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. The role involves developing and executing strategic media plans, managing high-stakes financial communications, 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 across technology, healthcare, and the intersection of both.
• Build and manage evergreen thought leadership platforms that sustain executive presence between major news moments.
• Provide strategic counsel to senior clients on message development, media positioning, and storytelling across earned and owned channels.
• Financial Communications & High-Stakes Media Programs
• Lead media strategy for high-profile financial communications events, including earnings calls, IPO media programs, and corporate milestone campaigns.
• Develop proactive media narratives that support positioning before, during, and after financial events, including briefing top-tier financial and business press.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists and editors at top-tier financial, business, and consumer media.
• Guide clients through sensitive or high-stakes communications moments, providing best-in-class media counsel on reputation, crisis, and leadership transition scenarios across sectors.
• B2B & B2C Technology, Healthcare & Emerging Media
• Maintain deep, current knowledge of the B2B & B2C technology and business and consumer healthcare media landscapes; including emerging outlets and “new media” that are reshaping how enterprise technology and the future of healthcare stories are told.
• Identify and pursue emerging media opportunities that position clients ahead of industry conversations, leveraging trend-based pitching and proactive storytelling.
• Monitor media trends, competitive coverage, and industry narratives to provide clients with proactive, data- and intelligence-driven strategic guidance.
• Agency-Wide Upskilling & Media Excellence
• Design and lead agency-wide training programs that elevate media relations skills across Highwire's full roster of account teams.
• Serve as an internal resource and advisor for account teams looking to strengthen storytelling angles, pitch strategies, media targeting, and executive visibility planning.
• Partner with practice leads and senior leadership to identify skill gaps across the agency and build structured learning pathways that address them.
• Champion a culture of media excellence agency-wide, raising the bar on the quality, creativity, and strategic rigor of earned media programs across all client verticals.
• Integrated Media Strategy & Client Leadership
• Serve as a senior client lead across a portfolio of major technology and healthcare accounts, ensuring consistent high-quality program delivery and measurable business results.
• Provide senior counsel on messaging, positioning, and media engagement strategies aligned to clients' broader communications and business objectives.
• Identify and act on organic growth opportunities within existing client accounts.
• Team Development & Agency Leadership
• Manage and mentor 2–3 direct reports, providing regular feedback, coaching, and professional development guidance.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performing team environment with high standards of accountability, creativity, and client service.
• Support new business initiatives, from research and ideation through pitch presentation, with a specific focus on media strategy.
• Champion Highwire's culture of inclusion, empowerment, and collaboration.
• Represent Highwire at industry events, conferences, and media networking opportunities.

Requirements

• 7+ years of media relations experience with at least 4 years within a PR agency, including expertise in business, technology, financial, and healthcare media.
• Proven experience developing and executing C-suite thought leadership programs for major technology, financial, and healthcare companies, with a track record of securing placements in top-tier business, technology, and health media.
• Direct experience with financial communications — including earnings media programs, IPO communications, or related high-stakes corporate milestones — is required.
• Deep fluency in the B2B and B2C technology and healthcare media landscapes with a strong understanding of how emerging media outlets and formats are reshaping storytelling.
• Established relationships with reporters, editors, and producers at leading national print/digital and broadcast, and trade media outlets.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver training, workshops, or internal capability-building programs that elevate team performance at scale.
• Strong strategic leadership and senior client management experience, with the ability to serve as a trusted advisor at the executive level.
• Experience managing and developing high-performing teams in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.
• Proven success in developing and implementing strategic media plans.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with key media contacts.
• Experience with emerging media trends and platforms.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Passion for storytelling and a deep understanding of how media shapes public perception.

Skills

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Knowledge of media metrics and analytics.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and environments.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range: $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.
• Flexible hybrid work model tailored to your schedule and lifestyle.
• Generous vacation policy, including extended summer and winter breaks.
• Early log-off on Fridays through our Empower Hours program.
• 401(k) plan with employer matching.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus FSA options.
• Paid parental leave benefits.
• Commuter benefits.
• Annual Growth Mindset stipend for books, events, or learning experiences.
• Monthly technology reimbursement.
• Wellness benefit program for mental and physical health.
• 501c3 donation matching program.
• Mentorship and ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Monthly recognition and team celebrations.
• Employee referral and new business referral bonuses.
• Quarterly Highwire events and team gatherings.
• Dog-friendly office environment.
• A supportive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace where you can grow and do your best work.