Director, Public Relations Job at SMITHHOUSE in New York

SMITHHOUSE (www.smithhousestrategy.com) is a strategic communications agency specializing in high-impact publicity, brand positioning, executive visibility, and narrative-driven campaigns across entertainment, media, events, awards, and purpose-driven organizations.

We are seeking a Director to join our growing team. The ideal candidate is a senior, strategic, detail-oriented communicator with strong media instincts, excellent writing skills, and a proven ability to lead high-profile campaigns for a diverse client roster. This person should be confident in overseeing senior-level client relationships, driving thoughtful, creative communications strategies, managing teams, and upholding a high standard of execution in a fast-paced, high-touch agency environment.

Our client roster includes industry leaders such as Amazon Prime Video, CBS, Mattel, National Geographic, the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Telemundo, USO, and more. This is a remote position, with a preference for candidates based in Los Angeles or New York who can provide on-the-ground support for media, events, and client needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the overarching communications strategy across multiple high-profile accounts, ensuring campaigns align with client goals, cultural moments, and broader business objectives


• Serve as a senior client lead, providing strategic counsel to executives, talent, and stakeholders while managing top-level relationships with confidence and professionalism


• Drive high-level media strategy and relationships, leveraging strong press connections to secure impactful coverage across entertainment, trade, and consumer outlets


• Oversee the development of written materials, including press releases, media alerts, pitches, briefing documents, and other client-facing communications


• Direct major press initiatives, including junkets, premieres, awards campaigns, events, executive visibility opportunities, and talent appearances


• Provide strategic oversight of media monitoring, reporting, and campaign recaps, ensuring insights are clear, thoughtful, and useful for clients


• Lead brainstorming and big-picture creative thinking, identifying timely, relevant opportunities that elevate client visibility and sharpen positioning


• Manage, mentor, and develop junior team members while overseeing workflow and maintaining a high standard of execution across accounts


• Help shape account direction and contribute to the agency’s overall strategic thinking, client service standards, and team development

What We’re Looking for

• 8-10+ years of experience in entertainment PR, preferably in an agency, studio, or network environment


• Established senior-level media relationships across entertainment, trade, and consumer outlets


• Proven experience leading accounts and managing client relationships at the executive level


• Exceptional writing, communication, and presentation skills


• Demonstrated ability to lead multiple high-priority accounts simultaneously while maintaining strong strategic oversight


• Strong organizational and project management skills with close attention to detail


• Clear leadership presence with experience mentoring and managing teams


• Strategic, solutions-oriented thinker with the ability to anticipate opportunities, navigate challenges, and proactively position clients

What We Offer

• Flexible remote work environment


• Competitive salary and benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as 401(k) eligibility


• Flexible PTO policy


• Professional development opportunities and industry training

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Qualified candidates should submit a resume to hiring@smithhousestrategy.com.