Senior Associate Director, Public Relations

About Us

KH + Madden is an independent marketing agency formed through the strategic partnership of Karsh Hagan and Madden Media. By blending bold creative storytelling with high-performing media, PR, GEO, and data-driven strategy, the agency helps ambitious brands close the gap between how they are seen and how they are felt-building genuine connections through moments that move people, brands, and places forward. planners, creating campaigns that don't just reach people-they inspire action.

About You

You are a confident representative of KH + Madden in the destination marketing industry-equally comfortable leading a pitch for a multi-million dollar contract as you are pitching a story to a national travel editor. You're an agile thinker who empowers your team to deliver their best work and thrive in a dynamic environment where you own both strategy and results. You're also excited to travel approximately 30% of the time.

About the Role

The Senior Associate Director (SAD), Public Relations is a pivotal leadership role responsible for the strategic health and growth of our regional accounts. Reporting directly to the President of Allied Services, you will act as a bridge between high-level agency strategy and regional execution.

This is a "player-coach" role designed for a professional who can lead a team to media success while simultaneously driving the business forward through RFP leadership, client retention, and new business development.

Key Responsibilities: The "Nitty-Gritty"

GrowthNew Business Leadership

• RFP Excellence: Lead the PR strategy for New Business pitches and RFPs, crafting compelling narratives that showcase KH + Madden's unique value proposition.
• Regional Business Development: Identify opportunities for account expansion and new partnerships within your assigned region.
• Client RetentionSuccess: Serve as the senior lead for client relationships, ensuring long-term satisfaction and "moving the needle" on their specific KPIs.

Strategic Earned Media

• Regional Strategy: Architect magnetic PR strategies that turn travel stories into headlines, stirring up curiosity across media channels.
• High-Level Media Relations: Build and nurture relationships with top-tier journalists and influencers; you are the go-to contact for the region's most critical media moments.
• Crisis Communications: Oversee crisis efforts with grace, acting as the calm voice who flips challenges into trust-building moments.

Team ManagementOperations

• Staff Mentorship: Mentor and inspire the PR team, setting a high bar for creativity, accountability, and professional excellence.
• Collaborative Oversight: Work closely with Creative, Media, and Strategy teams to ensure regional campaigns are integrated and unified.
• Performance Tracking: Measure and report on PR success using data that matters, helping KH + Madden demonstrate true ROI to our partners.

InnovationPresence

• Buzzworthy Activations: Ideate media missions and stunts that turn destinations into "must-cover" stories.
• Trend Awareness: Keep a finger on the pulse of industry trends and cultural moments to ensure KH + Madden's PR machine stays ahead of the curve

What You'll Get from Us

• Strategic Influence: A direct line to agency leadership and the ability to shape regional PR strategy.
• A Supportive Culture: A workplace that values intelligence, authenticity, and a willingness to learn.
• Growth Opportunities: Training and challenges designed to expand your leadership and business development skillset.

The Interview Process

• Round 1: A conversation with our Recruiter to get to know your background and experience.
• Round 2: An interview with our VP focused on your leadership approach and alignment with the team and region.
• Round 3: A conversation with our Associate Director of PR and President of Allied Services to explore your experience and overall fit within the organization.

Heads up: At this time, we do not offer Visa sponsorship or relocation services.

KHM is an Equal Opportunity Employer. #LI-REMOTE