Global Media Relations Director: Strategy & Impact

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

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Atlantic Council Of The U S in Washington, DC seeks a Director of Media Relations to lead external communications and media strategy, bolstering the Council’s visibility through earned U.S. and international coverage.

Reporting to the senior editorial director, you will collaborate with editorial, digital, event teams, and programs. Role includes managing a team, building media relationships, and shaping strategic communications across platforms, including non-traditional channels.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in international affairs, communications, journalism, or a related field.
• 7–10+ years in media relations or strategic communications, including at least three years managing staff.
• Strong network of journalists at major outlets covering foreign policy, security, tech, and economics.
• Experience designing organization-wide communications plans and campaigns across teams.
• Track record of securing high-impact coverage, including op-eds and broadcast bookings.
• Excellent writing/editing skills for pitches, releases, and talking points under tight deadlines.
• Working knowledge of international affairs and Washington policy landscape.
• Proficiency with social media, digital marketing, and AI tools.
• Proven judgment in crisis communications and handling sensitive issues.
• Willingness to work outside standard hours for breaking news.

Responsibilities

• Lead media relations across the Council, managing staff, partners, and vendors.
• Build and maintain relationships with reporters at top U.S. and international outlets.
• Identify opportunities for high-profile coverage of events and publications.
• Lead rapid response to breaking news and insert expert views into coverage.
• Serve as primary crisis communications contact and rapid response lead.
• Develop media partnerships to raise visibility of events and initiatives.
• Coordinate moderators and panelists for Council events and programs.
• Edit and place opinion columns in leading outlets.
• Train staff on best practices for engaging with media.
• Travel as needed to support global convenings and initiatives.
• Position Council experts as leading sources of commentary on international affairs.

Skills

Media relations

Strategic communications

Crisis communications

Social media & digital marketing

AI tools

Education

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

Tools

Cision

Meltwater

Muck Rack

Job description

Atlantic Council Of The U S in Washington, DC seeks a Director of Media Relations to lead external communications and media strategy, bolstering the Council’s visibility through earned U.S. and international coverage.

Reporting to the senior editorial director, you will collaborate with editorial, digital, event teams, and programs. Role includes managing a team, building media relationships, and shaping strategic communications across platforms, including non-traditional channels.