Vice President, Earned Media - Conservative Media Relations

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Vice President, Earned Media - Conservative Media Relations

🔹 Company: Rational 360

🔹 Location: Washington, DC

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (3 days in office, 2 remote)

🔹 Category: Public Relations & Communications

🔹 Date Posted: July 28, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10-13 years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (with 3 days in office)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading earned media strategy and execution across multiple client accounts
• Cultivating relationships with conservative and center-right media outlets and influencers
• Developing and executing proactive media outreach strategies
• Shaping and pitching compelling stories and interview opportunities
• Providing rapid response and crisis communications support
• Partnering with internal teams on integrated communications campaigns
• Mentoring and managing junior staff
• Supporting new business development and growth of media service offerings

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of conservative media and a proven track record in media relations and political communications.

📋 Key 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

ASSUMPTION: This role involves working with high-profile clients and media outlets, requiring strong communication skills, strategic judgment, and the ability to manage complex messaging environments.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Political Science, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Experience: 10-13 years of relevant experience in communications, media relations, public affairs, or political strategy

Required Skills:

• Expertise in placing earned media with conservative outlets and influencers
• Deep understanding of the conservative political landscape
• Excellent strategic judgment and experience managing high-profile media campaigns
• Impeccable writing and verbal communication skills
• Experience working in fast-paced, high-stakes environments
• Proven ability to manage teams, lead clients, and execute projects from concept through completion
• Familiarity with political, policy, or advocacy work is strongly preferred

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with digital media and advertising
• Bilingual or multilingual skills

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in political campaigns, government offices, or media outlets may have an advantage in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $150,000 - $180,000 per year (based on industry standards for a VP-level role in DC with this experience level)

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation
• Generous, comprehensive benefits package

Working Hours: Full-time, with a hybrid work arrangement (3 days in office, 2 remote)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is an estimate based on industry standards for a VP-level role in DC with this experience level. The actual salary may vary based on factors such as performance, skills, and market conditions.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Public Relations and Communications Services

Company Size: 51-200 employees

Founded: Not specified

Company Description:

• Rational 360 is a leading, independently owned, DC-based strategic communications and public affairs firm
• They offer a collaborative, high-performance culture that rewards innovation, leadership, and initiative
• Rational 360 has approximately 100 staff and is growing rapidly

Company Specialties:

• Strategic counsel; Media relations, placement, & response
• Advertising: creative & production (TV, Radio, Print, Online)
• Strategic writing; New and emerging media solutions (digital, online, social networking)
• Crisis management and communications; Digital media, digital advertising, public relations, paid media, and earned media

Company Website: http://www.rational360.com

ASSUMPTION: Rational 360 is a well-established firm with a strong reputation in the DC area and a focus on strategic communications and public affairs.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Vice President (VP) - typically a senior-level role with significant responsibility and leadership expectations

Reporting Structure: This role may report directly to the firm's leadership or a senior director, depending on the organizational structure

Work Arrangement: Hybrid - 3 days in the office, 2 remote workdays

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to grow within the firm as it continues to expand
• Opportunities to take on more responsibility and leadership roles
• Chance to work with a diverse range of clients and industries

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, given the firm's size and growth trajectory.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Downtown DC office

Office Location(s): 1828 L Street NW, Suite 640, Washington, DC 20036

Geographic Context:

• Washington, DC is a major hub for politics, policy, and advocacy
• The downtown DC area offers a vibrant and diverse urban environment
• The office is conveniently located near public transportation and various amenities

Work Schedule: Full-time, with a hybrid work arrangement (3 days in office, 2 remote)

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility while still providing opportunities for in-person collaboration and networking.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial phone or video screen with HR
• First-round interview with the hiring manager or a senior team member
• Second-round interview with additional team members or stakeholders
• Final interview with the firm's leadership

Key Assessment Areas:

• Media relations expertise and experience
• Understanding of the conservative political landscape
• Strategic judgment and communication skills
• Leadership and management abilities
• Cultural fit and alignment with the firm's values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
• Be prepared to discuss your understanding of the conservative media landscape and your experience working with conservative outlets
• Showcase your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities through specific examples
• Demonstrate your leadership and management skills, including your ability to mentor and develop junior staff

ATS Keywords: Conservative media, earned media, media relations, strategic communications, public affairs, political communications, crisis communications, team management, client management, project execution, proactive media outreach, story development, relationship building, campaign management, digital strategy, grassroots campaigns, policy advocacy

ASSUMPTION: The interview process will focus on assessing the candidate's media relations expertise, strategic thinking, communication skills, and cultural fit with the firm.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Media databases (e.g., Muck Rack, Agility PR Solutions)
• Media monitoring tools (e.g., Mention, Brand24)
• Project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello)
• Communication and collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used may vary depending on the firm's internal systems and client needs.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all aspects of our work
• Excellence: Delivering outstanding results that exceed client expectations
• Collaboration: Working together to achieve shared goals and drive success
• Innovation: Embracing creativity and continuous learning to stay ahead of industry trends
• Accountability: Taking responsibility for our actions and delivering on our commitments

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and dynamic, with a focus on meeting tight deadlines
• Collaborative and team-oriented, with a strong emphasis on internal communication and coordination
• Adaptable and flexible, with the ability to pivot and adjust strategies as needed
• Results-driven, with a focus on achieving measurable outcomes for clients

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do I have a strong understanding of the conservative political landscape and a proven track record of working with conservative media outlets?
• Am I comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment and managing complex messaging campaigns?
• Do I have strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to craft compelling stories and messages?
• Am I a strategic thinker with the ability to develop and execute proactive media outreach strategies?
• Do I have experience managing teams and leading clients, with a focus on professional growth and development?
• Do I align with the company's values and work style, and am I eager to contribute to a collaborative and innovative team environment?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who are a strong cultural fit will have a deep understanding of the conservative media landscape, strong communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing high-profile clients and media outlets with competing priorities and expectations
• Navigating politically sensitive or high-stakes media situations and crises
• Keeping up with the fast-paced and ever-changing media landscape, including new platforms and trends
• Balancing the demands of multiple client accounts and projects simultaneously
• Managing and mentoring junior staff, ensuring strong execution and professional growth

ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges and opportunities for growth, requiring strong communication skills, strategic judgment, and the ability to manage complex messaging environments.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to other VP-level media relations positions, but with a focus on conservative media and a strong emphasis on strategic communications and public affairs
• Compared to other roles in the industry, this position offers a unique opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients and industries, with a focus on politically charged and high-stakes campaigns
• Career progression in this role may include taking on more leadership responsibilities, growing within the firm, or transitioning to a senior-level or executive role

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic communications, media relations, and leadership responsibilities, with significant growth potential for the right candidate.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a proactive media outreach campaign to launch a new product or initiative for a Fortune 500 company
• Managing a rapid response effort to mitigate reputational damage for a high-profile client facing a media crisis
• Crafting and placing op-eds and thought leadership pieces for a national non-profit organization to shape public opinion on a critical policy issue

ASSUMPTION: Sample projects for this role may involve high-profile clients, politically charged issues, and complex messaging environments, requiring strong communication skills, strategic judgment, and the ability to manage high-stakes campaigns.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the firm's approach to strategic communications and public affairs, and how this role fits into that strategy?
• What are the most pressing challenges facing the firm's clients in the current political and media landscape, and how can this role help address them?
• How does the firm support the professional growth and development of its employees, particularly in this role?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days, and how will success be measured?
• How does the firm foster a collaborative and innovative work environment, and what opportunities are there for cross-functional collaboration and learning?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates the candidate's interest in the role and their ability to contribute to the firm's success.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills, with a focus on your expertise in conservative media relations and strategic communications
• Prepare for the interview by researching the firm, its clients, and the current political and media landscape
• Follow up with the hiring manager or HR within one week of submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.