Director of Strategic Communications & PR

Gay Men’s Health Crisis; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC) seeks a Director, Communications & PR to elevate external profile through earned media, executive visibility, and thought leadership. You will develop strategic external messaging as GMHC expands services for LGBTQ+ communities, survivors, and broader health equity efforts.

You will lead media relations, prepare executives for appearances, and shape communications that advance GMHC’s mission across traditional and digital outlets.

Qualifications

• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience in communications, public relations, media relations, journalism, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success securing meaningful earned media coverage across traditional and emerging platforms.
• Strong knowledge of the current and evolving media landscape, with experience developing and executing media strategies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute earned media, external communications, and thought leadership strategies.
• Draft and edit press releases, media advisories, pitches, statements, and talking points.
• Coordinate media interviews, schedule appearances, and prepare executives for public engagement.
• Monitor news, identify risks and opportunities, and advise on rapid response as needed.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align external messaging with GMHC priorities.
• Measure outreach impact, track coverage, and optimize future actions.
• Oversee project plans, vendor relationships, and resource allocation.

Skills

Media relations

Advanced writing

Executive visibility

Crisis communications

Media landscape knowledge

Relationship building

Project management

Strategic communications

Public health literacy

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, English, public health, or related field

Tools

Muck Rack

Cision

Microsoft Office

Asana

Job description

Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC) seeks a Director, Communications & PR to elevate external profile through earned media, executive visibility, and thought leadership. You will develop strategic external messaging as GMHC expands services for LGBTQ+ communities, survivors, and broader health equity efforts.

You will lead media relations, prepare executives for appearances, and shape communications that advance GMHC’s mission across traditional and digital outlets.