Account Director, Media Relations

If you have a passion for working in integrated communications, thrive in a highly visible client-facing role, and want to apply your strategic expertise to help transform healthcare, we want to talk to you. CURA Strategies, a fast-growing, award-winning healthcare communications and public affairs agency, is looking for a results-oriented Account Director with significant experience in healthcare media relations to join our team. At CURA, our aim is to transform healthcare through meaningful client work. Working with nonprofit and corporate clients in the areas of rare disease, opioid addiction, cardiology, kidney disease and more, we pride ourselves in creating lasting results for clients — and we are looking for a leader who shares our passion and believes in our mission. RESPONSIBILITIES Work closely with the VP of Media Relations to lead media relations strategy and execution for a portfolio of healthcare clients. Act as the main day-to-day contact for clients, and oversee account teams so every program delivers high-quality, measurable earned media results. Develop and executive media relations strategies that build corporate, brand and product positioning across national, consumer, trade, policy, local and digital outlets. Build and maintain strong relationships with healthcare, health policy, business and trade reporters, editors, producers and online influencers. Use those relationships to secure high-impact coverage and serve as a trusted source for clients. Shape and pitch compelling story angles tied to clinical research, company milestones, campaign launches, medical meetings, policy developments, product launches and thought leadership opportunities. Oversee the development and quality of media materials, including press releases, media advisories, pitches, statements, bylines, op-eds, backgrounders and Q&A documents. Prepare and media-train client spokespeople, including executives, physicians, researchers and patient advocates, for interviews, briefings and press conferences. Partner with the VP of Media Relations on issues and crisis communications counsel. Manage rapid-response media strategy, holding statements and reporter inquiries on sensitive topics. Coordinate earned media with owned, social and paid channels, and work with third-party allies such as patient advocacy groups, professional societies, healthcare professionals and policymakers to amplify coverage. Direct media monitoring, research and analysis. Use coverage and sentiment insights to refine strategy and show program impact to clients and agency leadership. Manage account budgets, profitability and day-to-day resourcing. Manage, mentor and develop junior staff in pitching, media writing and reporter relationships. Work with the VP of Media Relations to grow the agency’s media relations practice, set best practices, and help organize activities that support the overall CURA culture. Support the VP of Media Relations on new business proposals and pitches, especially media relations strategy and capabilities. QUALIFICATIONS 5–7 years of public relations or communications experience with a strong focus on healthcare media relations, preferably in a PR agency Proven track record of securing top-tier coverage in national, healthcare trade and health policy outlets An established network of healthcare and health policy reporters, and the ability to build new media relationships quickly Experience managing media around clinical data, regulatory milestones, embargoes, medical meetings and product launches Hands-on experience with media training, spokesperson preparation and issues or crisis communications Demonstrated ability to manage client accounts independently, work closely with senior leadership, and mentor junior staff Strong knowledge of healthcare stakeholders and the regulatory and compliance considerations in healthcare communications Specific expertise in opioid addiction, rare disease, hospitals and health systems, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology is strongly preferred Skilled with media databases and monitoring tools (e.g., Cision, Muck Rack, Meltwater) We are looking for a strong cultural fit to add to our fast-growing team. When hiring a team member, we are looking for someone with a great attitude and a steadfast work ethic. Strong writing, leadership and organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple client relationships simultaneously while operating independently day to day, are fundamental to succeeding in this position. Candidate must be detail-oriented with a proactive, innovative and positive attitude toward client service. Candidates should be self-motivated and diligent with a high degree of proactivity and accountability for leading team-based work. WHAT WE OFFER Unlimited PTO after one year of employment Weekly free lunches (plus lots of free snacks and drinks in the office!) Robust health benefits program 401K with company match Hybrid work environment Workplace and off-site social gatherings and company retreats Professional learning and development opportunities Paid maternity/paternity leave Transportation stipend Paid one-month sabbatical after 5 years ABOUT CURA CURA Strategies is an integrated strategic communications and public affairs agency exclusively focused on healthcare and wellness. Our name, CURA — Latin for care, concern, and attention to others — exemplifies our mission: to work with clients to transform the healthcare system and improve lives. Whether our client is a business, a nonprofit or a government agency, we believe that taking transformative action to improve people’s lives is always the winning strategy. Our culture is built on a love for transforming healthcare through integrated communications, a desire to proactively serve and contribute, and strong partnership with our clients to deliver results. Led by a bipartisan team of DC communications veterans, our approach has received considerable notice from industry peers. Since its launch in 2016, the company has received numerous awards and recognition, including: Washington Business Journal, Best Places to Work in Greater Washington (2025, 2026) PRovoke Media, North American Boutique Agency of the Year (2023) PRWeek, Outstanding Boutique Agency of the Year, Finalist (2023) PR News, Top Places to Work in PR (2020) PRovoke Media, Global and North American New Agency of the Year (2018) #J-18808-Ljbffr