About this role
ABOUT RATIONAL 360
Rational 360 is a leading, independently owned, DC-based strategic communications and public affairs firm with deep expertise across media relations, public policy, corporate reputation, and digital strategy. Our team of professionals works with a diverse set of clients including Fortune 500 companies, trade associations, national nonprofits, and advocacy groups operating in highly regulated and politically sensitive environments. We are entrepreneurial, client-focused, and committed to results.
Rational 360 has approximately 100 staff and is growing rapidly. We are partially employee-owned and offer a collaborative, high-performance culture that rewards innovation, leadership, and initiative.
ROLE OVERVIEW
Rational 360 is seeking a Vice President of Earned Media with a strong understanding of and deep relationships within the conservative media ecosystem. This role is ideal for a strategic communicator and media relations expert who has successfully placed high-impact stories, shaped narratives, and managed media relations for complex or politically charged campaigns.
This position will lead earned media strategy and execution across a range of client accounts—particularly those operating at the intersection of policy, business, and public opinion. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in public affairs or political communications, a track record of working with right-of-center outlets and influencers, and a sharp understanding of today’s media and political landscape.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Serve as the strategic lead for earned media strategy and execution across multiple client accounts.
- Cultivate and leverage deep relationships with conservative and center-right media outlets, editors, producers, journalists, and influencers.
- Develop and execute proactive media outreach strategies aligned with client goals, targeting relevant publications and platforms.
- Shape and pitch compelling stories, op-eds, and interview opportunities that resonate within conservative and broader national media narratives.
- Provide rapid response and crisis communications support, helping clients navigate politically sensitive or high-profile media situations.
- Partner with internal teams on integrated communications campaigns that include digital, grassroots, and policy components.
- Mentor and manage junior staff, ensuring strong execution and professional growth.
Support new business development and growth of media service offerings.
EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
- 10–13 years of relevant experience in communications, media relations, public affairs, or political strategy.
- Demonstrated expertise in placing earned media with conservative outlets (e.g., Fox News, Daily Caller, Washington Examiner, National Review, etc.) and center-right influencers.
- Deep understanding of the conservative political landscape, including key issues, platforms, and audiences.
- Excellent strategic judgment and experience managing high-profile media campaigns and complex messaging environments.
- Impeccable writing and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft sharp messaging that resonates with target audiences.
- Experience working in fast-paced, high-stakes environments—ideally within a PR agency, campaign, media outlet, or government office.
- Proven ability to manage teams, lead clients, and execute projects from concept through completion.
- Familiarity with political, policy, or advocacy work is strongly preferred.
- Rational 360 offers competitive compensation and a generous, comprehensive benefits package.
- Our hybrid work model includes three days per week in our downtown DC office and two optional remote workdays.
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
- The Vice President of Earned Media will lead earned media strategy and execution across multiple client accounts, particularly in politically sensitive environments. This role involves cultivating relationships with conservative media outlets and providing crisis communications support.
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