Vice President, Media Strategy

Company: Highwire
Location: Des Moines
Posted on: March 29, 2025

Job Description:

About usHighwire 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 DistinctionWe'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
  • Strategic Leadership
  • 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.
    • Earned Media Leadership & Thought Leadership Development
    • 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.
      • Business & Revenue Growth
      • 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.Highwire Perks
          • Competitive salary
          • Merit-based bonuses and promotions
          • Hybrid work model to suit your schedule and lifestyle
          • Excellent vacation policy including extended break for summer and winter holiday
          • Participate in Empower Hours on Fridays; Team has the ability to log off by 3pm
          • 401K Match
          • Medical and dental benefits/ FSA
          • Paid Parental Leave
          • Commuter Benefit
          • Home office equipment stipend
          • Growth Mindset Stipend of $100 annually for books, exhibitions, etc.
          • Technology reimbursement
          • Wellness benefit
          • Donation Match
          • Mentorship
          • Monthly recognition programs
          • Employee referral bonus
          • New business referral bonus
          • Quarterly Highwire fun events - Thanksgiving is our favorite holiday
          • Dog friendly work environment
          • Extremely supportive, nurturing environment with many opportunities for learning and growth
            #J-18808-Ljbffr

Keywords: Highwire, Des Moines , Vice President, Media Strategy, Advertising , Des Moines, Iowa