Head of Media Relations and Executive Communications

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

Generous time off including holidays

Job summary

The Ford Foundation in New York seeks a Head of Media Relations and Executive Communications to lead its proactive press strategy and executive positioning. This role shapes the Foundation's narrative across earned and owned media, driving visibility for its mission and programs.

You will develop annual plans, cultivate global media relationships, prepare leadership for interviews, and guide media training. A senior, impact-focused communicator with nonprofit experience is ideal.

Qualifications

• Eight years of strategic communications experience, nonprofit/public sector preferred.
• Proven ability to manage executive positioning and media relationships internationally.
• Experience with sensitive issues and crisis management.
• Strong writing, storytelling, and spokesperson preparation skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop annual media plans and coordinate partnerships.
• Cultivate relationships with media to secure coverage for leadership.
• Pitch and place stories to raise Ford Foundation profile.
• Respond to routine media inquiries with External Affairs team.
• Write and disseminate press releases for major initiatives.
• Coach spokespeople and design media training plans.
• Oversee media relations budget and vendor relations.
• Collaborate with Creative, Engagement, and Insights to amplify results.
• Educate staff on media outcomes and metrics.

Skills

Strategic communications

Media relations

Executive communications

Story placement

Written communication

Crisis management

Political acumen

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in related field

Tools

Media tracking platforms

Press release distribution tools

Job description

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITYThe Ford Foundation is seeking a Head of Media Relations and Executive Communications to lead the Foundation’s proactive institutional press strategy and executive positioning.In this high-impact role, you will champion the Foundation’s brand, amplify its voice in critical global dialogues, and advance its social justice mission through compelling narratives across earned and owned media.HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTEReporting to the Director of Strategic Communications, the Head of Media Relations and Executive Communications will perform the following and related responsibilities:Develop annual plans and coordinate media partnership/sponsorship engagements.Cultivate strong relationships with domestic and international media to secure positive coverage for the president, executive leadership, and the foundation that advances Ford’s mission.Proactively pitch and place media stories to raise the profile of the Ford Foundation and its initiatives and grants.Work with the External Affairs team and Strategic Communications Officers to respond promptly to all routine media inquiries (non-crisis related).Write and disseminate press releases for significant grants, institutional news, and other key foundation projects.Spearhead positioning strategies for executive leadership, primarily the President, as well as operations and program vice presidents- by drafting op-eds, preparing spokespeople for interviews and speeches, and driving targeted press and social outreach.Design and execute structured media training plans to prepare foundation spokespeople for public engagements and press appearances.Coordinate with the Sr. Strategic Communications Officer to ensure alignment with strategies for the Office of the Vice President of International Programs and the Office of the Vice President of U.S. Programs.Oversee the media relations budget and vendor relationships related to media outreach and media tracking platforms.Collaborate with Creative and Engagement, and Insights teams to support, leverage, and amplify earned media results and social media efforts.Educate and update foundation staff on media outcomes, data-driven performance metrics, and communications best practices.Consult with the Director of External Affairs, Director of Strategic Communications, and VP of Communications on media strategies for non-routine issues.WHAT YOU WILL NEEDAt least eight years of strategic communications experience, with a significant background in the nonprofit and/or public sector, and a strong commitment to mission-driven work.Prior experience at a public relations, strategic communications, or public affairs agency advising corporate or executive leadership is highly desirableExtensive experience in communications planning, message development for a wide variety of audiences, media relations, and sensitive issues management on both domestic and international fronts.Excels at balancing two different accountabilities: an ability to work with executive leadership to develop communication strategies that help advance their institutional objectives, and managing day-to-day media relations duties.Excellent grasp of the evolving media landscape and the political, cultural, and economic impact of the changing landscape on non-profit communications.Thorough familiarity with agenda-setting media organizations and journalists, both in the US and globally.Familiarity and comfort with key focus areas including democracy, economic inclusion, advancing human dignity, and social justice.Proven ability to build and expand organizational mission through smart, strategic media engagement and story placements for its principals and the foundation in the news and on social media.Deep, existing relationships with major journalists, producers, and editors and ability to cultivate and secure major press stories, mentions, op-eds, and media partnerships.Proven experience guiding leadership on both proactive and defensive press strategies.Demonstrated ability to craft compelling messages for different audiences, proven success implementing creative media plans, assessing and responding effectively to high-profile situations.True passion for writing and communicating in clear, compelling, and impactful ways that serve a mission-driven institution.High political acumen, impeccable discretion, and sound judgment in high-profile situations.Ways of working and engaging that align with the Foundation’s mission, core values, and commitment to creating a culture of excellence.A bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent practical work experience.PHYSICAL DEMANDS:This position is primarily a sedentary role. However, the person in this position may need to occasionally move about inside the office to liaise with internal staff, access files, office machinery and a copy machine/printer.The Ford Foundation is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its programs, and operations. As part of this commitment, the Foundation will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application process, please contact, [e-mail]: The Ford Foundation is committed to salary transparency. The minimum salary for this position is $181,000 and the maximum is $200,000. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of this range. A candidate’s relevant experience and our commitment to internal equity determine the final offer. We review global compensation regularly to ensure market competitiveness and equity. The hiring range for this position has been carefully crafted to align with the market.LOCATION: This position is based in the foundation’s New York office. We operate in a hybrid model and require staff to be in the office three days per week.EMPLOYMENT TYPE: This is a permanent position.#Li-HybridWORKING AT FORDCommitment to creating a culture where everyone feels respectedA hybrid working model and flexible work arrangement policies offer colleagues the opportunity to engage in meaningful ways and the space to maintain a healthy work-life balanceProfessional development and ample opportunities to build your expertise and expand your networkComprehensive benefits package designed for your well-being and work-life needs, including medical, dental, and vision benefits effective on your first dayGenerous time off, including personal, vacation, sick, extended holiday time off, and wellness daysGenerous parental leave policy, including birth, surrogacy, adoptive, foster parents, and resources for backup child and elder care that support our colleagues’ ability to attend to family responsibilitiesComprehensive retirement benefits options (with employee and employer contributions of up to 13%), allowing you to invest in your financial future with confidenceEqual employment opportunity and having a diverse staff are fundamental principles at The Ford Foundation, where employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation/affectional preference, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established under law. The Ford Foundation does not discriminate against formerly incarcerated individuals.