Director, Crisis Communications at Bully Pulpit International | District of Columbia, USA | $110K/yr – $135K/yr

Bully Pulpit International

Director, Crisis Communications

District of Columbia, USA (Hybrid)

$110K/yr – $135K/yrDirector/Executive8+ years expFull time

Posted 4 weeks ago

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Job Summary

Own crisis communications with multi-client leadership across 24-7 cycles, shaping rapid-response strategy, media engagement, and strategic storytelling for executives and legal teams.

Growth/ownership: lead crisis plans and real-time guidance across high-stakes scenarios for multiple clients.
Media relations and writing: direct inquiries and craft statements, Q&As, and briefings under tight deadlines.
Cross-functional execution: align data, digital, and creative teams to deliver memos, decks, and reports while mentoring juniors.

Job Description

Responsibilities

Account Leadership & Client Advice: act as the primary point of contact for corporate leaders and legal teams, providing steady counsel and adapting to 24/7 crisis needs
Campaign Strategy: develop and run communications plans to handle active threats using news coverage, digital channels, and internal messaging
Collaborative Execution: coordinate with data, digital media, and creative design teams to produce polished client products (memos, strategy decks, graphic reports)
Rapid-Response Writing: draft high-stakes materials under tight deadlines (press statements, Q&As, briefings)
Direct Media Engagement: manage media inquiries and ensure accurate storytelling across phone, video, or in-person interactions
Strategic Media Relations: shape stories with journalists and navigate off-the-record, background, and deep-background terms
Project Oversight: manage internal teams across offices to meet deadlines in a 24-7 environment
Mentorship: coach junior staff on crisis communications
Client Growth: deepen relationships with existing clients and draft/present crisis-preparedness plans

Requirements

8–10+ years in public affairs, PR, or strategic comms (agency + in-house or political background preferred)
Master of AP Style; ability to pivot between creative storytelling and analytical strategic reporting
Proficiency in media monitoring software (Cision, Meltwater) and social media marketing platforms
Proven track record of managing multi-client deliverables, leading cross-functional teams with independence, and drafting quality, successful proposals
Ability to stay calm and provide real-time recommendations under high-pressure, tight-timeline scenarios
Understanding and appreciation for the 24-7 modern communications landscape
Excellent writing and verbal presentation skills are baseline requirements
Location flexibility: in-person work from DC, New York or Chicago at least 3 days a week ( hybrid)

Preferred

Previous agency experience is highly desired
blend of agency + in-house or government experience (ideal candidate)

Benefits

100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) program with employer match up to 4%
generous time off for vacation
$50 monthly phone reimbursement
unlimited sick time
16 weeks of paid leave for new parents

Bully Pulpit International

3.4 Glassdoor

Bully Pulpit International (BPI) is an outcomes agency at the intersection of business, politics, and policy. Born in politics and founded by leaders of the Obama campaign, we apply our unique expertise from these experiences to create sophisticated and customized strategies for companies, causes and candidates. Our clients include established market leaders, new economy firms, philanthropists, CEOs, and elected officials. What these varied brands share in common is the growing need to establish differentiated and lasting bonds with their consumers in a world of fragmented media, deep skepticism, and rapidly changing culture. Reputation has never been more relevant to business ROI, and in our view requires consumers to believe — not only in what a brand is saying, but also in why. We combine proprietary technology and deeper insights to build believers with the speed and agility that today’s market requires.At Bully Pulpit International, we make change possible. To us, this is more than a commitment—it's a passion. Because we truly believe in the work we do.

Founded in 2009

Washington, District of Columbia, USA

270 employees (95 in marketing)

www.bpigroup.com

63% recommend to a friend

74% CEO approval