Senior Director, Media Relations

American Forests

21d • $115,000 - $150,000 • Remote

About The Position

To support this work, American Forests is seeking a creative, driven, and highly strategic Director, Media Relations to help shape and elevate the organization’s public presence at a critical moment for forests, climate, and communities. This role is ideal for a media professional who thrives on generating ambitious earned media, spotting fresh story angles, and building strong journalist relationships that translate complex issues into compelling narratives.

Requirements

• 7+ years of demonstrated experience in media relations, journalism, public relations, or strategic communications, with a strong track record of securing earned media, preferably in a nonprofit environment.
• Proven ability to develop creative story ideas and translate complex subject matter into clear, compelling narratives.
• Strong media instincts and editorial judgment, with comfort operating in fast-moving news environments.
• Experience supporting executive-level spokespeople or senior leaders.
• Excellent writing skills and attention to detail.
• Highly organized, proactive, and collaborative, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Passion for mission-driven work and interest in climate, conservation, or environmental issues.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute proactive media strategies that generate consistent, high-impact earned coverage across national, regional, trade, broadcast, and digital outlets.
• Identify timely, creative, and newsworthy story opportunities tied to American Forests’ programs, science, policy priorities, partnerships, and on-the-ground impact.
• Pitch and place stories, op-eds, interviews, and broadcast segments that elevate the organization’s profile and advance strategic priorities.
• Track media trends and the news cycle to rapidly identify opportunities for thought leadership and rapid response.
• Serve as a key partner in elevating the visibility and influence of the CEO and senior leaders.
• Prepare media briefs, talking points, backgrounders, and interview materials to support high-profile media engagements.
• Coordinate interviews, press events, and media opportunities tied to announcements, campaigns, and major milestones.
• Support leaders in developing a confident, compelling, and disciplined media presence.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with reporters, editors, producers, and influencers across relevant beats, including climate, environment, policy, business, and philanthropy.
• Act as a primary point of contact for media inquiries, ensuring responsiveness, accuracy, and strategic alignment.
• Support crisis and issues communications efforts in coordination with the VP, Communications, helping protect and strengthen organizational credibility.
• Work closely with colleagues across communications, programs, policy, and development to surface stories and ensure alignment across earned, owned, and shared channels.
• Collaborate with storytelling, content, and digital teams to maximize the reach and impact of media coverage.
• Coordinate with external consultants or agencies as needed to extend capacity and expertise.
• Track, analyze, and report on media performance, using data to refine strategies and demonstrate impact.
• Continuously test new approaches, outlets, and formats to expand reach and relevance.

Benefits

• We offer comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage, along with wellness resources, disability insurance, and life and AD&D protection to give you peace of mind.
• You’ll enjoy generous paid time off, holidays, and leave programs, including parental bonding, bereavement, and military leave, so you can take care of what matters most.
• We invest in your future with a 401(k) plan that includes an employer match, flexible spending accounts, and a technology stipend to keep you connected.
• From work‑life balance to financial security, our benefits ensure you feel supported every step of the way.

What This Job Offers

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