Vice President, Earned Media

Zeno Group•Chicago, IL

About The Position

Zeno Group is an independent global integrated communications agency that develops strategic communications for clients across industries and sectors. The Vice President, Earned Media will lead earned media strategies and programs for a diverse client portfolio, working with senior clients, journalists, and integrated account teams to develop compelling narratives, secure meaningful coverage, and help clients navigate the evolving media landscape. The role provides an opportunity to counsel clients, shape high-impact storytelling, mentor talent, and strengthen earned media capabilities across the agency. The position leads earned media strategy tied to client business priorities, reputation objectives, and timely news opportunities. It uses established media relationships to pursue high-profile coverage and executive interviews, develops story angles from business priorities and emerging trends, and advises clients and executives on spokesperson positioning and media engagements. The Vice President monitors news, media platforms, and audience behavior; collaborates across communications disciplines; mentors team members; and contributes expertise to new business, client growth, and agency thought leadership.

Requirements

10+ years of experience in earned media, media relations, public relations, or related fields in an agency or in-house communications environment.
Proven success developing and leading earned media strategies that support business, reputation, and communications objectives.
Established relationships with national business, financial, broadcast, and mainstream media, with a strong track record of securing meaningful coverage.
Experience developing story angles, media pitches, and executive positioning strategies that resonate with journalists and audiences.
Strong news judgment and ability to identify timely opportunities and provide recommendations in an evolving media environment.
Demonstrated success counseling senior clients and executives on media strategy, storytelling, and high-profile communications opportunities.
Exceptional writing, editing, and presentation skills, including developing strategic recommendations and leading client presentations.
Strong understanding of traditional, digital, and emerging media and how the changing landscape influences earned communications.
Experience collaborating across integrated account teams and communications disciplines.
Experience mentoring, coaching, and developing junior team members.
Strong organizational and project management skills, including overseeing multiple client priorities and media workstreams.
Collaborative and adaptable leadership style, with curiosity about news, culture, and the future of earned media.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading earned media programs for corporate, financial services, technology, or consumer clients.
Experience developing executive visibility, thought leadership, or reputation management programs.
Experience contributing to new business pitches, organic client growth, or agency thought leadership.
Familiarity with AI-enabled media intelligence, search, and emerging technologies shaping how audiences discover and engage with news.

Responsibilities

Develop and lead earned media strategies aligned with client business priorities, reputation objectives, and timely news opportunities.
Use media relationships to secure high-profile coverage, executive interviews, and storytelling opportunities.
Identify and shape media-worthy narratives based on business priorities, industry developments, and emerging trends.
Advise clients and executives on media strategy, spokesperson positioning, and high-profile media engagements.
Monitor news cycles, media platforms, and audience behavior to identify opportunities, anticipate challenges, and inform proactive strategies.
Collaborate with Corporate Affairs, Brand, Digital, Creative, and other disciplines to integrate earned media into broader communications programs.
Mentor and develop team members and share expertise, best practices, and industry insights across the agency.
Contribute earned media expertise to new business pitches, identify opportunities to expand client programs, and advance agency thought leadership.
Oversee multiple client priorities and media workstreams.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance with prescription plans.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
Paid Headspace subscription and access to mental health providers and employee assistance services.
Generous vacation, paid holidays, and self-care time.
401(k) plan.
Pretax flexible spending accounts.
Tuition assistance.
Life insurance.
Access to a certified financial coach at no cost.
Monthly ZenoFit allowance for activities that support personal enjoyment and health.
Bonus opportunities may be available.
Employee resource groups.