Sr. Director of Media and Public Relations

Alliance Defending Freedom; Lansdowne (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 177,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% medical insurance

Dental insurance

401(k) match

Paid time off

12 paid holidays

Job summary

Alliance Defending Freedom in Lansdowne, VA and Washington, D.C. seeks a Sr. Director of Media & Public Relations to shape and protect ADF’s public voice.

You will lead media strategy, oversee the multi-media news division, manage rapid response and crisis communications, and ensure messaging is strategic, consistent, and impactful. You will build influential media relationships, translate complex legal issues into clear narratives, and position ADF as a leading voice on timely cultural and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in media relations, public affairs, or strategic communications.
• 5+ years of experience leading a communications or media team.
• Proven success designing and executing media/PR strategies.
• Ability to distill complex legal issues into clear messages.
• Proven track record with national and international media.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive media and public relations strategy.
• Translate complex legal principles into accessible messaging.
• Oversee messaging across internal, external, and alliance audiences.
• Direct communication across earned, owned, and paid media channels.
• Identify opportunities to position ADF as a leading voice on national conversations.
• Build high-impact relationships with media, journalists, and opinion leaders.
• Lead rapid response efforts to breaking news and cultural moments.
• Oversee proactive media strategies and events to boost ADF’s profile.
• Foster surrogate commentary and third-party advocacy.

Skills

Media relations

Public affairs

Strategic communications

Crisis communications

Media strategy

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications/public relations/journalism

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

News media management

Job description

Make a difference with us! At Alliance Defending Freedom, we believe God has brought you here for His purpose—to stand for truth and defend the God-given right to live and speak it. Together, we protect religious freedom, free speech, the sanctity of life, marriage and family, and parental rights. Review our Statement of Faith to ensure we’re a fit for you.

Location

Lansdowne, VA; Washington, D.C.

Team Overview

As the Sr. Director of Media & Public Relations, you will shape and protect ADF’s public voice. Reporting to the Vice President of Public Relations & Communications, you will lead ADF’s media strategy, oversee the multi-media news division, manage rapid response and crisis communications, and ensure ADF’s messaging is strategic, consistent, and impactful. This role is both strategic and hands-on, requiring a leader who can build influential media relationships, craft compelling narratives from complex legal issues, respond quickly to emerging conversations, and position ADF as a trusted and leading voice on the most urgent cultural and legal topics of the day.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Media Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive media and public relations strategy aligned with ADF’s mission, brand, and legal advocacy objectives.
• Translate complex legal principles into accessible, compelling messaging that resonates with key audiences and advances ADF’s influence.
• Oversee messaging development for internal, external, and alliance audiences across multiple platforms.
• Direct communication efforts across earned, owned, and paid media channels — including press releases, op-eds, video/audio content, and public events.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to position ADF and its leaders as authoritative voices in national conversations on freedom and advocacy.

Media Relations & Thought Leadership

• Build and maintain high-impact relationships with top-tier media, journalists, influencers, and opinion leaders to maximize visibility and coverage.
• Lead ADF’s rapid response efforts by identifying and acting quickly on breaking news, cultural moments, and emerging trends.
• Oversee the creation of proactive media strategies and events to amplify ADF’s profile, showcase cases, and shape public conversations.
• Foster surrogate commentary and third-party advocacy by cultivating a strong network of aligned voices to amplify ADF messaging.

Crisis Communications & Risk Management

• Serve as the organization’s first line of defense during crises, leading swift, strategic communications responses that protect ADF’s reputation.
• Anticipate potential risks, develop crisis playbooks, and train staff and leadership on effective public response.
• Coordinate with legal teams to ensure all external communications are accurate, compliant, and aligned with legal and ethical standards.

Messaging Oversight & Content Strategy

• Direct the creation of high-impact media content designed to reach and engage target audiences, including articles, commentaries, interviews, videos, podcasts, and web content.
• Ensure all communications are optimized for digital distribution and search discoverability.
• Oversee training, preparation, and deployment of attorneys, spokespeople, and staff for media appearances and public speaking opportunities.

Measurement, Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Define KPIs, track results, and report on media performance, audience reach, and message effectiveness.
• Use data and insights to inform strategy, optimize campaigns, and ensure agility in responding to opportunities.
• Manage budgets for media initiatives, ensuring resources are used effectively and aligned with strategic priorities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in media relations, public affairs, or strategic communications.
• 5+ years of experience leading a communications or media team.
• Demonstrated success designing and executing impactful media and PR strategies that shape public opinion and advance organizational objectives.
• Exceptional ability to distill complex legal and policy issues into clear, compelling messages for diverse audiences.
• Proven track record of building strong relationships with national and international media outlets and securing high-impact coverage.
• Skilled in crisis communications, managing sensitive situations under pressure and protecting organizational reputation.
• Experienced in defining KPIs, analyzing performance data, and adapting strategies to maximize impact.
• Deep understanding of emerging media platforms, content optimization, and audience engagement strategies.
• Strong team leader and cross-functional collaborator who can inspire, coach, and direct others while partnering effectively across departments.
• Commitment to maintaining brand integrity, consistency, and tone across all external communications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field.
• Prior experience in legal, policy, think-tank, or faith-based nonprofit environments.

Pay & Benefits

At Alliance Defending Freedom, we offer a competitive compensation and benefits package to support your well-being and growth. While we do not disclose specific salary ranges, our compensation is competitive with top non-profit law firms. Our benefits include 100% covered medical and dental insurance, medical and dependent care reimbursement, paid disability, long-term care, life insurance, and a 401(k) plan with a 4% company match. We prioritize work-life balance with paid time off and 12 paid holidays each year.

Want to Know More About ADF?

This salary range is reflective of a position based in Washington, D.C. This range is a good faith estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on the candidate’s experience, skills, qualifications, and office location.

Washington, D.C. Salary Range

$119,800—$176,500 USD

This salary range is reflective of a position based in Lansdowne, VA. This range is a good-faith estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on the candidate’s experience, skills, qualifications, and office location.

Virginia Salary Range

$119,800—$176,500 USD