Director of Communications (Contract)

Semafor•Washington, DC

3d•$70,000 - $90,000

About The Position

Semafor is a global news platform for an increasingly complex world in which consumers are overwhelmed by too many news sources and unsure what to trust. We are building Semafor to enable world-class journalists to deliver reporting and insights with rigor in journalistic forms that ensure a new level of transparency. Our editors and reporters distill the most important stories from all over in formats that uncover the forces shaping the stories, explain the interests behind polarizing narratives, and replenish the stock of shared facts. As a global platform, Semafor recognizes that smart people can disagree and that informed readers need to understand alternative points of view from competing centers of power and culture in a multi-polar world. Want to join us? Read on. About this role: Semafor is seeking a Director of Communications to join a fast-growing team. The ideal candidate brings a foundational background in communications and is ready to take on increasing responsibility within a lean, high-performing team. We're looking for a creative, strategic self-starter who's hungry to build, thrives on variety, and brings fresh thinking to every pitch, project, and press moment. This position will work closely with senior communications leadership across all aspects of Semafor's press and media strategy.

Requirements

6–8 years of experience in communications, press, or media relations
Excellent writer with a strong command of voice, clarity, and accuracy
Extreme attention to detail
Natural affinity for organizational systems and process-building – you love a spreadsheet and finding better ways to build efficiency within and between teams
A creative problem-solver with a self-starter attitude who can spot an opportunity, bring forward an idea, and figure out how to bring that through to execution
Enthusiasm for media, journalism, and the evolving global news landscape — you follow the industry and have opinions about it

Responsibilities

Play a central operational role within the communications team — helping manage workflows, maintain internal systems, and keep concurrent projects on track in a fast-moving, high-volume environment
Contribute to publicity strategy across Semafor's editorial verticals and business priorities, including pitching, writing press releases, conducting research, and developing communications campaigns
Support strategic communications across Semafor's international markets, including coordinating with global media partners, tracking regional press coverage, and helping tailor messaging for distinct international audiences
Assist in developing press strategies for Semafor's global editorial verticals and cross-border initiatives, ensuring consistent positioning across markets
Support press campaigns around major events and product launches, including drafting tip sheets, recaps, and other collateral
Track, organize, and maintain records of all press coverage across Semafor's platforms — including print, digital, audio, and live events
Monitor the daily news cycle across domestic and international beats, flagging relevant coverage, trends, and emerging opportunities in real time

Benefits

Semafor offers a Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) policy to our full-time, salaried employees who may take paid time off as-needed without a prescribed limit or defined balance.
Semafor, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and enthusiastically encourages people from all backgrounds and experiences to apply. Semafor, Inc. will consider all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

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