Sr. Director of Media and Public Relations

Alliance Defending Freedom•Washington, DC

3d•$119,800 - $195,400•Onsite

About The Position

As the Sr. Director of Media & Public Relations, you will shape and protect ADF’s public voice. Reporting to the Vice President of Public Relations & Communications, you will lead ADF’s media strategy, oversee the multi-media news division, manage rapid response and crisis communications, and ensure ADF’s messaging is strategic, consistent, and impactful. This role is both strategic and hands-on, requiring a leader who can build influential media relationships, craft compelling narratives from complex legal issues, respond quickly to emerging conversations, and position ADF as a trusted and leading voice on the most urgent cultural and legal topics of the day.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field.
10+ years of experience in media relations, public affairs, or strategic communications.
5+ years of experience leading a communications or media team.
Demonstrated success designing and executing impactful media and PR strategies that shape public opinion and advance organizational objectives.
Exceptional ability to distill complex legal and policy issues into clear, compelling messages for diverse audiences.
Proven track record of building strong relationships with national and international media outlets and securing high-impact coverage.
Skilled in crisis communications, managing sensitive situations under pressure and protecting organizational reputation.
Experienced in defining KPIs, analyzing performance data, and adapting strategies to maximize impact.
Deep understanding of emerging media platforms, content optimization, and audience engagement strategies.
Strong team leader and cross-functional collaborator who can inspire, coach, and direct others while partnering effectively across departments.
Commitment to maintaining brand integrity, consistency, and tone across all external communications.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field.
Prior experience in legal, policy, think-tank, or faith-based nonprofit environments.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive media and public relations strategy aligned with ADF’s mission, brand, and legal advocacy objectives.
Translate complex legal principles into accessible, compelling messaging that resonates with key audiences and advances ADF’s influence.
Oversee messaging development for internal, external, and alliance audiences across multiple platforms.
Direct communication efforts across earned, owned, and paid media channels — including press releases, op-eds, video/audio content, and public events.
Identify and pursue opportunities to position ADF and its leaders as authoritative voices in national conversations on freedom and advocacy.
Build and maintain high-impact relationships with top-tier media, journalists, influencers, and opinion leaders to maximize visibility and coverage.
Lead ADF’s rapid response efforts by identifying and acting quickly on breaking news, cultural moments, and emerging trends.
Oversee the creation of proactive media strategies and events to amplify ADF’s profile, showcase cases, and shape public conversations.
Foster surrogate commentary and third-party advocacy by cultivating a strong network of aligned voices to amplify ADF messaging.
Serve as the organization’s first line of defense during crises, leading swift, strategic communications responses that protect ADF’s reputation.
Anticipate potential risks, develop crisis playbooks, and train staff and leadership on effective public response.
Coordinate with legal teams to ensure all external communications are accurate, compliant, and aligned with legal and ethical standards.
Direct the creation of high-impact media content designed to reach and engage target audiences, including articles, commentaries, interviews, videos, podcasts, and web content.
Ensure all communications are optimized for digital distribution and search discoverability.
Oversee training, preparation, and deployment of attorneys, spokespeople, and staff for media appearances and public speaking opportunities.
Define KPIs, track results, and report on media performance, audience reach, and message effectiveness.
Use data and insights to inform strategy, optimize campaigns, and ensure agility in responding to opportunities.
Manage budgets for media initiatives, ensuring resources are used effectively and aligned with strategic priorities.