Senior Director, Earned Media

Backbone Media•Carbondale, CO

1d•$130,000 - $180,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Backbone is seeking a strategic, entrepreneurial leader to evolve and steer our earned media practice into its next chapter. This is not a traditional PR leadership role. The Sr. Director of Earned Media will lead and grow Backbone's earned media practice, strengthening integration across PR, affiliate and social, while driving strategy and business impact for clients. This is a builder role focused on transformation, not maintenance.

Requirements

Deep experience and fluency with social media and cultural relevancy
Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, business or a related field
Minimum 10 years of working experience, including in an agency setting
Proven track record leading social media strategy, pitches and driving business impact
Experience growing and mentoring teams
Live in Denver or Carbondale area, committing to work 2+ days/week in office

Nice To Haves

Experience building and growing the strategic footprint of earned media offerings within an agency
Hands-on experience with affiliate networks, influencer ecosystems and earned-driven commerce models
Familiarity with Muck Rack, CreatorIQ, Sprinklr, Impact/Avantlink, analytics tools, media monitoring platforms and other industry tools

Responsibilities

Serve as a senior strategic lead for earned media efforts across social media, affiliate and PR services
Clarify and articulate Backbone's POV on modern earned media
Lead narrative architecture and positioning work for clients
Develop integrated earned programs rooted in cultural relevance and business outcomes
Redesign and strengthen integrated offerings across PR, social, creator/influencer and affiliate
Drive revenue growth through new business initiatives and expanded client engagements through organic growth
Increase earned media pitch competitiveness and improve win rates
Build market authority and competitive differentiation through thought leadership
Elevate team performance, standards and strategic rigor
Collaborate cross-functionally with paid media, analytics and other teams
Mentor and develop earned media strategists, managers and coordinators
Represent Backbone and clients in press and industry events