Director of Media Relations

American Farmland Trust•Washington, DC

2d•Remote

About The Position

American Farmland Trust (AFT) is seeking a Director of Media Relations to develop and implement AFT's media relations strategy and contribute to general AFT communications efforts. This role works across AFT departments, especially with program staff, and serves as an integral part of the AFT Communications team. The Director will develop and implement policies and procedures for media relations, aiming to expand understanding of AFT’s business, performance, and strategy. The position reports directly to the VP of Communications.

Requirements

Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, prioritize competing demands, and make timely, strategic decisions.
Proven ability to respond effectively and professionally to media inquiries, including time-sensitive requests and reporter deadlines.
Demonstrated ability to translate complex, technical, or academic topics into clear, compelling, concise, and on-message communications for media.
Strong knowledge of media relations principles and best practices, with a commitment to staying current on evolving communications strategies and industry trends.
Proficiency with Meltwater and other relevant communications and public relations tools.
Interest in agriculture, conservation, and related policy issues, with a commitment to American Farmland Trust’s mission.
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, partners, and media contacts across the country.
Advanced degree (master’s degree in business administration, marketing, communications, or a related field) and 10+ years of progressively responsible media relations experience or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.

Responsibilities

Develops and leads the implementation of AFT's media relations strategy.
Cultivates and maintains relationships with key members of the media, particularly agriculture reporters.
Serves as the primary point of contact for media inquiries and acts as a liaison between media and AFT's subject matter experts.
Leads project execution by setting priorities, defining deadlines, and coordinating across teams and with external partners.
Applies subject matter expertise to lead high-impact projects and processes.
Ensures successful project and team outcomes by prioritizing tasks, managing deadlines, and aligning efforts with strategic and budgetary goals.
Fosters internal and cross-divisional collaboration through informed guidance and coaching.
Collaborates on cross-divisional efforts and works to break down silos within the organization.
Staffs AFT's president and CEO and other spokespeople during interviews and at media-related events.
Identifies, develops, and promotes new programmatic and operational initiatives.
Leads the execution of National Communications strategy as tailored to divisional priorities and capabilities.
Oversees the development and production of written and multimedia communications.
Partners closely with the National Communications team to ensure consistency and alignment.
Develops and oversees press materials highlighting AFT initiatives, research, events, and other newsworthy developments.
Develops and secures placement of op-eds, opinion pieces, and other thought leadership content.
Drafts, edits, and provides strategic guidance on op-eds, opinion pieces, and other executive or organizational communications.
Writes talking points, FAQs, briefing materials, and other communications resources.
Develops proactive media outreach strategies and pursues opportunities to elevate AFT’s research, programs, and projects.

Benefits

Excellent vacation
Medical coverage
Retirement benefits
Other benefits
Insurance coverage begins the 1st of the month following the date of hire.
Dental Coverage
Vision Coverage
Company Paid Life Insurance & Long-Term Disability (LTD)
Voluntary Life Insurance
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) – Healthcare & Dependent Care
Health Savings Account (HSA)
401k Plan
Sick Leave: Regular full-time employees accrue 13 “sick days” per year.
Vacation Leave: Accrue 15 days during the first year increasing by one day per year to 20 days per year maximum.
Holidays: AFT observes twelve fixed holidays and a week between Christmas and New Years off during the year (all offices closed) plus a choice of up to three (depending on hiring month) floating holidays.