Vice President, Media Relations

The Vice President, Media Relations is a senior, hands‑on media leader at the center of Highwire’s media function. This role is responsible for driving high‑impact earned media strategy and execution across a portfolio of B2B technology, professional services, and financial services clients. This position is designed for a seasoned media practitioner who brings deep expertise in earned media, strong relationships with top‑tier business and technology journalists, and a proven track record of delivering results in fast‑paced, agency environments. The VP, Media Strategy serves as a key day‑to‑day media lead across priority accounts while also contributing to new business efforts and agency growth. The ideal candidate is both a strategic counselor and active media “doer,” with sharp editorial instincts, the ability to advise senior clients, and the drive to execute with precision, creativity, and speed. Key Responsibilities Media Strategy & Execution Develop and execute integrated earned media strategies for B2B technology, professional services, and financial services clients, focused on measurable outcomes and high-impact coverage. Serve as a senior media lead across key accounts, directly shaping media plans, outreach strategy, and reporter engagement. Drive proactive and reactive media programs including product launches, executive visibility, corporate milestones, funding announcements, M&A, and thought leadership campaigns. Apply media analytics and performance insights to continuously refine pitching strategy, messaging, and storytelling approaches. Provide senior‑level counsel in support of crisis and issues communications as needed. Client & Media Relations Build and maintain strong, active relationships with top‑tier business, technology, and professional services journalists across national and industry‑specific outlets. Act as a trusted media advisor to senior clients, helping shape messaging, narrative positioning, and executive communications strategy. Partner with account teams to ensure earned media strategy is fully integrated across owned, shared, and digital channels. Elevate client storytelling by identifying timely news angles and positioning opportunities within the broader media landscape. New Business Development Play an active role in new business pitches, contributing media strategy frameworks, competitive media insights, and differentiated storytelling approaches. Help shape Highwire’s point of view in competitive RFP processes through creative, insight‑driven media thinking. Leverage media expertise and relationships to strengthen pitch strategies and support account growth. Contribute to the development of new media‑driven offerings that expand agency capabilities and revenue opportunities. Team & Agency Leadership Mentor and develop junior and mid‑level media team members, strengthening media strategy and execution capabilities across the agency. Collaborate closely with strategy, content, digital, and creative teams to deliver integrated client programs. Contribute to agency‑wide training, best practices, and knowledge‑sharing initiatives to elevate overall media excellence. Success Factors 8–12 years of media relations experience in PR, communications, or journalism, with deep expertise in B2B technology, professional services, and/or financial services media. Demonstrated track record as a hands‑on media practitioner with strong, active relationships with business and technology journalists. Experience contributing to new business pitches, including RFP development, presentations, and agency capabilities discussions. Proven ability to develop and execute earned media strategies that deliver measurable results. Strong client counseling experience, including direct interaction with senior executives. Experience mentoring junior team members in a fast‑paced, agency environment. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with strong editorial judgment and narrative development ability. Familiarity with media analytics tools and a data‑informed approach to optimizing media performance. The salary range for this position is $130,000 to $195,000, with the final offer based on a combination of factors, including education, relevant experience, skills, prior training, internal equity, and local geographic market data. This role also includes a competitive benefits package with medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) matching, generous paid time off, and additional perks designed to support your overall well‑being and growth. Benefits Competitive salary with merit‑based opportunities for growth 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 Location & Work Environment Highwire offers both remote and hybrid work options, depending on where you live. Hybrid: Candidates located within commuting distance of our New York, NY or San Francisco, CA offices follow a hybrid schedule, with three in‑office days per week. Remote: 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.. Please note: We are only able to consider candidates who reside in one of the locations listed above at the time of hire. #J-18808-Ljbffr