Director, Global Media Relations

Atlantic Council Of The U S Inc; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus eligible

Competitive compensation

Benefits package

Job summary

The Atlantic Council Of The U S Inc seeks a Director of Media Relations to lead the organization’s media outreach and communications strategy from its Washington, DC headquarters. You will direct a full-time team, cultivate relationships with reporters, editors, and media partners, and secure high-profile coverage for events and publications.

As primary external communications spokesperson, you will manage rapid response, crisis communications, and strategic campaigns across programs and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in international affairs, communications, journalism, or a related field.
• 7–10+ years of media relations, journalism, or strategic-communications experience, including at least three years managing staff.
• Robust network of active relationships with journalists at top-tier outlets covering foreign policy, security, technology, and economics.
• Experience designing and leading organization-wide communications plans and campaigns across multiple teams or programs.
• Track record of securing high-impact coverage, including broadcast bookings and op-ed placements.
• Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to produce pitches, releases, and talking points on tight deadlines.
• Working knowledge of international affairs and the Washington policy landscape.
• Proficiency with social media, digital marketing, and AI tools.
• Proven judgment in crisis communications and in handling sensitive issues.
• Ability to work outside standard hours when breaking news requires it.

Responsibilities

• Manage the Atlantic Council’s media-relations operation, including full-time team members, partners, and vendors.
• Build and manage relationships with reporters, producers, bookers, and editors at top-level US and international outlets.
• Identify opportunities for and secure high-profile media coverage of Atlantic Council events and publications.
• Lead rapid response to the media on breaking news developments worldwide, inserting the Council’s expert views into the news cycle when relevant.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for crisis communications and rapid response.
• Generate media partnerships that raise the visibility of Council events and initiatives.
• Coordinate efforts to secure media moderators and panelists.
• Edit and place opinion columns in leading outlets.
• Train staff on best practices for engaging with print, digital, and broadcast media.
• Travel as needed to support global and flagship convenings.
• Establish Council experts as pre-eminent sources of commentary on international affairs.
• Lead the overall external media strategy as spokesperson, strategist, and advocate.

Skills

Media relations

Crisis communications

Strategic communications

Writing and editing

Relationship building

Social media proficiency

AI tools

Education

Bachelor’s degree in international affairs, communications, journalism, or related field

Tools

Cision

Meltwater

Muck Rack

Job description

The Atlantic Council Of The U S Inc seeks a Director of Media Relations to lead the organization’s media outreach and communications strategy from its Washington, DC headquarters. You will direct a full-time team, cultivate relationships with reporters, editors, and media partners, and secure high-profile coverage for events and publications.

As primary external communications spokesperson, you will manage rapid response, crisis communications, and strategic campaigns across programs and