Director, Media Relations

About the position

The Director of Media Relations at Phaedon is a leadership role focused on developing and executing comprehensive earned media strategies for high-profile clients. This position involves strategic oversight, team leadership, and direct client counsel, with an emphasis on nurturing media relationships and enhancing the agency's media capabilities. The ideal candidate is passionate about media and culture, with a strong understanding of how brands can effectively capture attention in a dynamic media environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of 2-3 media relations professionals, providing guidance and mentorship.
• Monitor the media landscape, industry trends, and identify emerging media opportunities.
• Develop regular POVs and proactive recommendations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Shape and sharpen the earned media value of creative ideas with a solutions-oriented mindset.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key media contacts across various industries.
• Develop and implement comprehensive earned media strategies aligned with client objectives.
• Manage execution details and timelines, ensuring deadlines are met and providing updates to leadership.
• Serve as the day-to-day client contact, building strong relationships and delivering clear counsel.
• Write and oversee the development of press releases and media strategies, ensuring cohesive narratives.
• Conduct talent and executive media trainings to guide spokespeople in delivering brand messages.
• Lead program measurement and KPI development, creating client updates and recaps.
• Contribute to the agency's organic and new business growth opportunities.
• Manage budgets, billing, projections, and staffing for direct reports.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in media relations, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful media relations campaigns.
• Strong network of current and active top-tier media contacts across various industries.
• Experience in crisis communications and issues management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; confident presentation skills.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Proficiency in media sourcing, monitoring and analytics tools.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with Super Bowl or high-profile partnerships (sponsorships, talent/brand partnership, etc.).
• CPG and/or alcohol experience.

Benefits

• Opportunity to work with diverse, high-profile clients.
• Collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Ongoing professional development and industry training.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.