Associate Director, Communications

Breakwater Strategy; Washington; On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Breakwater Strategy, a strategic communications and insights agency, is seeking an experienced communications professional with a strong understanding of the blockchain and digital asset space to join our growing team of advisors. Breakwater advises companies, brands, coalitions and non‑profits on how to navigate change, crises and complexities.

We are looking for a strategic thinker who demonstrates professional maturity, possesses strong project management skills, and can deliver strategic

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of relevant experience in strategic communications, media relations, public affairs, or management consulting.
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree a plus.
• Experience and deep understanding of the crypto and emerging technology space strongly preferred.
• Established relationships with reporters and media contacts, with a deep understanding of the changing media landscape and what it takes to break through.
• Exceptional strategic thinking capabilities with the ability to translate complex issues into clear, compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
• Strong writing and presentation skills, with attention to detail and precision.
• Experience managing multiple client relationships and leading cross‑functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to think critically and question conventional thinking.
• Proactive approach to staying informed on relevant industry news, trends, and developments.
• Capacity to build and cultivate relationships with peers across a broad stakeholder audience.
• Ability to lead entire workstreams, managing both up and down effectively.
• Identifies and communicates to leadership new business opportunities that build on current client work.
• A collaborative mindset with a commitment to fostering a supportive team environment.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a day‑to‑day point of contact for clients, managing tactical execution and relationship‑building while providing strategic input on media approach and messaging
• Lead the development of media strategies at the national and local level, including crafting pitch angles and identifying reporter targets
• Support as day‑to‑day, client‑facing media relations lead, interacting regularly with trade‑specific and general press
• Build, maintain, and grow relationships with key reporters and media contacts across relevant beats
• Oversee earned media reporting to clients, using data and analytics to tell a compelling narrative about coverage and impact
• Proactively identify and respond to client needs, taking ownership and accountability for deliverables
• Coordinate and facilitate internal and client activities as a key team leader
• Oversee the timely, precise production of media materials and other client deliverables, thinking ahead and communicating next steps to teams
• Help craft persuasive messaging and press materials, simplifying complex legislative, regulatory, or business issues for media audiences
• Test assumptions and contribute to internal debate on client media strategy and positioning
• Provide mentorship and coaching to junior staff, supporting their professional development

Skills

Strategic thinking

Media relations

Project management

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree

Job description

Breakwater Strategy, a strategic communications and insights agency, is seeking an experienced communications professional with a strong understanding of the blockchain and digital asset space to join our growing team of advisors. Breakwater advises companies, brands, coalitions and non‑profits on how to navigate change, crises and complexities.

We are looking for a strategic thinker who demonstrates professional maturity, possesses strong project management skills, and can deliver strategic insights and advice to clients. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced environment, embraces debate, feels energized by media relations work, stays current with industry and policy trends, and is ready to lead client teams with precision and excellence.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as a day‑to‑day point of contact for clients, managing tactical execution and relationship‑building while providing strategic input on media approach and messaging

• Lead the development of media strategies at the national and local level, including crafting pitch angles and identifying reporter targets

• Support as day‑to‑day, client‑facing media relations lead, interacting regularly with trade‑specific and general press

• Build, maintain, and grow relationships with key reporters and media contacts across relevant beats

• Oversee earned media reporting to clients, using data and analytics to tell a compelling narrative about coverage and impact

• Proactively identify and respond to client needs, taking ownership and accountability for deliverables

• Coordinate and facilitate internal and client activities as a key team leader

• Oversee the timely, precise production of media materials and other client deliverables, thinking ahead and communicating next steps to teams

• Help craft persuasive messaging and press materials, simplifying complex legislative, regulatory, or business issues for media audiences

• Test assumptions and contribute to internal debate on client media strategy and positioning

• Provide mentorship and coaching to junior staff, supporting their professional development

ATTRIBUTES

• 5‑8 years of relevant experience in strategic communications, media relations, public affairs, or management consulting

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree a plus. Previous agency experience a plus

• Experience and deep understanding of the crypto and emerging technology space strongly preferred

• Established relationships with reporters and media contacts, with a deep understanding of the changing media landscape and what it takes to break through

• Exceptional strategic thinking capabilities with the ability to translate complex issues into clear, compelling narratives for diverse audiences

• Strong writing and presentation skills, with attention to detail and precision

• Experience managing multiple client relationships and leading cross‑functional teams

• Demonstrated ability to think critically and question conventional thinking

• Proactive approach to staying informed on relevant industry news, trends, and developments

• Capacity to build and cultivate relationships with peers across a broad stakeholder audience

• Ability to lead entire workstreams, managing both up and down effectively

• Identifies and communicates to leadership new business opportunities that build on current client work

• A collaborative mindset with a commitment to fostering a supportive team environment

District of Columbia Salary Range

$95,000—$125,000 USD