Strategic Communications and Media Relations Manager

The position is hybrid, with work at the client site in Washington, DC a few days a month.

Spire Communications is hiring a communications and media relations manager with strong writing skills and demonstrated experience in media relations to join our team. This role supports science, technology, health, and other complex public-interest initiatives through clear, audience-centered communications across earned, owned, and digital channels. This position requires previous, demonstrated experience providing communications support to highly technical clients.

We are seeking a qualified candidate to translate technical, scientific, and data-rich information into accessible, actionable content for stakeholders, reporters, and leadership. The ideal candidate brings 5–7 years of experience in strategic communications or public relations, a strong foundation in media relations and PR/PA writing, and the ability to balance communications planning with day-to-day execution in a fast-moving environment. Examples of successful media placements should be available upon request.

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What You’ll Do

Develop and execute communication strategies, messaging, and plans for multiple audiences and channels.
Manage proactive and reactive media relations, including media list development, pitching, interview coordination, and response support.
Build and maintain relationships with local, national, and relevant trade media.
Write, edit, and promote press releases, statements, talking points, bylines, interview materials, web copy, email updates, surveys, and social content.
Translate complex technical, scientific, and data-rich topics into clear, accurate, audience-focused messaging.
Write and maintain web content, announcements, landing pages, FAQs, and other education or support resources.
Partner with designers and subject matter experts to create infographics, diagrams, slide content, videos, and other print or digital materials.
Support event-related communications, including invitations, briefing materials, follow-up emails, slide decks, and booth materials.
Monitor media results, engagement metrics, survey findings, and audience feedback, and recommend improvements based on what you learn.
Maintain organized documentation and collaboration spaces, including SharePoint, and ensure communications meet Section 508 accessibility requirements where applicable.

What You’ll Bring to Spire

5–7 years of experience in strategic communications, public relations, or media relations.
Strong writing and editing skills across web, email, press materials, presentations, social media, and internal documentation.
Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical or scientific concepts into accurate, accessible messaging.
Hands-on experience with proactive and reactive media relations, including press materials, reporter outreach, interview support, and media response coordination.
Experience developing communication strategies and campaigns for multiple audiences.
Ability to build strong working relationships with clients, leadership, technical subject matter experts, designers, and cross-functional teams.
Strong judgment, professionalism, adaptability, and comfort working through shifting priorities.
Ability to interpret engagement metrics, survey data, media results, and audience feedback to improve communications performance.

Additional, preferred qualifications

Background in health research, life sciences, biomedical technology, healthcare communications, or another complex science or technology domain.
Experience supporting federal clients, agencies, or public-sector programs.
Familiarity with UI/UX principles or other user-centered content approaches.

Our benefits

Medical (United Healthcare), dental (CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield), and vision (United Concordia) plans paid at 100% (employee premium) plus 30% contribution to family premium

Monthly $50 “wellness” stipend for gym memberships, spa services, etc.

Life and disability insurance (short- and long-term)

18 days PTO and 8 federal holidays per year (+Veterans Day for those who have served)

Flexible home/office environment

Home office expense reimbursement

401(k) plan with automatic 3% of salary employer contribution

Employee referral bonuses

Annual stipend for employee and/or job-related training

About Spire

We are a boutique, woman-led agency that specializes in technology, health, and science. Our clients are federal agencies and contractors charged with advanced R&D and vital national programs that make life better for all Americans. Our team is committed to the work of these pioneers and public servants. We believe in their missions, marvel at their innovations, and delight in telling their stories.

Every member of our team is a senior-level communicator. This means every assignment is an opportunity to work with and learn from the best strategists and storytellers—designers, videographers, writers, editors, media relations leads, social media managers, and web developers.

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Spire Communications is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, disability, veterans’ status, sexual orientation, or any other protected factor.

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