OverviewThe Director of Earned Media Strategy + Outreach is part of the internal Media Team for HUNTER's Tech Practice. The role is all about getting "in the trenches" to develop media strategies and secure the kind of coveted earned coverage, traditional and non-traditional, that keeps our clients at the heart of the cultural conversation.
Responsibilities- Be a Headline Junkie: You live and breathe the news and have your pulse on the tech, business, consumer, entertainment, lifestyle and sports media landscapes, including non-traditional news outlets such as Substcack and individual news creators' social feeds - meeting everyone where they personally consume their own news. You recognize when a trend is bubbling up and work quickly to figure out how our clients can authentically enter the conversation.
- Flex Your Rolodex: You have a rolodex of media that you've developed relationships with over the years and will actually pick up when you call. You have go-to media contacts based in the Los Angeles area. You're one of the first to find out when a key contact moves to a new outlet or goes the freelancer route.
- Know the Ecosystem:You know how people actually consume news today and understand the developing media ecosystem. You are just as comfortable navigating niche newsletters, podcasts, and digital news creators as you are with traditional outlets. You follow the key news influencers shaking up social media and know how to build the earned relationships that turn them into brand advocates.
- Lead the Strategy: You'll craft media strategies that include enticing stories that range from proactive big-idea pitches to lightning-fast reactive moments. You'll also support the transformation of new product announcements and campaign launches into compelling narratives.
- Secure the Coverage: You will play an integral role in the entire earned media lifecycle, from planning and pitching to recapping results. This includes leading media days for talent partners such as celebrities, athletes, reality stars, and top-tier influencers, inclusive of securing interview opportunities, scheduling out the day and staffing.
- Provide Expert Counsel: You will serve as the go-to media resource for larger agency client teams, helping them "think like an editor" and craft stories that journalists actually want to tell. You are also confident sharing media POVs directly with clients on weekly status calls.
- Quality Control: You pride yourself on having a sharp eye for detail. You will edit and quality-check all media materials including pitches, lists, key messages, audits, and briefing books to ensure our work is always top-notch and error free.
- Mentor the Pack: You'll have the opportunity to coach the internal team and larger agency client teams on how earned media drives a brand's success. You'll build a culture of camaraderie by delegating effectively, anticipating roadblocks, and providing the feedback your team needs to level up, with the opportunity to grow a team in the Los Angeles area.
- Navigate the New: Have a deep understanding of emerging media, know your way around GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) and understand how LLMs/AI are changing the way people discover and consume news.
- Drive Collaboration:Participate in agency brainstorms for new business and current programs, bringing a media-first lens to every creative idea.
- Connect the Dots: Take a tiny data insight or a consumer trend and turn it into a full-blown editorial strategy that resonates with media outlets.
- Stay Cool Under Pressure: Juggle multiple high-stakes projects and tight deadlines without breaking a sweat.
- Be Agile: Travel to client locations, headquarters, or staff events when asked, and work effectively with team members across different cities and time zones.
Qualifications• 6-8 years of PR agency experience where you've truly "earned your stripes" in media outreach and strategy.
• 3+ years of experience managing people. You know how to delegate, inspire, and give feedback that actually helps people grow.
• Degree in PR, Journalism, Communications, or a related field.
• Used the following tools: Muckrack, Meltwater, and Critical Mention, plus the usual Microsoft Office suite.
CompensationIn order to comply with equal pay and salary transparency laws in various locations, the Company believes the target range of base compensation for this role is $125,000-$140,000. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, and location.
At HUNTER, we work hard and play hard, and while we have all the benefits you'd expect -competitive health and dental insurance plans, a 401K company match and generous PTO - we also provide:
- a hybrid work model;
- a "work from anywhere in the US" policy (up to four weeks a year);
- a year-round staff training and development curriculum; and
- a staff-led Action Group dedicated to DEI excellence in the agency and industry (read our DEI statement here: https://hunterpr.com/dei/ )
Perks? We have perks. When you work at HUNTER, you can expect Bring Your Parents (And Kids) to Work Days, regular volunteer Days of Service, mid-day Cupcakes and Cocktails mixers and epic Halloween and holiday parties.
Founded in 1989, HUNTER has grown into one of the most respected mid-size marketing communications firms in the country, creating work that matters in strategic planning, earned media relations, social and digital media, talent and influencer engagement, experiential marketing, multicultural outreach and content creation and distribution. And we do it all for esteemed companies and brands across every sector you can imagine:
- Food + Beverage
- Wine + Spirits
- Health + Wellness
- Beauty + Personal Care + Fashion
- Home + Lifestyle + Travel
- Retail + E-commerce
See us in action here: https://hunterpr.com
