Director, US Media Relations & Americas Strategy

Rio Tinto; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

Rio Tinto in Washington, DC is seeking a Director, Media Relations, Americas to lead the company's media engagement in the United States and provide strategic support across Canada and South America.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Media Relations & Corporate Communications, you will shape narratives, build relationships with top journalists, manage inquiries, and ensure messaging aligns with Rio Tinto’s positions across the region.

Qualifications

• Senior-level experience in media relations or corporate communications within a major corporation.
• Established network across leading US business and national media.
• Deep understanding of Washington media and public-affairs environment.
• Experience developing and executing media strategies across multiple markets.
• Strong news judgement and writing ability to translate complex topics into clear messages.

Responsibilities

• Lead media relations strategy and execution in the United States, coordinating with teams across the Americas.
• Build and sustain relationships with reporters, editors and producers at national outlets.
• Create earned-media opportunities to explain Rio Tinto’s business and investments.
• Align media engagement with federal policy developments and regulatory updates.
• Partner with communications teams across the Americas to connect local developments with national relevance.
• Act as a company spokesperson and manage media inquiries.
• Prepare executives for interviews and high-profile external engagements.
• Monitor media and policy developments to identify reputation risks and opportunities.

Skills

Media relations

Senior-level experience

Media strategy

News writing

Washington media

Job description

Rio Tinto in Washington, DC is seeking a Director, Media Relations, Americas to lead the company's media engagement in the United States and provide strategic support across Canada and South America.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Media Relations & Corporate Communications, you will shape narratives, build relationships with top journalists, manage inquiries, and ensure messaging aligns with Rio Tinto’s positions across the region.