Vice President, Media Strategy

Highwire is a modern strategic communications and digital marketing agency designed for disruptive companies. We work with high-growth technology companies and established brands looking to reinvent themselves.

At Highwire, we believe that storytelling fuels transformation. And the most impactful stories represent all voices and perspectives. As a values-driven agency, we foster an inclusive environment where everyone—regardless of age, race / ethnicity, size, shape, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and different abilities–can feel safe, celebrated and worthy.

We ensure every Highwire Walker has unique support to climb to success. Our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging is permanent and foundational to our business and culture. We aspire to change our industry and build a better future for all.

Our people-first culture is driven by four core values:

• Team Empowerment
• Growth Mindset
• Inclusion Always
• Fierce Distinction

We’re looking for individuals with big ideas, strong opinions, and the energy to bring them to life. If you thrive in an environment that values personal accountability, high standards, and boundless motivation, this is the opportunity for you. Be part of our award-winning culture and contribute to an exciting and growing business where you can make a real impact.

We are based in San Francisco, with offices in New York and Chicago. We are open to hiring in the following states: California, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Illinois, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington D.C.

As Vice President, Media Strategy, you will:

Lead Highwire’s Media Strategy team, driving high-impact storytelling, thought leadership, and executive visibility while scaling media-driven revenue opportunities. You will shape the evolution of earned, owned, and digital media strategy for Highwire’s clients, providing senior-level media counsel, innovating new offerings, and integrating best-in-class media strategies into the broader PR function.

This role requires a seasoned media leader who can blend strategic storytelling with business impact, staying ahead of industry trends while expanding service offerings and revenue streams. You will also play a key role in new business development, supporting Highwire’s ability to secure new clients and elevate the agency’s industry reputation as a media powerhouse.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and scale Highwire’s Media Strategy team, mentoring and developing Directors and Senior Media Strategists.
• Develop and execute integrated media strategies, blending traditional, digital, and emerging platforms for maximum client impact.
• Leverage advanced media analytics—including AI-driven media intelligence, trend forecasting, competitive benchmarking, and audience insights—to optimize media strategy and storytelling.
• Guide crisis and reputation management strategies for clients, ensuring best-in-class media counsel during sensitive moments.
• Partner with cross-functional teams (strategy, content, digital, and creative) to ensure media is seamlessly integrated into broader communication plans.
• Innovate Highwire’s media offerings with creative first-to-market executions and disruptive storytelling approaches.
• Serve as a trusted senior media advisor for Highwire’s top clients, providing strategic storytelling and media positioning at the C-suite level.
• Lead and refine Highwire’s earned media strategy, ensuring best practices in media relations, messaging, and outreach for maximum brand impact.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with top-tier media, including business, broadcast, tech, financial, and digital-first journalists.
• Oversee and execute high-stakes media campaigns, including corporate milestones, IPOs, earnings, crisis response, and leadership transitions.
• Develop executive thought leadership programs, leveraging owned media opportunities like LinkedIn, Forbes Councils, and strategic guest columns.
• Provide media training for executives and internal teams, enhancing Highwire’s industry presence and reputation.
• Own media-driven revenue targets, developing new service offerings that drive profitability.
• Lead new business efforts, shaping media strategy discussions in pitches, RFPs, and industry partnerships.
• Identify new revenue streams in executive communications, media analytics, and influencer-driven storytelling.
• Collaborate with the leadership team to evolve Highwire’s media strategy function into a significant revenue generator.

Requirements

• 10+ years of media relations experience in PR, communications, or journalism, with deep expertise in business and tech media.
• Proven leadership experience, managing and mentoring high-performing teams.
• Strong business acumen with experience in developing new service lines and expanding revenue streams.
• Deep relationships with top-tier business, financial, and technology reporters, as well as emerging influencer voices.
• Exceptional storytelling ability, with a talent for crafting compelling narratives that shape industry conversations.
• Experience leading high-profile media moments, including corporate milestones, thought leadership campaigns, and crisis communications.
• A data-driven mindset with the ability to measure and optimize media impact using analytics and industry benchmarks.

145,000 - $195,000 a year

Salary is based on a range of factors that include relevant experience, knowledge, skills, other job-related qualifications, and geography.

The duties delineated above will vary depending on the needs of each specific account, and in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. This individual will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties requested by his or her supervisors.

We are actively seeking candidates who possess a genuine passion for tech PR and are excited to expand our team. If you are enthusiastic about the world of tech PR and are eager to embark on a rewarding career in this field, we encourage you to start the conversation by applying today. We value your interest in our agency and look forward to hearing from you.

Apply now and let's explore the possibilities together!