Director, Media Strategy

About the role

The Director, Media Strategy at Highwire will oversee C-suite thought leadership and executive visibility programs for a diverse portfolio of clients in technology, healthcare, energy, financial services, professional services, and cybersecurity. Key responsibilities include developing and executing high-stakes financial communications, creating executive visibility strategies, and maintaining a deep understanding of emerging media trends.

Responsibilities

• C-Suite and SME Thought Leadership & Executive Visibility
• Serve as the strategic lead for C-suite thought leadership programs at major technology and healthcare companies.
• Develop and execute executive visibility strategies that establish C-suite leaders as authoritative voices.
• Build and manage evergreen thought leadership platforms that sustain executive presence.
• Provide strategic counsel to senior clients on message development, media positioning, and storytelling.
• Financial Communications & High-Stakes Media Programs
• Lead media strategy for high-profile financial communications events.
• Develop proactive media narratives that support positioning before, during, and after financial events.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists and editors.
• Guide clients through sensitive or high-stakes communications moments.
• B2B & B2C Technology, Healthcare & Emerging Media
• Maintain deep, current knowledge of the B2B and B2C technology and healthcare media landscapes.
• Identify and pursue emerging media opportunities.
• Monitor media trends, competitive coverage, and industry narratives.
• Agency-Wide Upskilling & Media Excellence
• Design and lead agency-wide training programs.
• Support account teams in strengthening storytelling angles, pitch strategies, media targeting, and executive visibility planning.
• Partner with practice leads and senior leadership to address skill gaps.
• Champion a culture of media excellence.
• Integrated Media Strategy & Client Leadership
• Serve as a senior client lead across a portfolio of major technology and healthcare accounts.
• Provide senior counsel on messaging, positioning, and media engagement strategies.
• Identify and act on organic growth opportunities.
• Team Development & Agency Leadership
• Manage and mentor direct reports.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing team environment.
• Support new business initiatives.
• Represent Highwire at industry events and conferences.

Requirements

• 7+ years of media relations experience with at least 4 years within a PR agency.
• Proven experience developing and executing C-suite thought leadership programs for major technology, financial, and healthcare companies.
• Direct experience with financial communications, including earnings media programs, IPO communications, or related high-stakes corporate milestones.
• Deep fluency in the B2B and B2C technology and healthcare media landscapes.
• Established relationships with reporters, editors, and producers at leading national print/digital and broadcast, and trade media outlets.
• Demonstrated ability to design and deliver training programs that elevate team performance.
• Strong strategic leadership and senior client management experience.
• Experience managing and developing high-performing teams.

Qualifications

• Proven success in developing and executing C-suite thought leadership programs.
• Experience with financial communications and high-stakes media programs.
• Deep understanding of emerging media trends and formats.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with key media contacts.
• Strong strategic thinking and client management skills.
• Experience in training and developing team members.

Skills

• Strategic thinking and execution.
• Media relations and communications expertise.
• Financial communications and high-stakes media program management.
• Emerging media and technology trends analysis.
• Client relationship management.
• Training and development facilitation.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range: $110,000 to $150,000.
• Flexible hybrid work model.
• Generous vacation policy.
• Early log-off on Fridays.
• 401(k) plan with employer matching.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid parental leave benefits.
• Additional perks such as commuter benefits, wellness programs, and professional development opportunities.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $110,000 to $150,000, with the final offer based on a combination of factors, including education, relevant experience, skills, prior training, internal equity, and local geographic market data.

Schedule

This role is available on a hybrid schedule, with three in-office days per week.

Location

We hire for fully remote roles in the following states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Washington, D.C..