Media Relations Lead

Job Description

Job DescriptionSalary: $95,000-$120,000 annually

RH Strategic is seeking an experienced media relations professional to join its team in Washington, D.C. (internal title: media relations lead). This role is ideal for professionals with experience working at the intersection of policy and communications within the D.C. market.

Qualified candidates will bring a strong track record of securing coverage, building relationships with national and policy-focused reporters, and advising clients on how to engage the media to influence public policy and regulatory conversations. They have established relationships across national and policy-focused media, along with strong pitching instincts and a creative approach to storytelling that generates attention and drives impact for our clients. They are confident working directly with clients and journalists, leading media outreach efforts, and coaching others throughout the process to deliver meaningful earned media results across traditional and emerging platforms.

This is a full-time role based in Washington, D.C.,requiring an in-office presence of at least three days per week.To be qualified, candidates must currently reside in the DMV metro area.

RH Strategic is a well-established public relations agency with a robust client portfolio across technology, cybersecurity, healthcare, government, sustainability, and education industries. We are accepting applications from those curious about innovations shaping our future and interested in making an impact through meaningful storytelling.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and execute media strategy and outreach that drives high-impact earned coverage, including developing compelling storylines, pitch angles, and integrated media plans aligned with client objectives.
• Secure top-tier media placements across print, digital, and broadcast platforms, leveraging strong relationships with reporters, editors, and producers to generate meaningful client outcomes.
• Proactively identify and act on real-time opportunities tied to breaking news, policy developments, and cultural trends to position clients in relevant conversations.
• Build and maintain strong media relationships, while guiding and mentoring team members on relationship development and best practices for outreach and engagement.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to clients, providing counsel on media positioning, timing, and approach, and leading executive media training, interview preparation, and ongoing engagement.

Secondary Responsibilities

• Support strategy and direction for media-facing content, including press releases, media advisories, messaging documents, pitches, Q&As, and briefing books. Draft and edit as needed.
• Use expertise to expand outreach to alternative media such as podcasts, YouTube creators, and newsletter publishers (e.g., Substacks).
• Manage inbound media inquiries and coordinate timely, strategic responses.
• Counsel and support during crisis communications events, including the development of holding statements, rapid response messaging, and real-time media engagement.
• Advise on reputational risks and provide strategic guidance during sensitive or high-stakes moments.

Requirements

• Top-tier media relations experience with a recent and strong track record of securing high-impact, top-tier placements for clients (7-10 years of experience).
• Recent and relevant public relations agency experience (in the last 5 years).
• Lead media efforts with the team, meet or exceed deadlines, and prioritize assignments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with teams, clients, media, and partners.
• Ability to take feedback and apply it to future work, with a natural curiosity and desire to grow.
• Must be a proactive, detail-oriented communicator.

Pay and Benefits

Salary: $95,000-$120,000 annually.

This is the pay range the Company believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and the Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. The Company may, in its discretion, also offer an annual bonus in an amount, if any, to be determined by the Company. Bonuses are not guaranteed.

Benefits:

For this role, the Company offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Insurance: 100% paid base premium for the employees medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurances.
• Transportation Subsidy: $100 per month.
• Paid Time Off: 16 days of annual PTO, 12 firm holidays, 1 floating day off, and 1 paid day of service.
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with automatic, fully vested match.
• Stipends: Professional development and wellness.

RH Strategic is committed to being an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We will not be able to respond to every submission. No calls, recruiters, or offers for contract work, please.