Global Media Relations & Executive Communications Lead

The Ford Foundation; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 181,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

The Ford Foundation invites applicants for Head of Media Relations and Executive Communications in New York. This role leads proactive press strategy, executive positioning, and narrative development across earned and owned media to advance the foundation’s social justice mission.

You will oversee media strategy, partnerships, and training, collaborating with cross-functional teams to amplify impact and manage high-profile communications with discretion and strategic foresight.

Qualifications

• Eight+ years of strategic communications experience in nonprofit/public sector.
• Experience advising executive leadership in public relations/strategic communications.
• Extensive experience in media relations, messaging for diverse audiences, and issues management.

Responsibilities

• Develop annual plans and coordinate media partnerships.
• Cultivate relationships with domestic and international media to secure coverage for leadership and the foundation.
• Pitch and place stories to raise Ford Foundation's profile.
• Respond to routine media inquiries with External Affairs team.
• Write and disseminate press releases for grants and institutional news.
• Draft op-eds and prepare spokespeople for interviews and speeches.

Skills

Media relations

Executive communications

Strategic communications

Public affairs

Media training

Writing

Relationship building

Discretion

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Media tracking platforms

Job description

The Ford Foundation invites applicants for Head of Media Relations and Executive Communications in New York. This role leads proactive press strategy, executive positioning, and narrative development across earned and owned media to advance the foundation’s social justice mission.

You will oversee media strategy, partnerships, and training, collaborating with cross-functional teams to amplify impact and manage high-profile communications with discretion and strategic foresight.