Director, Strategic Communications & Media Relations (Americans for Prosperity)

Clearpath; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

6% 401(k) match with immediate vesting

Flexible time off

Health and dental plans

Wellness and mental health support (e;

Peloton and Talkspace

Job summary

Stand Together in Washington, DC, invites a seasoned Director of Strategic Communications and Media Relations to lead national earned media strategy. You will shape narratives, advise senior leaders, and operate at the nexus of federal policy and media to advance priority policy goals.

You will translate complex policy into compelling messaging, manage high-stakes campaigns, and build strong relationships with national reporters while coordinating with policy teams.

Qualifications

• 8–12+ years of experience in communications, media relations, or public affairs.
• Experience on Capitol Hill, campaigns, or advocacy groups preferred.
• Proven success driving earned media in high-pressure environments.
• Strong understanding of federal policy, legislative processes, and political landscape.
• Established relationships with national media and policy reporters.
• Exceptional writing and messaging skills; able to simplify complex issues.
• Confident spokesperson and advisor to senior leaders.
• Bias for action and ability to move quickly with sound judgment.
• Interest in principled, market-based policy solutions and Stand Together values.
• Enthusiasm to contribute to Stand Together’s PBM approach and culture.

Responsibilities

• Own and execute AFP’s national earned media strategy to advance priority policy goals.
• Shape messaging and narratives that influence public discourse and legislative outcomes.
• Pitch, place, and manage stories with top-tier national media and policy reporters.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and spokespeople, including media prep and message development.
• Act as an on-record spokesperson for the organization.
• Translate complex policy issues into clear, compelling communications.
• Coordinate across communications, digital, and policy teams for integrated campaigns.
• Build and maintain relationships with national media and policy reporters.
• Respond rapidly to breaking news, policy developments, and opportunities.

Skills

Media relations

Strategic communications

Public affairs

Spokesperson experience

Writing & messaging

Relationship building

Crisis communications

Policy understanding

Media monitoring tools

Tools

Cision

Meltwater

Job description

Stand Together is a philanthropic community that helps America’s boldest changemakers tackle the root causes of our country’s biggest problems, from education to the economy, broken communities, and toxic division, among dozens of other pressing issues. We provide our partners with access to resources including funding, thought leadership, a network of peers, and a playbook for applying proven principles to transform lives and society.

As a Director, Strategic Communications and Media Relations on our Stand Together Communications team, you will lead national media strategy for one of the most influential grassroots policy and political organizations in the country, Americans for Prosperity (AFP). AFP is at the forefront of advancing policies that expand freedom and opportunity across the country.

You will drive earned media strategy, shape national narratives, and influence public debate on key legislative, executive, and brand priorities. You’ll operate at the intersection of federal policy, political strategy, and top-tier media, working directly with AFP leadership and key stakeholders to break through in a fast-moving, high-stakes environment.

This is a role for a strategic operator- someone who thrives in urgency, understands how to win media cycles, and can translate complex policy into compelling, persuasive messaging.

How You Will Contribute

• Own and execute AFP’s national earned media strategy to advance priority policy goals
• Shape messaging and narratives that influence public discourse and legislative outcomes
• Pitch, place, and manage stories with top-tier national media and key policy reporters
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and spokespeople, including media prep and message development
• Act as an on-record spokesperson
• Translate complex policy issues into clear, compelling, and actionable communications
• Coordinate across communications, digital, and policy teams to deliver integrated campaigns
• Build and maintain strong relationships with national media, political reporters, and communications leaders
• Respond rapidly to breaking news, policy developments, and emerging opportunities

What You Will Bring

• 8–12+ years of experience in communications, media relations, or public affairs
• Experience on Capitol Hill, in political campaigns, public affairs firms, or advocacy organizations strongly preferred
• Proven success driving earned media in high-pressure, fast-paced environments
• Strong understanding of federal policy, legislative process, and political landscape
• Established relationships with national media and policy-focused reporters
• Exceptional writing and messaging skills, with the ability to simplify complex issues
• Confidence operating as a spokesperson and advising senior leaders
• A bias for action, strong instincts, and the ability to move quickly with sound judgment
• Interest in advancing principled, market-based policy solutions and shaping communications that drive meaningful policy outcomes
• Enthusiasm to contribute to Stand Together's vision and principled approach to solving problems, and a commitment to stewarding our culture, which champions values including transformation and innovation, entrepreneurialism, humility, and respect

Standout Candidates Will Bring

• Experience leading communications strategy for policy or issue-based campaigns
• Background in crisis communications or rapid response environments
• Experience managing or mentoring communications teams
• Track record of influencing national media narratives

What We Offer

• Competitive benefits: Enjoy a 6% 401(k) match with immediate vesting, flexible time off, comprehensive health and dental plans, plus wellness and mental health support through Peloton and Talkspace.
• A meaningful career: Join a passionate community of over 1,300 employees dedicated to improving lives and driving innovative solutions to complex social challenges.
• Commitment to growth: Thrive in a non-hierarchical environment that empowers employees to discover, develop and apply their unique talents.
• Competitive compensation: Our approach rewards the value you create through competitive salaries and bonus opportunities, allowing you to share in the success you help drive.

About Americans for Prosperity (AFP)

Americans for Prosperity is a leading grassroots advocacy organization committed to advancing policies that expand freedom and opportunity. With a nationwide network and deep policy expertise, AFP drives meaningful change at both the state and federal levels.

Our Values:

Working for an organization within the Stand Together philanthropic community is different from many other places. The culture is deeply rooted in Principle Based Management® (PBM®), a framework guided by the principles that drive human progress, such as dignity, openness, and bottom-up empowerment. PBM® empowers employees to be entrepreneurial, to innovate, and to continually drive transformation.

We believe diversity fuels creativity, broadens knowledge, and helps drive success. That is why we’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and strive to treat all employees and applicants with honesty, dignity, and respect.

140000 - 160000 USD a year

For this role, the anticipated base salary range is $140,000–$160,000 per year. This role may also be eligible for additional bonus compensation designed to align total compensation with an employee’s overall contribution to the organization.

Our Principles-Based Management™ (PBM) compensation philosophy is grounded in an individualized approach that rewards the long-term value each person creates for the organization. Compensation decisions are informed by a variety of factors, including relevant experience, capabilities, demonstrated skills, role responsibilities, and expected contribution. Consistent with this approach, base salary may vary within or outside of the anticipated range based on these considerations.