Strategic Media Relations Associate Director

Atlantic Council; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 72,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Health insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Atlantic Council in Washington, DC seeks an entrepreneurial Associate Director to lead proactive media relations and strategic communications, elevating experts and research through targeted outreach, rapid-response pitches, and integrated campaigns. This role reports to the Director of Strategic Communications and collaborates across programs, centers, Editorial, Social Media, and Events.

The ideal candidate is a strong writer with newsroom instincts, able to manage deadlines and translate

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, international relations, political science, public policy, or related field.
• Approximately 3–6 years of relevant experience in media relations, journalism, strategic communications, public affairs, or related field.
• Demonstrated understanding of national and international media landscape across print, digital, broadcast, and podcasts.
• Proven ability to develop clear media angles and translate complex policy issues into timely pitches.
• Strong writing, editing, and communication skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead media promotion for events, coordinating with programs, Events, and other teams.
• Develop and execute media outreach, identify reporters, draft pitches, and manage follow-up.
• Support press RSVPs, media logistics, and reporter outreach.
• Use media databases to build targeted reporter lists by beat, geography, and issue area.
• Provide media trainings for programs and staff to prep experts for interviews.
• Draft invitations, briefing materials, and follow-up notes for reporter engagement.

Skills

Media relations

Strategic communications

Media pitching

Writing/editing

Project management

Reporter relationships

Education

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, international relations, political science, public policy, or related field

Job description

Atlantic Council in Washington, DC seeks an entrepreneurial Associate Director to lead proactive media relations and strategic communications, elevating experts and research through targeted outreach, rapid-response pitches, and integrated campaigns. This role reports to the Director of Strategic Communications and collaborates across programs, centers, Editorial, Social Media, and Events.

The ideal candidate is a strong writer with newsroom instincts, able to manage deadlines and translate