About this role
ABOUT RATIONAL 360
Rational 360 is a leading, independently owned, DC-based strategic communications and public affairs firm that partners with major corporations, nonprofits, trade associations, and advocacy organizations navigating policy, reputation, and media challenges. We offer a fast-paced, collaborative, and entrepreneurial environment where smart strategy and measurable results drive everything we do.
With a staff of approximately 100 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.
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.
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.
EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
- 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
- Rational 360 offers competitive compensation and a generous, comprehensive benefits package.
- Employees work on-site in our downtown DC office three days a week, with the option to work remotely two days per week.
Other facts
About Rational 360
The Rational Way: All in Partners
Rational 360 is a leading full-service strategic communications and digital agency, with offices and staff located across the country. We recognize that communications and public affairs rarely take place in a vacuum, and our work is always crafted using the best data analysis to support organization-wide strategic objectives for our clients.
From public relations and public affairs to crisis communications and new media strategy, our experienced team takes an innovative, active approach to advancing your mission-critical goals. We understand the unique opportunities and challenges of the 21st century media landscape and operate as an extension of your own communications and leadership teams.
The Rational Approach: Integrated Campaigns
We create custom campaigns that are integrated with communication, policy, or business goals an organization may have and we measure our campaigns on their ability to deliver outcomes and results. Our creative and relentless approach inspires hearts and minds, turns data into action, opens commercial markets, and drives impactful outcomes that win.
The Rational Difference: Connected Where it Matters.
Our bipartisan team members have worked at every level of business and government and our networks extend deep into the Halls of Congress, the White House, and Fortune 500 boardrooms across the country. We have the pulse of mission-critical conversations and implement campaigns when and where it matters most – and measure success at every point in the process.
Visit us on Twitter: @Rational360
What you'll do
- 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, and draft compelling press materials.
Ready to join Rational 360?
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