Director, Media Relations

Atlantic Council Of The U S•Washington, DC

12h•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Media Relations leads the Atlantic Council’s media outreach and communications strategy and serves on the leadership of the broader Engagement team. The role advances the Council’s mission by amplifying its expertise, events, and publications through earned coverage in the United States and internationally, while coordinating external communications efforts and campaigns across the institution. The director reports to the Atlantic Council’s senior editorial director and works closely with digital, editorial, and event-production teams, the executive office, and the Council’s programs and centers. The position is based at the Council’s Washington, DC headquarters. The director is expected to work in the office at least four days a week and whenever the role requires. Travel may be required to support global and flagship convenings, and work outside standard hours may be needed for breaking news or other time-sensitive matters. Compensation is listed as $140,000 to $180,000, commensurate with experience and education, and the position is bonus-eligible.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in international affairs, communications, journalism, or a related field.
7–10+ years of media relations, journalism, or strategic communications experience, including at least three years managing staff.
A robust network of active relationships with journalists at top-tier national and international outlets covering foreign policy, security, technology, and economics.
Experience designing and leading organization-wide communications plans and campaigns across multiple teams or programs.
A track record of securing high-impact coverage, including broadcast bookings and op-ed placements.
Excellent writing and editing skills, including the ability to produce pitches, releases, and talking points on tight deadlines.
Working knowledge of international affairs and the Washington policy landscape.
Proficiency with social media, digital marketing, and AI tools.
Proven judgment in crisis communications and handling sensitive issues.
Ability to work outside standard hours when breaking news or other time-sensitive matters require it.

Nice To Haves

Experience at a major newsroom, government agency or congressional office, international organization, or policy institution.
Experience with media in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, or Latin America.
Experience developing paid media strategies or managing media partnerships.
Proficiency in a second language.
Familiarity with media monitoring and database platforms such as Cision, Meltwater, or Muck Rack.

Responsibilities

Manage the Atlantic Council’s media-relations operation, including full-time team members, partners, and vendors.
Build and manage relationships with reporters, producers, bookers, and editors at leading US and international print, digital, and broadcast outlets.
Identify opportunities for and secure high-profile media coverage of Council events and publications.
Lead rapid media response to breaking news worldwide and serve as the primary contact for crisis communications and rapid response.
Generate media partnerships that raise the visibility of Council events and initiatives.
Coordinate efforts to secure media moderators and panelists.
Edit and place opinion columns in leading outlets.
Train staff in best practices for engaging with print, digital, and broadcast media.
Travel as needed to support the Council’s global and flagship convenings.
Establish Council experts as prominent, visible sources of commentary and insight on international affairs.
Lead the Council’s overall approach to external media as spokesperson, strategist, and advocate.
Build public awareness of the Council, its influence, and the impact of its work, particularly in the press.
Develop a strategy to increase the Council’s presence on non-traditional media platforms, including podcasts and digital media influencers.
Represent communications at the outset of major new Council initiatives and define a holistic communications framework, including tactics and strategy.
Oversee long-term communications planning for programs and centers, defining programmatic goals and corresponding strategies with each.
Manage the Council-wide communications calendar, including Council and external global events, to raise the organization’s profile around key moments.
Develop the Council’s paid media strategy in partnership with colleagues.
Lead and expand the Council’s portfolio of media partnerships.