Director, Media Relations
- 229 West 43rd Street, New York, NEW YORK
- Employees work in a hybrid mode
- Full-time
- Business Segment: Versant Corporate
- Compensation: USD 130,000 - USD 150,000 - yearly
Company Description
VERSANT is a leading force in news, sports and entertainment - home to iconic and trusted brands that inspire, inform, and delight audiences. Our unique combination of content, technology and services enriches the cultural fabric, igniting passions, sparking conversations, and connecting people to what they love most.
As an independent, publicly traded company, VERSANT brings together powerhouse cable networks - including USA Network, CNBC, MS NOW (formerly MSNBC), Oxygen, E!, SYFY, and Golf Channel - with dynamic digital and direct-to-consumer brands such as Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow, GolfPass, and SportsEngine. Together, these businesses reflect our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences across every screen and service.
VERSANT is an industry-changing media company fueled by innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit. With a strong foundation and a forward-looking vision, VERSANT empowers creativity, embraces change, and drives connection in an ever-evolving world.
Job Description
Versant is seeking a strategic and seasoned Director of Media Relations to join the Corporate Communications team. Reporting to the Vice President, Media Relations, this role will play a central role in helping shape how Versant’s strategy, priorities, and growth are represented across business, financial, and industry media.
The Director will lead proactive media engagement while also playing a key role in day-to-day media relations. The position will drive proactive storytelling, and help manage media engagement around major company developments, including earnings, partnerships, and strategic initiatives.
The Director will work closely with the VP, Media Relations and cross functional teams across the company to develop compelling narratives, secure meaningful coverage, and position Versant as a leading voice in the evolving media landscape.
Responsibilities:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with top tier reporters, editors and influencers to proactively generate meaningful coverage of Versant’s strategy, growth, and industry leadership.
- Partner closely with the VP, Media Relations to help communicate Versant’s strategy and priorities across major announcements, strategic initiatives, and industry developments.
- Work cross functionally with teams across the company including ad sales, distribution, partnerships, investor relations, and other business units to identify compelling storylines and support communications around key initiatives.
- Drive media engagement around major corporate moments including quarterly earnings, financial milestones, partnerships, and other key company developments.
- Provide strategic media counsel and preparation for executives participating in interviews, public appearances, and high-profile announcements.
- Identify and secure opportunities to elevate executive visibility through interviews, thought leadership placements, and industry events.
- Draft and oversee high quality communications materials including press releases, statements, executive talking points, briefing documents, and media Q&As.
- Monitor media coverage, analyst commentary, and industry trends to identify opportunities and inform messaging.
- Support rapid response and issues management efforts, ensuring clear and coordinated communications during time sensitive or high-profile situations.
Qualifications
- 8+ years of experience in media relations, corporate communications, or strategic communications, preferably within a media, entertainment, or technology environment.
- Established relationships with reporters across top tier business, financial, and media industry outlets, with a demonstrated ability to secure meaningful, high impact coverage.
- Exceptional writing and messaging skills, with experience developing press releases, executive talking points, briefing materials, and other media materials that translate complex business developments into clear and compelling narratives.
- Experience leading proactive earned media strategies and supporting communications around major announcements, partnerships, or corporate milestones.
- Strong understanding of the media, entertainment, and technology landscape, including key industry trends and the evolving media ecosystem.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively across cross functional teams and navigate complex organizations to advance communications priorities.
- Strong judgment and the ability to operate effectively in fast paced environments while managing sensitive or high visibility issues.
Desired Characteristics:
- Proactive, organized, and resourceful with excellent judgment.
- Strategic thinker with an understanding of the broader media business.
- Works well under pressure and maintains professionalism in high-stakes situations.
- Discreet with sensitive or confidential company information.
- Passion for media, storytelling, and Versant’s mission to shape the future of the industry.
Additional Requirements:
- Hybrid: This position has been designated as hybrid, generally contributing from the NYC office a minimum of three days per week.
- This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other benefits and perks.
- Salary range: $130,000 - $150,000 (bonus and long term incentive eligible)
Additional Information
As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with a VERSANT Media employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. VERSANT Media's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to candidateaccessibility@versantmedia.com.
VERSANT Media is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. We include a good faith pay range for each position to comply with applicable state and local pay transparency laws and to promote equity across our organization. Actual compensation will be based on factors such as the candidate's skills, qualifications, experience, and location and may include additional forms of compensation and benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, etc.
VERSANT Media is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at VERSANT via-email, the Internet, or in any form and/or method without a valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from VERSANT's Talent Acquisition team will be deemed the sole property of VERSANT. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by VERSANT as a result of the referral or through other means.
