Communications Specialist

Council on Foreign Relations•Washington, DC

23d•$63,000 - $70,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is seeking a Communications Specialist to support the planning and execution of earned media strategies for CFR’s Studies department, helping to advance the visibility of their work. Reporting to the Associate Vice President, this role will draft and edit press releases, media advisories, and targeted pitches; develops resource materials for journalists, editors, producers, and bookers; and maintains press distribution lists and media mention tracking. The Communications Specialist contributes to the full range of team operations such as staffing events, supporting virtual media briefings on breaking news, monitoring the communications inbox, and assisting with intern recruitment and supervision. This position is based in CFR’s Washington, DC office at least three days per week. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are considered institutional anchor days where all staff are required to be onsite. Effective Monday, September 14, 2026, CFR employees will be based on-site at least four days per week. CFR’s remote working schedule is subject to change.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree preferred, or equivalent
At least 2 years of related experience in media relations, communications, media industry, or journalism.
Previous experience working with monitoring databases and engagement tools (e.g., Muck Rack, Cision/PR Newswire, Meltwater).
Previous experience working with CRMs and ESPs.
Excellent writing and editing skills and experience writing news releases and copy editing.
Proven knowledge of and demonstrated interest in current U.S. foreign policy and international affairs.
Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a fast-paced team environment.
Strong working knowledge of international issues and familiarity with media landscape.
Candidates must be proactive, organized, and able to excel in a deadline-driven environment.
Candidates must have the ability and willingness to work flexible hours when necessary.

Responsibilities

Support planning and execution of earned media strategies in support of CFR scholarship, specifically the work of CFR fellows and the Studies Department as a whole. This includes engaging fellows in D.C. and coordinating with counterparts in Meetings, Publications, and Events.
Under the guidance of the D.C.-based AVP and in collaboration with the Senior Specialist and colleagues across the team, help promote Studies products (such as CFR books and reports) and announcements (for example, of events and new fellows and initiatives), including through the drafting and editing of news releases and media advisories.
In coordination with the Senior Specialist, engage Research Assistants to help track fellows’ availability and media appearances, update expert pages, and maintain a running catalog of media mentions.
Work with the Senior Specialist and AVP to map media targets based on issues and audiences. Help craft resource guides and materials for media targets (reporters, editors, columnists, bookers, producers) with CFR content, fellows profiles, and other collateral to position CFR as a resource consistently and during key news cycle moments.
Staff DC-based events and book photography
Add media mentions for the weekly report for Leadership
Help update media highlights on CFR.org
Help monitor and act on media inquiries in the Comms inbox
Assist with onboarding new members of the comms team
Help manage DC-based events and help book photography
Help interview, select, and supervise DC-based interns
Take turns with team members to organize and manage virtual media briefings on fast-breaking global news
Compile and update press distro lists covering various topics/regions
Draft and send targeted media pitches for events, publications, and initiatives
Draft and send press notes, press releases, and media advisories
Perform any other duties or tasks as assigned or required.