Newsroom Communications Strategy Lead

Associated Press; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits—health/dental/vis

Life insurance

Paid vacation and sick days

Parental leave

Job summary

Associated Press in New York City seeks a strategic, collaborative Director of Newsroom Communications to shape how AP communicates about its newsroom internally and externally. You will advise newsroom leaders, write staff notes, and manage media pitches while guiding global communications strategies.

The role requires a deep understanding of the news industry, strong writing, and the ability to move quickly in a demanding environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of communications experience in a large, complex organization, including experience developing communications strategies, advising leaders and managing both external and internal communications.
• 5+ years of experience working for a news organization is required.
• Impeccable writing, with the ability to express ideas clearly, succinctly and compellingly for a range of audiences and channels.
• Demonstrated experience forging consensus among varied stakeholder groups.
• Media fluency, with a strong understanding of the news industry, the broader media landscape.
• Experience communicating in a unionized environment, particularly the U.S. and/or the U.K.
• Experience working with broadcast bookers, producers and media
• Understanding and belief in the value of AP’s nonpartisan journalism

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute communications plans that support newsroom priorities, elevate distinctive journalism and reinforce AP’s reputation for accuracy, independence and nonpartisanship.
• Write clear, compelling and audience-appropriate materials for internal and external use, including staff notes, internal announcements, talking points, speeches, briefing materials, media pitches, executive messages and announcements.
• Serve as a trusted communications partner to newsroom leaders, helping them communicate clearly with staff, explain priorities, support change and recognize work across AP’s global newsroom, while navigating the considerations of a global and partially unionized workforce.
• Identify strong AP journalism and newsroom initiatives that merit broader visibility, then work with the wider communications team to amplify across earned media, owned channels, internal platforms, events and executive visibility opportunities.
• Support rapid response and issues management by monitoring risks, preparing messaging, coordinating with legal, human resources and editorial partners, and helping AP respond consistently and responsibly to sensitive matters.
• Strengthen newsroom culture and connection by shaping internal programming, editorial calendars, staff-facing updates and communications that make important information timely, accessible and useful.

Skills

Writing

Strategic comms

Stakeholder management

Media relations

Union communications

Broadcast media

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Associated Press in New York City seeks a strategic, collaborative Director of Newsroom Communications to shape how AP communicates about its newsroom internally and externally. You will advise newsroom leaders, write staff notes, and manage media pitches while guiding global communications strategies.

The role requires a deep understanding of the news industry, strong writing, and the ability to move quickly in a demanding environment.