Director, Crisis Communications: Strategic Crisis Leader

Bully Pulpit International; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid parental leave (16 weeks)

Phone reimbursement

Unlimited sick time

Job summary

Bully Pulpit International is seeking a Director of Public Affairs to lead crisis communications and strategic campaigns for major clients. You will guide end-to-end client work, provide executive counsel, and drive media strategy in fast-moving environments.

You bring 8–10+ years in public affairs, strong AP style, proficiency with Cision/Meltwater, and a proven track record of delivering multi-client programs with clarity and impact.

Qualifications

• 8-10+ years in public affairs, PR, or strategic comms
• Master of AP Style; ability to pivot between creative storytelling and analytical strategic reporting.
• Proficiency in media monitoring software (Cision, Meltwater) and social media marketing platforms.
• Proven track record of managing multi-client deliverables, leading cross-functional teams with independence, and drafting quality, successful proposals
• Ability to stay calm and provide real-time recommendations under high-pressure, tight-timeline scenarios
• Understanding and appreciation for the 24-7 modern communications landscape, and the work ethic and ethos that requires.
• Excellent writing and verbal presentation skills are baseline requirements for this position.

Responsibilities

• Account Leadership & Client Advice
• Strategic Client Leader: primary contact for corporate leaders and legal teams
• Campaign Strategy: create and run communications plans to handle active threats
• Collaborative Execution: coordinate with data, digital media, and creative teams
• Media Relations & Writing
• Rapid-Response Writing: draft press statements, Q&As, briefings under deadlines
• Direct Media Engagement: manage inquiries and push back on inaccuracies
• Strategic Media Relations: shape stories with journalists to protect client
• Team Management
• Project Oversight: ensure accuracy, security, and timely delivery
• Mentorship: coach junior staff
• Business Development
• Proposal Writing: draft client-ready proposals with media components
• Client Growth: build relationships and pitch crises preparedness

Skills

AP Style

Media monitoring software

Executive counsel

Crisis communications

Strategic storytelling

Project management

Fast-paced environments

High-pressure decision making

Tools

Cision

Meltwater

Job description

Bully Pulpit International is seeking a Director of Public Affairs to lead crisis communications and strategic campaigns for major clients. You will guide end-to-end client work, provide executive counsel, and drive media strategy in fast-moving environments.

You bring 8–10+ years in public affairs, strong AP style, proficiency with Cision/Meltwater, and a proven track record of delivering multi-client programs with clarity and impact.