Job Overview:
A Media Relations Director leads the organisation's media strategy, managing relationships with journalists, media outlets and key stakeholders to enhance and protect corporate reputation. They develop and execute proactive media campaigns, secure high-value coverage, support executive profiling and manage communications during issues and crises. The role ensures consistent external messaging while helping the organisation build credibility, visibility and trust with its audiences.
Day-to-Day Duties:
- Develop and execute media relations strategies aligned to business objectives
- Build and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, broadcasters and industry influencers
- Manage media enquiries, interview requests and press office activity
- Draft and approve press releases, media statements, briefing materials and Q&As
- Identify and secure proactive media opportunities for the organisation and its leaders
- Prepare executives and spokespeople for media interviews and public appearances
- Monitor media coverage, industry developments and reputation risks
- Lead communications responses during issues and crisis situations
- Collaborate with marketing, internal communications, legal and leadership teams
- Manage external PR agencies and measure media performance against objectives
Essential Skills & Experience:
- Significant experience in media relations, public relations or corporate communications
- Strong network of media contacts across relevant sectors and publications
- Proven track record of securing high-quality media coverage and managing reputation
- Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills
- Experience developing executive thought leadership and spokesperson programmes
- Strong crisis communications and issues management expertise
- Ability to influence and advise senior stakeholders with confidence
- Experience managing teams, agencies and external partners
- Strong understanding of media monitoring, analytics and reporting tools
- Commercial awareness and the ability to align communications activity with business goals
Frequently Asked Questions:
What does a Media Relations Director do?
A Media Relations Director is responsible for managing how an organisation is represented in the media and perceived by external audiences. They create and deliver media strategies that support business objectives, secure positive press coverage, develop compelling stories and position company leaders as trusted industry voices. The role also involves handling media enquiries, managing reputational risks and leading communications during sensitive or high-pressure situations to protect and strengthen the organisation's reputation.
Who does a Media Relations Director work with?
A Media Relations Director works closely with senior leaders, communications teams, marketing departments, legal and regulatory stakeholders and external agencies to ensure consistent and effective messaging. They also build strong relationships with journalists, editors, broadcasters and industry influencers, acting as the key link between the organisation and the media. Their role requires regular collaboration across the business to identify stories, manage risks and support strategic communication objectives.
What makes a good Media Relations Director?
A good Media Relations Director is a strategic thinker and excellent communicator who can build trust with both internal stakeholders and external media contacts. They are calm under pressure, highly skilled at managing complex or sensitive situations and able to provide confident counsel to senior leaders. The most successful individuals combine strong media expertise with commercial awareness, relationship-building skills and sound judgement, enabling them to proactively enhance reputation while effectively managing risk.