Best way to change careers without starting at the absolute bottom?

Choose 3 or 4 companies you'd really love to work for. Research them extensively. Look at their strengths and especially what you perceive as a weakness.

Make a plan to help overcome that weakness. Now find out who has the ability in that company to implement or accept your plan. Make an appointment with that person, take your resume along with you.

Show them your plan, ask them to evaluate it. Then explain that you admire their company and would love the opportunity to help build their business.

Ask them to recommend you to HR, thank them, and cross your fingers.

Good Luck.

Emphasize your skills like computer knowledge, writing, organize / project management, etc. rather than specific roles you have done in the past. It's more about your "tool kit" than the job title you have held. Spend time crafting a very excellent cover letter and send it to friends and people who will be honest and give constructive criticism. Your cover letter will need to emphasize why you are choosing this new career and you should give examples of how you came to that conclusion -- avoid fluffy emo"tional things like "it's my dream" and "I want to help _____." Those are admirable, but HR people have short time to consider you and emphasizing how your skills will work with their business is the best thing to do.

get a job where you have experience in the field. Then you will not have to work your way up

Try to get a job offer from someone whom you know quite well and who trusts you.