Director, Media Relations (Sports) at Praytell

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 what’s resonating right now. We’ve been doing this for just over a decade and have picked up some pretty cool awards along the way, including PRWeek’s Best Place to Work (8x and counting), Agency of the Year and even a few your mom might recognize - even if she doesn’t 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 you’re looking to join an ambitious, deeply supportive team that’s focused on doing great work with great people and doesn’t take itself too seriously, we’d love to hear from you. Overview We’re 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. You’re 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. You’ll 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, you’ve 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. You’re 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 Praytell’s Sports, Entertainment and Lifestyle practice. Benefits We offer a growing list of benefits and perks, including: • Salary: $105,000 - $125,000 (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 ...