Director, Communications and Public Affairs

Sesame Workshop•New York, NY

About The Position

Sesame Workshop is looking for a Director, Communications and Public Affairs . The Director, Communications and Public Affairs plays a vital part in amplifying Sesame Workshop's mission and storytelling—through both external and internal communications. The ideal candidate is a strategic, thoughtful communicator, and exceptional writer who can elevate executive visibility and thought leadership. The Director will lead high-level speaking and earned media opportunities for leadership, pursue award recognition that showcases our impact, and support internal communications that strengthen alignment across the organization. This role is part of the Communications & Public Affairs team and reports to the Senior Director, Communications & Public Affairs.

Requirements

8+ years in Executive Communications, PR, or Strategic Communications; Internal Communications experience a strong plus
Bachelors Degree preferred
Exceptional writing and editing skills, with demonstrated ability to create clear, compelling content for senior leaders.
Strong experience preparing executives for high-profile engagements, including panels, keynotes, and media opportunities.
Highly organized, proactive, and able to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
Confident working with people at all levels, both inside and outside the organization
Relationship-builder and strong team player with well-developed people skills

Nice To Haves

Experience in nonprofit, media, education, or purpose-driven organizations is a plus.

Responsibilities

Identify and secure strategic opportunities: Research, pitch, vet, and secure earned media and speaking opportunities for senior leaders that advance Sesame Workshop's thought leadership and global impact.
Run point on speaking opportunities and relevant media interviews , ensuring seamless coordination between internal teams, executives, event organizers, and/or media contacts.
Manage all aspects of engagements from preparation through execution ; craft comprehensive briefing documents, draft and maintain speaker set pieces and talking points, and run prep sessions to ensure leaders are fully prepared and positioned for success.
Manage end-to-end logistics, including scheduling, legal agreements, clip licenses, and other support tasks for events or media engagements.
Manage Speakers Bureau Inbox and outreach: Field and vet inbound requests and actively research and pitch conferences, summits, and convenings aligned with organizational goals.
Manage senior leadership presence on social platforms , with a focus on developing and executing a thought leadership strategy on LinkedIn and other relevant channels in partnership with the Workshop's Audience Development team.
Support internal communications: Contribute to internal communications initiatives, including planning and execution of staff events and All Staff communications. Review materials to ensure clarity, consistency, and alignment with organizational priorities.
Manage Awards and Recognitions: Manage submissions for media awards and lists and identify new mission-aligned opportunities. Conduct research to discover relevant recognitions, evaluate eligibility, and partner with internal stakeholders to gather materials, ensure accurate submissions, and maximize visibility and impact.
Partner closely with the PR & Publicity and Events teams, along with teams such as Revenue, People & Culture, Audience Development, and more to ensure alignment on communications, logistics, and strategy.
Represent Sesame Workshop and its speakers externally, building strong relationships with a wide variety of partners including media, conference organizers, and event bookers.