Director, External Communications

FHI 360; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 145,000 - 156,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension plan

Paid time off and holidays

Professional development

Job summary

FHI 360 is seeking a Director, External Communications to lead the organization's external communications strategy and elevate its visibility across global health and development sectors. The role develops proactive media strategies, oversees crisis and reputation management, and partners with journalists, industry groups, and strategic leaders to amplify FHI 360's expertise and impact worldwide.

This leadership position reports to the Senior Director, Global Communications and collaborates

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years in media/public relations or external communications.
• Experience leading global media relations and executive visibility.
• Crisis management experience in fast-paced global settings.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute integrated media and executive visibility strategies.
• Lead crisis communications and issues management.
• Coordinate external engagements with funders, policymakers, and multilateral partners.
• Mentor and train communications teams across regions.

Skills

Media relations

Strategic communications

Crisis communications

Public policy understanding

Education

Bachelor's degree or international equivalent

Job description

Job Summary

The Global Communications team is seeking a Director, External Communications, to lead FHI 360's external communications strategy to strengthen the organization's visibility, thought leadership, and influence across global health, economic opportunity, and international development sectors. This role develops proactive media strategies, manages complex issues and reputational risks, and builds trusted relationships with journalists, industry organizations, and strategic partners. The Director also leads thought-leadership communications and executive speaking strategies that elevate FHI 360's expertise and amplify its impact with key global audiences. Working across communications, global policy and advocacy, legal, program and country operations, business development, and executive leadership, the Director ensures consistent messaging, rapid response capabilities, and compelling storytelling that advances organizational priorities while protecting and strengthening FHI 360's reputation. This role reports to the Senior Director, Global Communications, within the Chief Impact Office.

Responsibilities

Media Strategy & Relations

Develop and execute integrated media and executive visibility strategies that elevate FHI 360 through earned media, executive thought leadership communications, strategic storytelling, and high-impact media opportunities that build an active, engaged audience for FHI 360's work. Build and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with journalists, editors, influencers, industry associations, coalitions, and strategic partners, positioning FHI 360 as a trusted, go-to source for the news media, and serve as the organization's spokesperson when appropriate. Prepare executives and subject matter experts for media interviews and public appearances through media training, briefing materials, and message development. Develop and maintain a global media relations framework, including standards, toolkits, templates, and training that strengthen media engagement capabilities for program teams and country offices while ensuring consistent messaging and brand stewardship. Monitor global media coverage and trends to track emerging opportunities, risks, and provide strategic communications recommendations.

Issues & Reputation Management

Serve as a core member of FHI 360's global crisis response team, providing strategic communications counsel to ensure coordinated, timely, and effective responses to emerging issues. Develop proactive and reactive communications strategies, messaging, and stakeholder communications that protect and enhance the organization's reputation during periods of change, crisis, and heightened public interest. Build and maintain FHI 360's crisis communications infrastructure, including playbooks, escalation protocols, scenario plans, messaging frameworks, media training, and response tools to ensure organizational preparedness.

External Engagement & Executive Communications

Develop and lead FHI 360's strategy for thought leadership and executive communications opportunities that advance the organization's strategy. Coordinate executive participation in external engagements by aligning messaging, content, and follow-up to maximize visibility and strategic impact. Develop and cultivate strategic opportunities for FHI 360 leaders to engage with funders, policymakers, multilateral organizations, industry associations, partners, and other influential stakeholders, strengthening relationships and advancing organizational priorities. Measure the effectiveness of external and executive engagements, using insights to continuously improve external engagement strategies and organizational impact.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

Bachelor's degree or international equivalent in communications, Journalism, Public Relations, International Relations, Public Policy, Marketing, or related field. Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in media relations, public affairs, external communications, corporate communications, or strategic communications. Demonstrated experience developing and executing global media relations and executive visibility strategies for complex, mission-driven organizations, with a track record of securing positive coverage in U.S. and international outlets for both rapid-response and evergreen stories. Experience leading crisis communications, issues management, and reputation management initiatives in a fast-paced, global environment, including conflict, disaster, or other challenging operating settings. Experience developing thought leadership communications, executive speaking strategies, and high-profile external engagement initiatives. Experience in international development, global health, philanthropy, NGO, multilateral, or government sectors strongly preferred. Proven experience as an on-the-record spokesperson with print, broadcast, and online media. Established relationships with journalists or media outlets in the sector, a plus.

Knowledge & Skills

Deep understanding of the U.S. and global media landscape, including traditional, digital, policy, and international development media. Strong sector understanding of global health, economic opportunity, international development, philanthropy, multilateral organizations, and the U.S. government environment. Exceptional strategic writing and editing skills across a variety of formats, including press materials, speeches, executive messaging, op-eds, briefing materials, and presentations. Demonstrated ability to develop integrated communications strategies that align media relations, executive engagement, thought leadership, and organizational priorities. Proven ability to advise and influence senior leaders, providing strategic counsel during high-profile, sensitive, or rapidly evolving situations. Strong relationship-building, presentation, and media training skills. Experience developing communications frameworks, playbooks, standards, and toolkits that enable consistent communications across a global organization. Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret media intelligence, emerging trends, and stakeholder insights to inform communications strategies and measure their impact. Demonstrated ability to lead through influence, build consensus across matrixed organizations, and manage multiple high-priority initiatives simultaneously.

The expected US Based hiring salary range

US Based Hiring Salary Range: 145,000 to $156,000 International hiring ranges will differ based on location

Benefits

• FHI 360 contributes 7% of monthly base pay to a money purchase pension plan account.
• Additionally, all US-based staff working full-time, which is calculated at 40 hours/week, receive 18 days of paid vacation per year, 12 sick days per year, and 11 holidays per year.
• Paid time off is reduced pro rata for employees working less than a full-time schedule.

Equal Opportunity & Other Policies

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

Our values and commitments to safeguarding: FHI 360 is committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation and harassment in our work environments and programs, including sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment. FHI 360 takes steps to safeguard the welfare of everyone who engages with our organization and programs and requires that all personnel, including staff members and volunteers, share this commitment and sign our code of conduct.

All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record and terrorism finance checks.

FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), facilitated by the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response. In line with the MDS, we will request information from job applicants' previous employers about any substantiated findings of sexual abuse, exploitation and/or harassment during the applicant’s tenure with previous employers.

By applying, job applicants confirm their understanding of these recruitment procedures and consent to these screening checks.

FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.

FHI 360 will never ask you for your career site username or password, and we will never request money, goods or services during the application, recruitment or employment process.

If you have questions or concerns about correspondence from us, please email [e-mail].

FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others and yourself.

FHI 360 is a global organization that mobilizes research, resources and relationships so people everywhere have access to the opportunities they need to lead full and healthy lives. To learn more, visit fhi360.org.