Job Title: Director of Media Relations

Reports to: Vice President Brand Activism & Storytelling 

Location: Hybrid/Remote (office locations in New York City, Los Angeles and Philadelphia)

Type: Full-time employee 

Direct Reports: TBD

Who We Are 

Skai Blue Media (SBM) is a strategic communications and creative marketing agency of multicultural and multigenerational brand builders, expert problem-solvers, and engaging communicators. In an ever-changing world, we focus on building purposeful connections, shifting culture and shaping brand storytelling for the future.

Headquartered in New York and Los Angeles, Skai Blue Media boasts a curated cohort of globally recognized clients across entertainment, finance, fintech, venture studios, direct-to-consumer, retail, non-profit, AI and web3. Our global team has extensive experience in the fields of public relations, journalism, strategic brand communications, urgent care communications, brand and social marketing, and content development and production.

Job Summary 

The Director of Media Relations is a senior level leader who will manage a team of communications professionals, responsible for delivering industry-leading efforts related to public relations, strategic communications and media relations. This role will maintain an ongoing and proactive relationship with key press contacts and clients. The Director of Media Relations will be a point-of-contact for all communications needs, ensure the delivery and execution of all media pitching, innovative concepts and ideation for Skai Blue Media’s clientele. This leader in this position is a thought leader, innovative communications and media strategist, a storyteller with the ability to execute all communication plans, of which may include, but not limited to, high-level media pitching, effective placement & media opportunities.
 

Responsibilities 

• Utilize connections and current relationships to build the client base and maintain strong relationships with existing clients
• Write, edit and proofread materials ensuring quality and consistency
• Prioritize multiple projects simultaneously and ensure timely completion of projects
• Strong media relations and ability to drive thought leadership campaigns
• Writing various types of correspondence and promotional materials
• Drafting interview prep documents and media alerts
• Writing recap reports and status reports
• Lead day-to-day efforts for client activity and execution 
• Mentor and coach junior staff to maintain and elevate performance standards
• As a supervisor, provide ongoing feedback and review of the junior team members under their purview
• Deliver timely personnel evaluations, performance reviews and other employee management reporting for staff members under their supervision
• Lead the development of strategic plans for media relations and communications plans for the agency and agency clients
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with members of the media, thought leaders, influencers and industry sources
• Develop crisis communications strategies on behalf of clients and the agency
• On a continuous basis, consult with the Senior Leadership Team on strategic goals and objects for the agency
• Ensures the highest quality of execution of media strategy and projects. Develop insights that drive strategy and decision-making
• Play a key role with other communications projects, including press release writing, internal/external communications, media training, new business pitch/presentations development, consultation on copyediting, multimedia, interviews, and other forms of communications
• Staffing events, usually in collaboration with other employees
• Attend networking events on behalf of Skai Blue Media
• Work onsite at office locations as needed
• Adheres to Company Customer Service Excellence standards

Qualifications 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to communicate information clearly and effectively to others
• Ability to utilize creative problem-solving when faced with challenges
• Must be able to effectively represent the agency and agency clients
• Must have strong attention to detail and be highly organized
• Must be able to multitask, learn and adapt to new situations, work under tight timelines to meet client deliverables and other assignments
• Proven experience in working with diverse audiences
• Must be on time and prompt on all occasions
• Must be able to handle all situations with tact, professionalism, persuasiveness, and diplomacy.
• On occasion, work beyond normal business hours, including some weekdays, weekends and holidays to staff client events and to ensure deliverables are met
• Flexibility and willingness to travel
• Ability to learn new things and prioritize competing demands
• Must work well with employees at all levels of the organization, both internal and external (clients)
• Must have a successful history of managing direct reports
• Strong track record of meeting and exceeding goals and achieving results
• History of meeting deadlines in a fast-paced work environment

Skills and Competencies 

• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar
• Knowledge of all forms of media (digital, broadcast, print, social, etc.)
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Ability to learn new things and prioritize competing demands
• Proficient in Google Suite, Microsoft Office, Canva, project management and media-related platforms
• Exceptional analytical skills and the ability to write both strategically and creatively under tight deadlines
• Excellent project management skills
• Demonstrated copywriting ability and record of quality media placement. Excellent writing and verbal communication are necessary. Must be able to effectively represent the agency and agency clients
• Flexibility and willingness to travel, domestically and internationally, sometimes on short notice

Education and Experience 

• ● Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree preferred, from an accredited college of university.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of demonstrated experience in the areas of creative communications, agency experience related to public relations, communications and media relations. Crisis communications experience preferred
• Proven experience developing and implementing comprehensive communications strategies.
• Minimum of three (3) years of managing direct reports and leadership of teams

Physical Requirements 

• Ability to sit at a computer workstation for extended periods.
• Capability to use a computer and other office equipment effectively.
• Capacity to communicate verbally and in writing for prolonged periods.
• Capability to maintain a quiet and distraction-free work environment.
• Possess the ability to thrive and meet deadlines while working in a fast-paced work environment, either remote or in-person.
• Capacity to maintain proper posture and ergonomic setup to prevent discomfort or injury.
• Ability to attend virtual meetings and collaborate with team members using video conferencing software.
• Capability to troubleshoot technical issues independently or with remote support.
• Ability to adapt to changes in technology and workflow processes related to remote work.
• Capability to organize and manage work tasks efficiently in a remote setting.
• Ability to travel for business-related situations, including using all means of transportation e.g. ground, rail and air.
• Ability to remain onsite for a business-related function for multiple days, which includes the need for overnight stays.