Executive Head, Media Relations & Reputation

The Rockefeller Foundation; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 230,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Student loan repayment

401(k) retirement plan

Parental leave

Paid time off

Job summary

The Rockefeller Foundation is seeking a Managing Director, Media Relations to set the foundation's media strategy, guide executive visibility, and safeguard reputational risk across diverse channels.

Reporting to the SVP, Communications, the role leads a cross-functional team and partners with senior leaders to advance mission impact through strategic media engagement, storytelling, and proactive outreach.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of progressively responsible experience in media relations or related fields, with leadership experience.
• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public affairs, or related discipline; advanced degree preferred.
• Experience in philanthropy, public sector, nonprofit, or mission-driven organizations.
• Proven track record leading enterprise-level media and reputation strategies.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the Foundation's media relations strategy to strengthen visibility and engagement.
• Advise senior executives on media engagement, messaging, and public visibility.
• Shape the institutional narrative and ensure consistent talking points across programs and offices.
• Position leaders as authoritative voices via op-eds, speaking platforms, and executive profiles.
• Approve press releases and briefings; serve as spokesperson when needed.
• Oversee day-to-day press office operations and respond to media inquiries.
• Manage reputational risk and crisis communications in partnership with General Counsel.
• Cultivate relationships with journalists and outlets using insights for strategic pitching.
• Oversee media relations operations including budgeting and vendor relationships.
• Lead Media Relations team and develop leadership capability.

Skills

Media relations leadership

Public affairs

Crisis communications

Executive media coaching

Spokesperson experience

Journalism background

Stakeholder engagement

Foreign policy knowledge

Strategic communications

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications or related

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

The Rockefeller Foundation is seeking a Managing Director, Media Relations to set the foundation's media strategy, guide executive visibility, and safeguard reputational risk across diverse channels.

Reporting to the SVP, Communications, the role leads a cross-functional team and partners with senior leaders to advance mission impact through strategic media engagement, storytelling, and proactive outreach.