Vice President of Public Relations

Alliance Defending Freedom•Lansdowne, VA

13h•$166,300 - $250,800•Onsite

About The Position

The Vice President of Public Relations leads Alliance Defending Freedom's media relations, reputation management, and external communications, advancing our mission to protect religious freedom, free speech, and the sanctity of life through proactive, disciplined engagement with the public and the press. Reporting to the Chief of Enterprise Strategy, you will direct a multidisciplinary PR team working across owned, earned, and internal channels. You will build and execute integrated communications plans, cultivate lasting relationships with national and regional media, guide the organization through high-profile legal and public moments, and partner with leaders across ADF and outside stakeholders to strengthen our credibility and impact.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field, or equivalent experience
12+ years in public relations, communications, or public affairs, including 5+ years of people management experience
Proven record of securing and shaping national media coverage, with established relationships across print, broadcast, and digital
Experience leading responses to high-profile, high-scrutiny situations, including hostile media environments and legal controversies
Experience managing and developing multidisciplinary teams, including managers

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field.
Master's degree or relevant advanced training
Experience with a legal, advocacy, policy, or faith-based organization
Familiarity with constitutional and religious liberty issues
Experience coordinating with attorneys on messaging around active litigation
Background in both proactive storytelling and rapid-response communications
Experience with media training and spokesperson preparation

Responsibilities

Serve as ADF's chief messaging strategist, deciding which issues receive amplification and aligning stakeholders and channel leaders across the organization.
Partner with attorneys and senior leaders to set messaging priorities, and direct the creation of fact sheets, op-eds, and other materials that turn ADF's mission into compelling stories.
Establish metrics, KPIs, and benchmarks showing the reach, influence, and impact of ADF's advocacy, and report results to senior leadership.
Set the strategic direction for ADF's earned media program, advancing advocacy priorities and supporting ADF's cases and events.
Lead media strategy and events for ADF's Supreme Court advocacy, from pre-argument positioning through decision-day response.
Build and grow relationships with journalists, thought leaders, allied organizations, and ADF's network of surrogates and validators.
Develop and execute a communications plan that elevates the CEO as a leading voice on religious freedom and free speech, and counsel executive leaders on media engagement.
Assess, train, and coach ADF spokespeople, and represent ADF at external events and press conferences as needed.
Build and lead ADF's crisis communications processes and plans, and equip attorneys and communications staff to produce effective briefing and messaging materials.
Lead, develop, and retain the media relations and communications strategy teams, and serve on the MarComm leadership team to align work into one integrated strategy.
Direct ADF's presence on X (formerly Twitter), ensuring content advances strategic goals and grows audience and impact.