Director, Media Strategy

Highwire • San Francisco, CA

1d • $110,000 - $150,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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

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.
• 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.
• 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
• 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

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director