Strategic Director, Government Performance Communications

The Pew Charitable Trusts; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 162,600 - 181,800; Full time

Job summary

The Pew Charitable Trusts is seeking a Director of Communications (Government Performance) to lead strategic communications for the government performance portfolio. You will guide staff, manage multiple projects, and translate research into policy-focused messaging for a wide range of audiences.

Responsibilities include shaping integrated communications strategies, overseeing media relations, collaborating across Pew's communications functions, and ensuring high-quality, mission-driven outputs

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required; graduate degree in public affairs, public policy, or journalism a plus.
• Generally, a minimum of ten years of experience in policy-oriented campaigns, advocacy, and strategic communications.
• Experience supervising staff, including performance management processes and career development.
• Experience working across issue areas and with remote staff.
• Excellent writing and editing skills with ability to communicate to reporters and editors.
• Flexible, creative, and highly accountable with strong leadership ability.
• Experience in a multi-site, matrixed environment preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the government performance communications strategy and manage staff and multiple projects.
• Provide strategic and tactical counsel to protect organizational reputation and support program goals.
• Oversee media relations, drive proactive outreach, and manage crisis communications when needed.
• Collaborate across program communications, editorial, digital, and institutional teams.
• Direct development of contracts and consultants as required.

Skills

Strategic communications

Staff management

Writing and editing

Media relations

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Public policy knowledge

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Graduate degree in public affairs/public policy/journalism

Job description

The Pew Charitable Trusts is seeking a Director of Communications (Government Performance) to lead strategic communications for the government performance portfolio. You will guide staff, manage multiple projects, and translate research into policy-focused messaging for a wide range of audiences.

Responsibilities include shaping integrated communications strategies, overseeing media relations, collaborating across Pew's communications functions, and ensuring high-quality, mission-driven outputs