Media and Communications Lead

refugeesinternational; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Refugees International seeks a dynamic Media and Communications Lead in Washington, DC to elevate its media presence and advocacy impact worldwide. Reporting to the VP for Strategic Outreach, this role blends media strategy with policy storytelling and cross‑team collaboration across time zones in a flexible, hybrid setup.

The role covers media relations and communications support, demanding strong writing, media instincts, and the ability to translate complex issues into compelling narratives

Qualifications

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with strong storytelling instincts.
• Proven ability to pitch stories and secure media coverage in fast-paced environments.
• Ability to distill complex policy issues into accessible narratives for diverse audiences.
• Experience with digital communications, social media, and content creation.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines across teams.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Refugees International’s primary media contact for domestic, regional, and international inquiries and pitches.
• Draft and edit press materials (press releases, advisories, op-eds, talking points) in collaboration with staff.
• Organize media briefings for rapid response press opportunities and campaigns.
• Track and analyze media coverage and identify opportunities to advance priorities.
• Copy edit research products and support broader communications and advocacy initiatives.
• Uphold values and ethical storytelling across communications channels.

Skills

Strong writing

Media relations

Pitching stories

Storytelling

Project management

Collaboration

Creative thinking

DEI values

Media trends

Job description

We at Refugees International seek a dynamic, creative, and strategic Media and Communications Lead to elevate our media presence and advance our advocacy impact worldwide. Reporting to the Vice President for Strategic Outreach, the Media and Communications Lead will play a central role on Refugees International’s collaborative Strategic Outreach team, working closely with experts and leaders across the organization to connect them to strategic media opportunities. This role is ideal for a savvy communications professional who thrives at the intersection of media, strategy, and social impact and who knows how to translate policy issues into compelling narratives that drive attention, influence, and action.

Media Relations (60%)

• Serve as Refugees International’s primary point of contact for managing domestic, regional, and international media inquiries and pitches to increase visibility of Refugees International’s work and drive narratives and action;
• Proactively promote Refugees International’s expertise, analysis, and advocacy priorities to journalists, editors, producers, and media outlets, both in the US and in countries of focus for Refugees International
• Build and maintain strong relationships with members of the press and key media stakeholders;
• Draft and edit press releases, media advisories, quotes, talking points, op-eds, statements, and other communications materials in collaboration with staff across the organization;
• Organize Refugees International media briefings for rapid response press opportunities and institutional campaign and advocacy priorities
• Track, compile, and analyze Refugees International’s media coverage and engagement;
• Research and identify key journalists, outlets, and media opportunities to advance organizational priorities;
• Provide strategic press support for advocacy campaigns, reports, events, and external engagement opportunities.

Communications Support (40%)

• Copy edit Refugees International's longer-form research products
• Support broader communications and advocacy initiatives, including digital content creation, social media, website management, email marketing, and events;
• Uphold Refugees International’s values and voice while centering dignity, accuracy, and ethical storytelling.

Ideal Qualifications and Skills

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a strong instinct for narrative, framing, and audience;
• Strong understanding of media trends, digital communications, and the evolving global information landscape;
• Proven ability to pitch stories and secure media coverage in fast-paced environments;
• Talent at distilling complex information into accessible, compelling content for diverse audiences;
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• Creative, strategic, and solutions-oriented thinker with strong judgment and adaptability.
• Highly collaborative and comfortable working across teams, issue areas, and time zones.
• Commitment to Refugees International’s mission and to values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging;
• Must be eligible to work in the United States;
• Demonstrated experience in media relations, journalism, strategic communications, public affairs, or advocacy communications; proven interest and experience with humanitarian/foreign policy issues preferred;

This position is based out of Refugees International’s office in Washington DC. We have a flexible, hybrid work environment, with an expectation of 3 days in the office per week.

Compensation

$80,000 to $90,000, depending on background and experience.

About Refugees International

Refugees International advocates for lifesaving assistance, human rights, and protection for displaced people and promotes solutions to displacement crises around the world. The team of advocates travel to some of the world’s most severe displacement crises to investigate first-hand the challenges displaced people face, create policy solutions, and demand action.

Refugees International is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace. Refugees International encourages applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, or other factors protected by law.