Director, Media Relations

Rational 360Washington, DC

$85,000 - $115,000 / year

Apply with Sonara

Automate your job search with Sonara.

Submit 10x as many applications with less effort than one manual application.¹

Reclaim your time by letting our AI handle the grunt work of job searching.

We continuously scan millions of openings to find your top matches.

Overview

Schedule

Full-time

Career level

Executive

Remote

Hybrid remote

Compensation

$85,000-$115,000/year

Benefits

Paid Vacation

Job Description

Role OverviewRational 360 is seeking a Director with an emphasis on media relations, having extensive experience securing premier placements and a comprehensive understanding of the modern media landscape. The ideal candidate will be a skilled communicator with strategic media instincts, capable of identifying newsworthy angles, securing premier media placements, and supporting client storytelling across leading national, regional, and trade media outlets.

Top candidates will have established networks of journalists and media contacts spanning different outlets and beats across the media spectrum.

This role is great for candidates with a background in public affairs, corporate 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.

Requirements

Responsibilities

Develop and execute earned media strategies that align with client goals and target top-tier media outlets across print, broadcast, and digital channels.
Build and maintain strong relationships with senior reporters, producers, editors, and media influencers.
Draft compelling press materials, including pitches, press releases, op-eds, and talking points.
Pitch stories and secure media coverage in premier national, regional, and trade outlets, both traditional and digital.
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.
Manage junior staff and interns, providing mentorship and quality control.

Requirements

5–8 years of experience in media relations, public affairs, communications, or journalism.
Extensive demonstrated ability to secure placements with top-tier national, regional, and trade media outlets across print and broadcast.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to craft and pitch compelling narratives.
Deep working relationships with journalists and media professionals across a variety of outlets.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple client priorities simultaneously.
Prior experience in a communications agency, corporate communications department, 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.

Automate your job search with Sonara.

Submit 10x as many applications with less effort than one manual application.

Apply with Sonara Apply manually

FAQs About Director, Media Relations Jobs at Rational 360

What is the work location for this position at Rational 360?

This job at Rational 360 is located in Washington, DC, according to the details provided by the employer. Some roles may also include multiple work locations depending on the requirement.

What pay range can candidates expect for this role at Rational 360?

Candidates can expect a pay range of $85,000 and $115,000 per year.

What employment applies to this position at Rational 360?

Rational 360 lists this role as a Full-time position.

What experience level is required for this role at Rational 360?

Rational 360 is looking for a candidate with "Executive" experience level.

What benefits are offered by Rational 360 for this role?

Rational 360 offers Paid Vacation for this position. Actual benefits may vary depending on the employer's policies and employment terms.

What is the process to apply for this position at Rational 360?

You can apply for this role at Rational 360 either through Sonara's automated application system, which helps you submit applications 10X faster with minimal effort, or by applying manually using the direct link on the job page.