Director, Earned Media - Conservative Media Relations

Job Description

Job Description

Role Overview

Rational 360 is seeking a Director of Earned Media with strong media relations experience and a working knowledge of the conservative media landscape. The ideal candidate will be a skilled communicator with a sharp political instinct, capable of identifying newsworthy angles, securing media placements, and supporting client storytelling across national and conservative media outlets.

This role is ideal for candidates with a background in public affairs, campaign communications, or journalism, who are looking to grow their leadership skills and deepen their impact in the earned media space. You will help lead media relations strategy and execution for multiple client accounts and serve as a trusted resource for media outreach and press engagement.

About Rational 360

Rational 360 is a full-service strategic communications and digital company that helps organizations win in high-stakes public affairs, corporate communications, and reputation management. We combine data-driven insights, creative storytelling, and cutting-edge technology to deliver results for clients across industries. Our team is collaborative, entrepreneurial, and driven by impact.

With a staff of approximately 120 and growing, Rational 360 is partially employee-owned and deeply invested in professional development, mentorship, and career advancement. Our teams work at the forefront of strategic communications, public policy, and media engagement across a wide variety of sectors.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute earned media strategies that align with client goals and target conservative and national media outlets.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with conservative and center-right reporters, producers, editors, and digital influencers.
• Draft compelling press materials, including pitches, press releases, op-eds, and talking points.
• Pitch stories and secure media coverage in both traditional and digital outlets.
• Monitor the media landscape and identify opportunities for proactive media engagement or rapid response.
• Collaborate with account leads, digital strategists, and policy specialists to execute integrated communications campaigns.
• Contribute to new business development and proposal writing when needed.
• Manage junior staff and interns, providing mentorship and quality control.

Requirements

• 5–8 years of experience in media relations, public affairs, political communications, or journalism.

• Working knowledge of the conservative media landscape and demonstrated ability to secure placements in center-right outlets (e.g., Fox News, Washington Examiner, Daily Caller, etc.).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to craft and pitch compelling narratives.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple client priorities simultaneously.
• Prior experience in a communications agency, campaign, Capitol Hill, media outlet, or advocacy organization preferred.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with a collaborative and entrepreneurial spirit.
• A strategic thinker who understands how media engagement fits into broader communications and public affairs goals.

Benefits

Why Join Rational 360?

• Collaborative, mission-driven team environment
• Exposure to high-impact work across public affairs, communications, and digital

• Competitive compensation and benefits

• Hybrid work model with flexibility- this role will be required to adhere to our hybrid work policy which requires employees to work in-person from our HQ located in downtown DC on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays

Salary range for this role is 85,000 to 115,000 USD annually.

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship now or in the future.

Rational 360 is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to building an inclusive workplace.