Director Media Relations US

Rio Tinto • Washington, DC

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Rio Tinto is seeking a senior media relations leader to shape the company’s media profile in the United States and provide strategic support and coordination across Canada and South America. Based in Washington, DC, the role connects national and regional narratives, policy developments, and operational priorities so communications are coordinated, credible, and relevant in each market. It contributes an Americas perspective to Rio Tinto’s global media strategy and supports major Group announcements and initiatives across the region.

This is a hands-on role focused on building trusted relationships with influential journalists, identifying compelling stories, preparing leaders, managing incoming media interest, and responding promptly as issues emerge. The position partners with Corporate Affairs, communications, external affairs, and asset and business communications teams across the Americas, and advises senior leaders on high-profile external engagement. It reports to the Senior Manager, Media Relations & Corporate Communications.

Requirements

• Commitment to the safety of yourself and your team.
• Senior-level experience in media relations, corporate communications, or journalism within a major corporation, complex industry, or highly scrutinized policy environment.
• An established, current network across leading US business and national media, with demonstrated experience engaging top-tier reporters, editors, and producers.
• Understanding of the Washington media and public-affairs environment, including how business, federal policy, regulation, and politics can shape corporate reputation.
• Experience developing and executing media strategies across multiple markets and partnering with government affairs, public affairs, or Corporate Affairs teams while maintaining sound media-relations judgment.
• Demonstrated news judgment and writing capability, including translating technical, operational, and policy topics into concise, credible messages and advising senior leaders during sensitive or rapidly evolving situations.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting communications for geographically dispersed operations or assets and balancing national, regional, and local stakeholder contexts.
• Familiarity with Canadian and South American media landscapes and experience working across different political, cultural, or regulatory environments.
• Business and financial literacy, with experience in mining, resources, energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, or another industrial sector.
• Experience using media intelligence, coverage analysis, and audience insights to improve earned-media targeting, messaging, and effectiveness.

Responsibilities

• Lead media relations strategy and execution in the United States across national business, financial, political, and policy media, coordinating priorities with teams in Canada and South America.
• Build and sustain relationships with reporters, editors, columnists, and producers at leading US business and national news organizations, relevant trade outlets, and regional media.
• Create earned-media opportunities that explain Rio Tinto’s businesses, investments, partnerships, technology, supply chains, and contributions to communities and economies across the Americas.
• Align media engagement with US Corporate Affairs colleagues on federal policy and regulatory developments, using clear roles and disciplined messaging.
• Partner with asset and business communications teams across the Americas to connect local developments with national and international relevance, provide media counsel, and escalate emerging issues effectively.
• Act as a company spokesperson, manage inbound media inquiries, and support significant or sensitive media matters with timely, accurate responses aligned with Group positions and disclosure requirements.
• Advise and prepare senior executives and subject-matter experts for interviews, editorial meetings, broadcast appearances, events, and other high-profile external engagements.
• Monitor media, political, and policy developments across the Americas; use media intelligence and audience insight to identify reputation risks and opportunities; and contribute regional perspectives to major Group announcements and global media campaigns.

Benefits

• Safety-focused and inclusive working environment.
• Advantageous salary package with annual cash incentive awards (STIP) for eligible employees.
• Family-friendly health programs, including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage, plus various voluntary benefits.
• Retirement plan with up to 6% defined company contribution and a 401(k) matching program.
• Employee share program that allows employees to purchase Rio Tinto Company shares.
• Leave policies including PTO, paid holidays, and paid bereavement leave.
• Child-caregiver leave program with up to 100% salary top-up.
• Leisure discount programs and access to Virgin Pulse with wellbeing incentives.
• Employee Assistance Program for employees and their families, covering educational opportunities, addiction treatment, depression, stress, domestic issues, financial management, and legal concerns.
• Support for learning potential and career goals.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed