Director, Media Relations (Sports)

Praytell is a creative communications agency built by strategic minds and spirited hearts who believe original storytelling unexpected ideas and an instinctive recoil from anything remotely boring can shape culture and make people well give a sh!t. We partner with brands to create timely integrated and headline-worthy campaigns across social earned digital experiential and emerging platforms all rooted in smart strategy creative excellence and a deep understanding of whats resonating right now.

Weve been doing this for just over a decade and have picked up some pretty cool awards along the way including PRWeeks Best Place to Work (8x and counting) Agency of the Year and even a few your mom might recognize - even if she doesnt fully get what you do for a living.

Our work is collaborative fast-moving and driven by curiosity grounded in how we show up for our clients and for one another. If youre looking to join an ambitious deeply supportive team thats focused on doing great work with great people and doesnt take itself too seriously wed love to hear from you.

Overview

Were looking for a New York-based Director Media Relations to lead earned media strategy and execution across our Sports & Entertainment practice while also supporting other practice groups as needed. Youre a natural storyteller with strong press relationships and a sharp instinct for inserting brands into cultural conversations. From top-tier outlets (print digital broadcast) to emerging platforms (podcasts Substacks newsletters digital video and social) you know how to secure coverage that captures attention. Youll collaborate closely with influencer social creative and analytics partners to deliver integrated high-impact work while also mentoring junior staff and serving as a trusted client partner.

Equal parts strategist connector and leader you bring creativity hustle and a focus on results. With 8 years of PR and media relations experience youve developed and executed standout campaigns in sports and lifestyle pitched and won new business and advised senior-level clients with confidence. You have strong media relationships across channels especially in sports and sports business outlets and are always building more. Youre also eager to harness AI tools for research workflow optimization ideation and creative development - ensuring our clients benefit from modern future-ready approaches to storytelling and media. This role requires candidates to be based in New York or the greater metropolitan area.

Responsibilities

• Develop and drive innovative media strategies for sports entertainment and lifestyle clients owning all aspects of execution alongside account teams.
• Ensure clients are part of culturally relevant media conversations across sports entertainment lifestyle music fashion wellness and business.
• Create compelling angles pitches and storytelling opportunities that secure coverage across traditional outlets (print online broadcast) and emerging platforms (podcasts Substacks digital video newsletters social).
• Bring a strong roster of sports entertainment and lifestyle media contacts while continually expanding your network through pitching press meetings and IRL/virtual connections.
• Partner with creative teams to ensure ideas will be press worthy.
• Staff and support client events athlete/celebrity activations press days red carpets and experiential opportunities. Media-train spokespeople and staff interviews to ensure polished execution.
• Serve as the go-to expert on media trends emerging platforms and target outlets on client calls and in campaign planning. Create forward-looking POVs that translate industry shifts into actionable strategies.
• Manage proactive and reactive media relations while mentoring junior staff in pitching strategy and client service. Lead staff development programs and contribute to broader culture initiatives.
• Work closely with Influence (Media Influencer Corporate) and integrated teams (creative social analytics) to deliver smart connected work. Contribute to agency-wide media POVs and share learnings from press interactions.
• Partner with account leads to co-develop KPIs oversee reporting and monitoring and make recommendations to optimize performance.
• Participate in new business opportunities occasionally travel for client/press needs and help build the future of Praytells Sports Entertainment and Lifestyle practice.

Benefits

We offer a growing list of benefits and perks including:

• Salary: $105000 - $125000 (This range reflects the minimum and maximum compensation. We typically offer salaries within the 25th to 75th percentiles and cannot exceed the listed maximum. Final offers depend on experience skills and qualifications.)
• Comprehensive health care (Medical Dental Vision)
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with annual shares of Project Worldwide our parent company
• Traditional and Roth 401(k) options with an annual employer contribution based on company performance
• Flexible Time Off (FTO) company holidays and mental health days
• Flexible work locations within the US - remote is a-ok! We also have physical hubs and offices in LA SF Austin Chicago Minneapolis and New York
• Flex Fridays designed to keep Fridays meeting-free for focused work and to give you space to support your personal wellbeing while delivering great client service
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with mental health family career legal and financial support
• Paid parental leave and fertility support
• Training and team-building programs
• Camp Praytell our company offsite (eligibility based on start date)
• Employee Resource Groups (BEACON Compañeros elevAsian Herizon and Prism)
• And more!

Interview Process

Please note that due to the high volume of applications we receive while were incredibly grateful for your interest were not able to respond to each one individually. Well be in touch with candidates were moving forward with. We know how hard it can be to wait and wonder especially in todays job market so if you dont hear from us within5 business days it means weve moved forward with other candidates for this role. We truly appreciate the time and care you put into applying and will keep your application on file for future opportunities.

Our interview process typically takes 4-6 weeks and heres what you can expect along the way:

• Submit Application
• Phone Screen w/ Head of Talent (30 Mins)
• Team Interview (30 Mins - 1 Hour)
• Leadership Interview (30 Mins)
• TBD: Short Client-Agnostic Take-Home Test (Paid via Electronic Gift Card)
• Offer (Target Start Date: May 2026)

Who We Are

We are an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all people and do not discriminate - period. All qualified applicants will receive consideration in accordance with federal state and local laws. We prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on any protected class and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace in every location where we operate.

Required Experience:

Director