Senior PR Account Manager, Director of Media

REMOTE POSITION, SEEKING CALIFORNIA AND NEW YORK STATE-BASED CANDIDATES ONLY.

Needle PR is gathering PR pro resumes for a Senior Account Manager or Director of Media level. Our goal: welcome a new team member by July 2026—and for that person to feel like a match made in heaven for our small (but mighty) team.

Our other goal: to waste as little of our potential candidates' time as possible. We know this job market is anything but pleasant, and our recruiting plans are intentionally flexible based on who we find. If an early 2026 hiring timeline works for you, and you have at least five years of media relations experience, keep reading—and DON'T send us a cover letter (more on next steps below).

What You’ll Do:

You will own Needle's media function. Full stop. As the creative force and face of our media practice, you'll set the strategy, lead the work, and be the trusted voice clients turn to. From program architecture to day-to-day execution, you'll drive announcements, proactive and reactive media relations, events and awards, thought leadership, and more across tech, VC, and related accounts, with sharp instincts for both client counsel and team development. This is an end-to-end ownership role that demands high independent judgment at every level. Key responsibilities:

• Client management: Serve as a primary strategic advisor and senior point of contact for clients, leading meetings and driving account direction. Translate client business goals into PR strategy, anticipate needs before they surface, and bring a consultative, confident voice to every client relationship.
• Earned media relations: Set the earned media vision for client programs, cultivate and maintain high-value journalist relationships across key beats, identify and pursue tier-one opportunities, and consistently deliver meaningful coverage. Coach junior team members on pitching, angle development, and reporter navigation. For bonus points: Extend that strategy into paid media amplification and alternative channels—including newsletters, podcasts, and creator partnerships—to maximize reach and impact.
• Thought leadership programs: Develop and execute thought leadership programs that position client executives as credible, compelling voices in their industries — identifying the right platforms, topics, and formats to build long-term reputation and reach.
• Events & awards: Oversee the identification, planning, and execution of events and awards programs. Coordinate logistics and positioning for speaking opportunities, sponsored events, and industry recognition programs.
• Content writing: Feel comfortable working with Needle’s Director of Owned Content to produce a broad range of materials, including press releases, biographies, briefing documents, Q&As, blogs, bylines, and occasional social media posts. Bring a strong editorial eye to the team's work, providing both line-by-line and big-picture feedback with confidence and clarity.
• New business: Lead the development of compelling new business proposals, shaping strategic positioning and presenting recommendations directly to prospective clients. Participate in prospecting efforts to build and maintain a healthy pipeline, and play an active role in defining what Needle pitches and why.
• Agency promotion: Represent Needle at industry conferences and events. Help plan and lead agency initiatives, including AMAs, panels, and other visibility efforts, that strengthen Needle's brand and thought leadership in the market.
• Team leadership: Actively contribute to the growth of junior team members through mentorship, feedback, and modeling excellent work habits. Help establish and refine internal processes that keep a small team running at a high level.

Who We’re Looking For:

We envision this next hire having:

• 5–8+ years of relevant PR agency experience.
• A proven track record driving high-impact media programs across earned, paid, and alternative channels, with documented experience securing coverage in top-tier business, tech, trade, and emerging media outlets.
• A deep understanding of the evolving media landscape—from shrinking newsrooms and the decline of traditional outlets to the growing role of AI in content and distribution—and the ability to translate that knowledge into smart, timely client counsel.
• Experience securing and managing events and awards programs, with hands-on event planning experience a plus.
• A track record of participating in or leading new business prospecting and proposal development.
• Direct experience in and a personal passion for the technology, VC, and startup landscape.
• The judgment and confidence to lead client relationships and give real strategic counsel, not just execute.
• An entrepreneurial mindset. We're a small but rapidly growing agency, and we want someone who brings new ideas and the ambition to help build something significant—which will be recognized and rewarded.
• A team player attitude that meshes well with the ad-hoc needs of a small team. Think a ‘no one is above anything’ mentality, enabling initiatives and deliverables to move quickly.
• A sharp eye for detail. For example, if you're reading this, please email your resume directly to hello@needlepr.com with the exact subject line 'Make a Point 79'. Please, no cover letter, and no elaborate email—just your resume and a quick hello.
• Authentic interest in current events, news analysis, and digital media trends.
• Natural writing abilities, no AI required.

You’re a Fit If:

You want to bring your full personality to work and happen to be excellent at what you do. What do we mean by that?

• Clients describe us as ambitious, creative, nimble, sharp, and deeply strategic. They enjoy hearing our perspectives and trust our recommendations.
• At work, we instinctively know how to navigate each other's working styles, with deep respect for each other’s time, well-being, and bandwidth. We believe in kind, empathetic communication, and spoiler alert—we’re actually friends!
• Outside of work, each of our team members considers themselves a creative—we write poetry and short stories, study dance (occasionally professionally), gush over books, debate starting podcasts, etc.
• You’re obsessed with the news, including newsletters, content creators, and podcasts.
• You’re good at ‘reading the room’.
• You’re confident in your own beliefs—we love hot takes, but only if you can back them up.

Perks:

• Fully remote work, as long as your home base is in California or New York.
• Team retreats at least twice per year and regular meet-ups in LA/SF/NY
• Ability to select your own healthcare plan (with monthly reimbursements in full).
• Flexible Fridays.
• Monthly Internet/Wellness Stipend.
• Performance-based bonuses, both individual and team.
• New business bonuses.
• Unlimited PTO.
• Ability to evolve your role to fit your strengths, preferences, and long-term career aspirations over time.
• More personal freedom than your average PR agency role!
• Company-sponsored 401k retirement plans.

About Needle:

Needle launched out of stealth in 2024 and has been growing ever since. Our programs inspire actions—transforming who has capital, resources, rights, access to goods and services, and ultimately, the ability to live a happy and healthy life. We partner with a select group of clients we’re genuinely passionate about, including startups, investment firms, academic institutions, and nonprofits. Our current client industries include:

• AI
• Biotech
• Climate tech
• Fintech
• Health tech
• Venture capital

Compensation:

$85k - $110k per year.

If You’re Interested:

Submit your resume using Easy Apply, and read this description carefully.

Pay: $85,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Internet reimbursement
• Paid time off

Work Location: Remote