Director, External Communications

FHI 360•US-REMOTE-DC, DC

2d•$145,000 - $156,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Global Communications team is seeking a Director, External Communications, to lead FHI 360's external communications strategy to strengthen the organization's visibility, thought leadership, and influence across global health, economic opportunity, and international development sectors. This role develops proactive media strategies, manages complex issues and reputational risks, and builds trusted relationships with journalists, industry organizations, and strategic partners. The Director also leads thought-leadership communications and executive speaking strategies that elevate FHI 360's expertise and amplify its impact with key global audiences. Working across communications, global policy and advocacy, legal, program and country operations, business development, and executive leadership, the Director ensures consistent messaging, rapid response capabilities, and compelling storytelling that advances organizational priorities while protecting and strengthening FHI 360's reputation. This role reports to the Senior Director, Global Communications, within the Chief Impact Office.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or international equivalent in communications, Journalism, Public Relations, International Relations, Public Policy, Marketing, or related field.
Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in media relations, public affairs, external communications, corporate communications, or strategic communications.
Demonstrated experience developing and executing global media relations and executive visibility strategies for complex, mission-driven organizations, with a track record of securing positive coverage in U.S. and international outlets for both rapid-response and evergreen stories.
Experience leading crisis communications, issues management, and reputation management initiatives in a fast-paced, global environment, including conflict, disaster, or other challenging operating settings.
Experience developing thought leadership communications, executive speaking strategies, and high-profile external engagement initiatives.
Experience in international development, global health, philanthropy, NGO, multilateral, or government sectors strongly preferred.
Proven experience as an on-the-record spokesperson with print, broadcast, and online media.
Deep understanding of the U.S. and global media landscape, including traditional, digital, policy, and international development media.
Strong sector understanding of global health, economic opportunity, international development, philanthropy, multilateral organizations, and the U.S. government environment.
Exceptional strategic writing and editing skills across a variety of formats, including press materials, speeches, executive messaging, op-eds, briefing materials, and presentations.
Demonstrated ability to develop integrated communications strategies that align media relations, executive engagement, thought leadership, and organizational priorities.
Proven ability to advise and influence senior leaders, providing strategic counsel during high-profile, sensitive, or rapidly evolving situations.
Strong relationship-building, presentation, and media training skills.
Experience developing communications frameworks, playbooks, standards, and toolkits that enable consistent communications across a global organization.
Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret media intelligence, emerging trends, and stakeholder insights to inform communications strategies and measure their impact.
Demonstrated ability to lead through influence, build consensus across matrixed organizations, and manage multiple high-priority initiatives simultaneously.

Nice To Haves

Established relationships with journalists or media outlets in the sector, a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute integrated media and executive visibility strategies that elevate FHI 360 through earned media, executive thought leadership communications, strategic storytelling, and high-impact media opportunities that build an active, engaged audience for FHI 360's work.
Build and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with journalists, editors, influencers, industry associations, coalitions, and strategic partners, positioning FHI 360 as a trusted, go-to source for the news media, and serve as the organization's spokesperson when appropriate.
Prepare executives and subject matter experts for media interviews and public appearances through media training, briefing materials, and message development.
Develop and maintain a global media relations framework, including standards, toolkits, templates, and training that strengthen media engagement capabilities for program teams and country offices while ensuring consistent messaging and brand stewardship.
Monitor global media coverage and trends to track emerging opportunities, risks, and provide strategic communications recommendations.
Serve as a core member of FHI 360's global crisis response team, providing strategic communications counsel to ensure coordinated, timely, and effective responses to emerging issues.
Develop proactive and reactive communications strategies, messaging, and stakeholder communications that protect and enhance the organization's reputation during periods of change, crisis, and heightened public interest.
Build and maintain FHI 360's crisis communications infrastructure, including playbooks, escalation protocols, scenario plans, messaging frameworks, media training, and response tools to ensure organizational preparedness.
Develop and lead FHI 360's strategy for thought leadership and executive communications opportunities that advance the organization's strategy.
Coordinate executive participation in external engagements by aligning messaging, content, and follow-up to maximize visibility and strategic impact.
Develop and cultivate strategic opportunities for FHI 360 leaders to engage with funders, policymakers, multilateral organizations, industry associations, partners, and other influential stakeholders, strengthening relationships and advancing organizational priorities.
Measure the effectiveness of external and executive engagements, using insights to continuously improve external engagement strategies and organizational impact.