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..