Media Lead

About the Role
We are looking for an experienced Media Lead to lead media strategy, media relations,
communications and execution for a high-intensity political campaign in Punjab.
The role will be responsible for shaping and driving the campaign’s overall media narrative, managing relationships with journalists and media organisations, identifying opportunities for strategic coverage, handling emerging news cycles and coordinating closely with key political and campaign stakeholders.
The ideal candidate should have a strong understanding of Punjab’s political and media ecosystem, excellent news sense, strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure political environment.
This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strategic thinking, strong execution capabilities, political awareness and the ability to work across multiple teams and stakeholders.
Experience: 4–5 Years
Location: Punjab
Employment Type: Full-time
Key Responsibilities
Media Strategy & Communications
Develop and execute the overall media strategy for the Punjab campaign in alignment with campaign objectives.
Build and drive media narratives around key campaign priorities, issues, leaders and initiatives.
Identify opportunities for proactive storytelling, issue-based coverage and strategic media interventions.
Develop communication strategies for planned campaign moments as well as emerging political developments.
Translate campaign strategy, research insights and ground intelligence into compelling media narratives.
Ensure consistency of messaging across different media platforms and campaign touchpoints.
Media Relations
Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, bureau chiefs, political reporters, anchors and media stakeholders across Punjab.
Develop and maintain a comprehensive media network across TV, print, digital and regional media.
Manage journalist outreach for interviews, statements, briefings, press conferences and other media opportunities.
Coordinate with media houses and journalists to secure relevant and strategic coverage.
Develop targeted media engagement strategies based on journalists, publications and
their areas of influence.
Political & News Monitoring
Closely monitor Punjab’s political, social and media landscape across television, print, digital publications and social platforms.
Track breaking news, political developments, opposition narratives and emerging issues.
Identify potential opportunities, risks and narrative shifts relevant to the campaign.
Prepare timely media alerts, news summaries and actionable inputs for campaign leadership and stakeholders.
Develop rapid-response communication in coordination with relevant internal teams.
Stakeholder Management
Work closely with key political, campaign and organisational stakeholders to understand priorities, requirements and communication objectives.
Act as a key point of coordination between campaign leadership, stakeholders, media and internal teams.
Manage communication requirements and media expectations of senior stakeholders.
Build strong working relationships with political representatives, campaign leadership, spokespersons and other relevant stakeholders.
Coordinate closely with stakeholders during major campaign events, announcements, political developments and crisis situations.
Ensure timely flow of information and alignment between stakeholders and the
campaign’s media strategy.
Media Execution & Campaign Operations
Plan and execute press conferences, media briefings, interviews, press meets, journalist interactions and other media activities.
Manage media operations around rallies, public meetings, campaign events, announcements and major political moments.
Coordinate with field teams to identify local stories, issues and developments with media potential.
Ensure effective media coverage of key campaign activities across relevant platforms.
Prepare press notes, statements, media briefs, talking points and other communication material.
Support senior leaders and campaign representatives with media preparation and interview briefs.
Cross-functional Collaboration
Work closely with Political Strategy, Research, Digital, Social Media, Creative and Ground Operations teams.
Convert research findings, political intelligence and ground insights into relevant media opportunities.
Coordinate with digital and social media teams to ensure alignment between earned media and digital narratives.
Collaborate with creative and content teams on campaign communication and media assets.
Ensure seamless coordination between media strategy and overall campaign strategy.
Team Management & Reporting
Lead and mentor media executives/coordinators working across Punjab.
Allocate responsibilities and establish clear priorities for the media team.
Build systems for media monitoring, journalist outreach, coverage tracking and reporting.
Track media performance and provide regular reports and insights to campaign leadership.
Review media outcomes and continuously identify opportunities to improve campaign visibility.
What We’re Looking For
4–5 years of relevant experience in political consulting, political communications, journalism, PR, media relations, news media or a related field.
Strong understanding of Punjab’s political, media and regional ecosystem.
Strong existing relationships with journalists and media houses across Punjab will be a significant advantage.
Prior experience working with political leaders, political campaigns, public figures or high-visibility clients is preferred.
Strong understanding of TV, print, digital and regional media.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong news sense and the ability to identify politically relevant developments quickly.
Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under tight deadlines.
Strong ownership, initiative and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and confidentiality.
Willingness to work extended hours, including evenings and weekends, particularly during high-intensity campaign periods.
Willingness to travel extensively across Punjab as required.
Preferred
Prior experience in an election campaign or political consultancy.
Strong network across Punjabi and regional media.
Fluency in Punjabi and English; Hindi will be an added advantage.
Experience managing a media team or leading media operations.
Experience working directly with senior political leadership, campaign leadership or key
stakeholders.
Experience handling high-pressure political or reputational situations.

Work arrangement
No