Director of External Affairs

Middle East Broadcasting Networks

About The Position

The Director of External Affairs leads MBN’s external engagement and public presence, advancing its mission through strategic communications, outreach, and stakeholder engagement. Reporting to the CEO, it oversees four core pillars—Congressional outreach, think tank and NGO engagement, media and digital communications and special outreach projects---ensuring message discipline, transparency, and alignment with MBN’s public mandate as a government-funded non-profit grantee. The director will manage a small communications team, work closely with senior leadership, and serve as a strategic advisor on external positioning, reputational risk, and audience engagement.

Requirements

Undergraduate/advanced degree or equivalent professional experience in journalism, mass communications, public administration, or a related field.
Ten years’ experience in external communications, public affairs, or related field.
Demonstrated experience engaging with Congress, media and policy stakeholders.
Exceptional writing skills and editing skills, with strong judgement and attention to compliance.

Nice To Haves

Experience in government-funded, policy-focused, or mission-driven organizations strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute communications strategies to support engagement with Congress and relevant federal stakeholders.
Oversee preparation of briefings, talking points, one-pagers, correspondence and other materials for legislative audiences.
Support CEO and senior leadership in preparation for Hill meetings, briefings and hearings, ensure communications adhere to statutory, appropriations, and accountability requirements.
Manage relationships with think tanks, NGOs, academic institutions and organizations.
Position MBN as a credible, nonpartisan voice through partnerships, events, and thought-leadership opportunities.
Coordinate outreach that strengthens MBN’s standing within the policy and research community.
Lead media strategy, including press engagement, executive messaging, and rapid response.
Oversee social and digital communications to ensure consistent voice, compliance, and strategic reach.
Monitor media coverage and public discourse; advise leadership on reputational risks and opportunities.
Design and execute special communications initiatives such as salons, roundtables, and briefings.
Manage messaging, logistics, and follow-up to maximize impact and stakeholder engagement.
Consolidate, maintain, and regularly update key outreach contact lists across Congressional, media, NGO, and policy audiences to support coordinated and effective engagement.
Supervise and mentor a small communications team, setting priorities and ensuring high-quality outputs.
Manage external vendors or consultants as needed.
Coordinate closely across internal teams to ensure unified and compliant external communications.
Perform additional job-related duties and take on new responsibilities as needed based on organizational requirements and circumstances.