Description
POSTON COMMUNICATIONS
JOB DESCRIPTION – MANAGING DIRECTOR, PUBLIC RELATIONS
Poston Communications is seeking a Managing Director, Public Relations to join our growing national team.
This is a senior leadership role for a communications professional with deep experience in public relations agencies and/or within an Am Law 200 law firm or advising professional services organizations. The ideal candidate brings strong relationships with journalists, a strategic mindset and a proven ability to lead complex client engagements while driving measurable communications results.
Managing Directors serve as senior advisors to clients and leaders within the agency. This role requires the ability to develop and execute sophisticated public relations strategies, lead high-performing account teams and contribute meaningfully to the firm’s continued growth through business development and industry leadership.
You will work closely with agency leadership and national clients on high-profile matters ranging from crisis communications and litigation PR to reputation management and thought leadership initiatives.
Poston Communications is a fully remote agency with team members located across the United States.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Client Strategy & Leadership
§ Serve as the senior strategic lead for client accounts, providing proactive communications counsel to executives, law firm leaders and marketing teams.
§ Develop an authoritative understanding of clients’ business priorities, industry dynamics and revenue goals.
§ Design and oversee integrated communications strategies that support business development, reputation management and market positioning.
§ Serve as a trusted advisor to clients on complex communications issues, including crisis situations, litigation developments and high-profile announcements.
Media Relations Leadership
§ Develop and oversee media relations strategies that generate meaningful coverage in national business media, legal media and leading industry trade publications.
§ Maintain and leverage relationships with top-tier journalists and editors.
§ Lead high-level media outreach efforts and guide account teams on effective pitching strategies.
§ Identify opportunities for client commentary, trend positioning and proactive storytelling.
§ Track and communicate media impact and strategic value to clients.
Account & Team Leadership
§ Lead account teams by setting strategic direction, assigning responsibilities and ensuring high-quality execution.
§ Manage account financials, including budgeting, client billing and overall account profitability.
§ Mentor and develop team members while fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture.
§ Ensure consistent delivery of exceptional client service across engagements.
Agency Growth & Industry Leadership
§ Play a key role in agency business development by identifying new opportunities, expanding existing client relationships and contributing to new business proposals.
§ Represent the firm in professional associations, industry organizations and speaking engagements.
§ Contribute to Poston’s leadership culture by helping shape strategy, mentoring colleagues and strengthening the agency’s reputation in the marketplace.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
Required
§ At least eight (8) years of experience in public relations, strategic communications or media relations, ideally within an agency environment.
§ Experience working in a public relations agency and/or inside an Am Law 200 law firm or advising professional services organizations.
§ Experience managing a public relations, communications and/or marketing team.
§ Demonstrated success securing coverage in national business media, legal media and leading industry trade publications.
§ Strong relationships with reporters and editors at major business and legal outlets.
§ Proven ability to pitch journalists by phone and lead high-impact media outreach efforts.
§ Experience leading complex client engagements and managing multiple high-profile accounts.
§ Strong presentation skills and executive presence with the ability to advise sophisticated clients.
§ Demonstrated emotional intelligence and commitment to delivering exceptional client service.
§ Proven success contributing to business development and revenue growth within a communications or professional services firm.
Nice to Have
§ Experience managing a public relations agency.
§ Experience supporting litigation communications, crisis management or reputation management engagements.
§ Experience advising law firm partners, C-suite executives or professional services firm leaders.
§ Background working in major media markets such as New York, Washington, DC, Chicago or Los Angeles.
§ Leadership roles in professional, civic or industry organizations.
RESULTS MATTER HERE
At Poston Communications, we believe in measurable results. Candidates should be prepared to share specific examples of media relations performance and business development impact, including numerical data where possible. Examples may include:
§ Media placements secured.
§ Campaign results tied to client visibility or business growth.
§ Journalist relationships developed.
§ Revenue generated through new or expanded client relationships.
§ Media trainings conducted or high-profile engagements supported.
SALARY RANGE
Salary ranges vary by geographic market and experience:
§ Major markets (New York, Washington, DC, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, Philadelphia): $155,000 – $175,000.
§ Large markets (Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Denver, Seattle): $146,000 – $159,000.
§ Mid-size markets (Minneapolis, Nashville, Phoenix, Tampa, Charlotte, Kansas City): $135,000 – $150,000.
§ Other U.S. locations: $125,000 – $145,000.
Final compensation will depend on experience, qualifications and location.
BENEFITS
We are a fully remote team and offer a competitive, top-tier benefits package including:
§ 100% employer-paid health, dental and vision insurance for full-time employees.
§ 401(k) match.
§ Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
§ Revenue origination opportunities.
§ Professional development support.
HOW TO APPLY
To be considered for this position, please submit your resume, cover letter and two work samples demonstrating media relations results to operations@postoncommunications.com.
Requirements
Required
§ At least eight (8) years of experience in public relations, strategic communications or media relations, ideally within an agency environment.
§ Experience working in a public relations agency and/or inside an Am Law 200 law firm or advising professional services organizations.
§ Experience managing a public relations, communications and/or marketing team.
§ Demonstrated success securing coverage in national business media, legal media and leading industry trade publications.
§ Strong relationships with reporters and editors at major business and legal outlets.
§ Proven ability to pitch journalists by phone and lead high-impact media outreach efforts.
§ Experience leading complex client engagements and managing multiple high-profile accounts.
§ Strong presentation skills and executive presence with the ability to advise sophisticated clients.
§ Demonstrated emotional intelligence and commitment to delivering exceptional client service.
§ Proven success contributing to business development and revenue growth within a communications or professional services firm.
Nice to Have
§ Experience managing a public relations agency.
§ Experience supporting litigation communications, crisis management or reputation management engagements.
§ Experience advising law firm partners, C-suite executives or professional services firm leaders.
§ Background working in major media markets such as New York, Washington, DC, Chicago or Los Angeles.
§ Leadership roles in professional, civic or industry organizations.
