Associate Media Relations Director

The posting, as Walker Sands wrote it

Walker Sands is one of the fastest-growing integrated B2B marketing agencies in the world. We are looking for a high-impact Associate Media Relations Director to help fuel that continued growth. The starting salary for this role is expected to be between $85,000 and $106,000 per year.

As an agency, we exist to accelerate growth — for our clients, our people and the B2B industry. We partner with B2B technology and services companies, from high-growth Silicon Valley businesses to global Fortune 500 brands, to drive meaningful business results.

We’re looking for an experienced national media relations leader who knows what it takes to secure meaningful coverage for complex B2B companies. You’ll bring established relationships with national business and technology journalists, a proven track record of securing Tier 1 media opportunities, and the ability to turn challenging client narratives into compelling stories.

This is a hands-on role where you’ll personally drive high-impact media opportunities, develop and execute proactive earned media strategies, and manage and coach Media Relations Managers. You’ll also serve as a strategic partner to our PR account teams, contribute to new business opportunities, and help strengthen our national media relations capabilities as the media landscape continues to evolve.

What You Will Do (Responsibilities)

National Media Relations

• Develop and execute proactive media strategies that translate complex B2B topics into compelling stories for national business, technology and broadcast outlets.
• Personally lead high-priority media outreach to secure Tier 1 coverage and other meaningful media opportunities.
• Identify new story angles, anticipate media trends and adapt strategies to improve client results.
• Provide strategic media counsel and prepare executives for high-value media opportunities.

Team Leadership

• Directly manage, coach and develop Media Relations Managers, providing feedback and accountability for performance.
• Guide media strategy and execution across multiple client accounts, balancing priorities, resources and placement goals.
• Partner with PR account leads to align media strategy with client objectives, manage expectations and address challenges.
• Share expertise, lead trainings and develop resources that strengthen the broader Media Relations team.

New Business + Practice Development

• Develop and present media relations strategies for new business pitches and identify opportunities to expand existing client relationships.
• Collaborate with Social, Content, Paid and SEO/GEO teams to support integrated client programs.
• Help evolve the Media Relations practice through emerging channels, AI-driven discovery and new approaches to building brand visibility.

What You Bring (Requirements)

• 7+ years of media relations or relevant journalism experience, including direct people management responsibilities. Previous agency experience preferred.
• Proven success secur

[…]
, and learning events to help you grow professionally.

• 🌴 Flexible PTO and Hybrid Work: Take time as needed for vacations, mental health, or personal days. Includes 8 paid holidays, half-day summer Fridays, and a week off between Christmas and New Year.
• 🩺 Health Coverage: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans. Mental health resources, pet insurance, and more.
• 📈Retirement Savings : Employer-matched 401(k) and access to financial planning services.
• 🛡️ Additional Protection: Life insurance, disability coverage, and other benefits that provide added financial security.
• 🧠 Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free, confidential support for you and your household, including counseling, mental health resources, and help navigating life’s everyday challenges.
• 👶 Family Support: Paid leave for new parents and caregivers, plus policies for fertility treatment, pregnancy loss, adoption challenges, and more.
• 🎯 Performance & Coaching: Regular performance reviews, clear goal-setting, and ongoing coaching to help you understand expectations, grow your skills, and make progress in your career.
• 🎉 Milestone Sabbatical: Celebrate five years with a two-week sabbatical and a $2,000 gift.
• 🤝 Community & Belonging: Employee resource groups, volunteer opportunities, and programs designed to build connection across the agency.
• 🌟 Culture: Our agency offers an award-winning culture. Read more on our website here !

We strongly encourage people of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and non-binary people, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities to apply. As an equal opportunity employer Walker Sands is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and welcomes everyone to our team.

In your application, please feel free to note which pronouns you use (For example – she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs, etc).

If you need reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know.