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Lead, Policy Communications

Lead, Policy Communications
Organization: Raffetto Herman Strategic Communications
Location: Washington, DC
Date Posted: 05/08/2026

**RH Strategic is seeking a media relations lead and effective client counselor to join our growing team.**
This role is ideal for a strategic policy communications and media professional who brings strong media relationships, sharp news instincts, and the executive presence to advise senior clients on public affairs issues. The right candidate understands how to connect clients with media opportunities that influence public policy and regulatory decision‑making. They can translate business objectives and policy positions into compelling, news‑driven narratives and counsel clients on how to effectively advocate for those positions in the media.

This individual has a strong grasp of the Washington, D.C. media landscape and knows what it takes to make news across both legacy and emerging outlets, with established relationships across them. They continuously track the news cycle, proactively identify opportunities to position clients in relevant conversations, and confidently bring forward recommendations. They are skilled at preparing spokespeople, pitching and securing coverage, staffing interviews, and managing follow‑through to drive impactful results. Success in this role requires strong judgment, creativity, and the ability to serve as a strategic advisor to senior executives.

This is a full‑time role based in Washington, D.C., requiring an in‑office presence of at least three days per week. To be qualified, candidates must currently reside in the DMV metro area.

RH Strategic is a well‑established public relations agency with a robust client portfolio across technology, cybersecurity, healthcare, government, sustainability, and education industries. We are accepting applications from those who are curious about innovations shaping our future and who are interested in having an impact through meaningful storytelling.

### **Responsibilities Include**
– Proactively monitoring the policy and media landscape and advising clients and senior stakeholders on media opportunities, positioning, and timing, often initiating ideas and recommendations independently.
– Building and maintaining strong, direct relationships with reporters, editors, and producers across national and policy‑focused media, with a demonstrated ability to secure meaningful coverage across legacy and new media platforms.
– Mentoring colleagues in media best practices, client relations, and shaping their professional growth.

### **What We’re Looking For**
– Capitol Hill staff and/or federal government agency experience.
– Public relations firm experience.
– Active relationships with national and/or policy‑focused media, with a demonstrated track record of securing coverage.
– Proven ability to proactively generate media opportunities by connecting policy developments to timely, compelling storylines.
– Confidence advising senior clients and executives, backed by strong news judgment and a deep understanding of the Washington, D.C. policy and media landscape.

### **Requirements**
– 7–10 years of public affairs, media relations, or communications experience, including PR firm experience.
– Proven ability to work in a fast‑paced environment, on multiple projects at once, meeting deadlines, and delivering high‑quality work.
– Strong writing and editing skills, with familiarity in AP Style.
– Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, clients, and media.
– Creative and critical thinker who can bring fresh media storytelling ideas to client campaigns.
– Receptive to feedback and committed to continuous learning and growth.
– Team player who makes projects better through their involvement and is excited to contribute to award‑winning work.

### **Pay and Benefits**
**Salary:** $95,000–$120,000 annually.
This is the pay range the Company believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and the Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. The Company may, in its discretion, also offer an annual bonus in an amount, if any, to be determined by the Company. Bonuses are not guaranteed.

**Benefits:**
For this role, the Company offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

– Insurance: 100% paid base premium for the employee’s medical, dental, vision, short‑term disability, and long‑term disability insurances.
– Transportation Subsidy: $100 per month.
– Paid Time Off: 16 days of annual PTO, 12 firm holidays, 1 floating day off, and 1 paid day of service.
– Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with automatic, fully vested match.
– Stipends: Professional development and wellness.

RH Strategic is committed to being an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We will not be able to respond to every submission. No calls, recruiters, or offers for contract work, please.

To apply, please complete an application here: https://rhstrategic.bamboohr.com/careers/71?source=aWQ9NDA%3D

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