Director of Media Relations and Communications Strategy

Council On Foreign Relations • New York, NY

276d • $145,000 - $155,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Media Relations and Communications Strategy is charged with supporting the day-to-day management of the Council's engagement with U.S. and international media, supporting long-term media relations strategy, and helping develop the Council's internal communications function. Reporting to the Vice President for Global Communications, the Director is responsible for helping craft and execute communications strategies to shape the Council's profile and amplify institutional priorities. This involves working closely with counterparts in Studies, Development, Corporate and CEO Programs, Meetings and Membership, National Program and Outreach, the Executive Office, Foreign Affairs magazine, and other offices as part of near- and long-term communications planning. This position will also support the VP in developing an internal communications function and will help inform development of an institutional communications function (to include executive communications and reputational risk planning). This position is based in CFR's New York office on a hybrid basis. CFR currently defines hybrid status as working at least three days a week onsite, with Tuesdays and Thursdays considered institutional anchor days when all staff are required to be onsite.

Requirements

• BA degree in a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in public relations, preferably supporting and leading similar strategic communications efforts.
• Familiarity with the foreign policy media ecosystem and contacts with national and international media outlets.
• Experience using media tracking tools and databases such as MuckRack, Cision, Critical Mention, TV Eyes, and/or Meltwater.
• Experience supporting senior leaders in development of internal communications strategies, channels, and messaging.

Nice To Haves

• Superior writing, verbal, and digital communications skills.
• Strong working knowledge of media relations and issues management.
• Strong judgment in media relations matters.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively engage with reporters, editors, columnists, producers, and bookers.
• Track record drafting statements, talking points & Q&As.
• Comfortable working in a digital environment using digital tools, including website content management systems.
• Comfortable providing counsel to senior executives.
• Self-starter and strategic thinker with the ability to prioritize and synthesize.
• Strong collaborator with solid negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, results-oriented, collaborative environment.
• Able to work under pressure quickly, effectively, and efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Work with the VP for Global Communications to develop the Council's media engagement on a wide range of complex global issues and to develop proactive, strategic media engagement plans.
• Build relationships and educate members of the media about the Council and its resources more broadly.
• Drive attention to key Council initiatives, priorities, projects, and voices.
• Supervise management of systems and strategies to respond to media requests, develop media relationships, coordinate media interactions, track and summarize media hits, and develop and maintain targeted media lists across the team.
• Serve as the VP's deputy on internal communications matters, working with Council counterparts in Operations, Human Resources, Facilities, and other offices to identify and develop platforms for engagement across Council constituencies.
• Draft and edit statements, talking points, fact sheets, Q&As and other resources with the VP.
• Work closely with the Digital Content team on promoting Council voices, including on breaking news.
• Manage and develop members of the team in support of the functions listed above.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries
• Outstanding benefits package

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree