and well-organized
A creative problem solver
Inquisitive and eager to learn
Collaborative and team-oriented
Honest and ethical in all work
Committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in the workplace

Responsibilities

Joining Praytell’s Media Team, this role plays a key part in shaping corporate storytelling by driving corporate and business media relations across a wide range of categories, including lifestyle, food and beverage, beauty, tech, travel and more
Accountable for elevating client narratives and inserting executives and brands into culturally relevant, business-forward media conversations across verticals
Developing compelling corporate and executive media angles and identifying feature and thought leadership opportunities to generate interest and secure coverage across traditional outlets (print, online, broadcast) - think Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Forbes, Fortune, CNBC, Business Insider, Entrepreneur and Yahoo Finance - as well as emerging platforms (Substacks, podcasts, social and digital video, e-newsletters).
Driving innovative media strategies and execution in collaboration with account teams, while providing insight-driven strategic input on campaign planning.
Supporting executive participation at key industry moments, including conferences, panels, summits and media roundtables.
Working with the account team on media lists, press releases, briefing docs, bylines and mailers.
Cultivating and expanding your relationships with media (including digital, social, broadcast, etc.); networking with media to build relationships via virtual/IRL meet-and-greets.
Managing proactive and reactive media relations for clients, including company milestones, executive announcements, funding or growth moments, and issues management.
Mentoring and training junior staff in media relations strategy and skills, which includes participating in and leading development programs for staff and culture initiatives.
Staying up-to-date on industry news, trends and updates to inform media strategy and recommend new pitch angles/ideas.
Collaborating with other members of the Media Team to develop ongoing industry POVs, share learnings from media meetings, and act as a media relations brain trust for the PR department.
Participating in new business opportunities (note, this may require occasional travel), as well as mentorship and training programs for junior staff development.
Joining client calls and serving as the subject matter expert on media trends, emerging platforms, target outlets, etc.
Media training spokespeople as part of upcoming campaign work and staffing interviews on behalf of clients.

Benefits

Salary: $110,000 - $125,000 (This range reflects the minimum and maximum compensation. We typically offer salaries within the 25th to 75th percentiles and cannot exceed the listed maximum. Final offers depend on experience, skills and qualifications.)
Comprehensive health care (Medical, Dental, Vision)
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with annual shares of Project Worldwide, our parent company
Traditional and Roth 401(k) options with an annual employer contribution based on company performance
Flexible Time Off (FTO), company holidays and mental health days
Flexible work locations within the US - remote is a-ok! We also have physical hubs and offices in LA, SF, Austin, Chicago, Minneapolis and New York
Flex Fridays, designed to keep Fridays meeting-free for focused work and to give you space to support your personal wellbeing while delivering great client service
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with mental health, family, career, legal and financial support
Paid parental leave and fertility support
Training and team-building programs
Camp Praytell, our company offsite (eligibility based on start date)
Employee Resource Groups (BEACON, Compañeros, elevAsian, Herizon and Prism)
And more!