Director, Media Relations

Responsibilities

• Manage the Atlantic Council’s media-relations operation, including full-time team members, partners, and vendors.
• Build and manage relationships with reporters, producers, bookers, and editors at top-level US and international print, digital, and broadcast outlets.
• Identify opportunities for and secure high-profile media coverage of Atlantic Council events and publications.
• Lead rapid response to the media on breaking news developments worldwide, inserting the Council’s expert views into the news cycle when they are most relevant.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for crisis communications and rapid response.
• Generate media partnerships that raise the visibility of Council events and initiatives.
• Coordinate efforts to secure media moderators and panelists.
• Edit and place opinion columns in leading outlets.
• Train staff on best practices for engaging with print, digital, and broadcast media.
• Travel as needed to support the Council’s global and flagship convenings.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in international affairs, communications, journalism, or a related field.
• 7-10+ years of media relations, journalism, or strategic-communications experience, including at least three years managing staff.
• A robust network of active relationships with journalists at top-tier national and international outlets covering foreign policy, security, technology, and economics.
• Experience designing and leading organization-wide communications plans and campaigns across multiple teams or programs.
• A track record of securing high-impact coverage, including broadcast bookings and op-ed placements.
• Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to produce pitches, releases, and talking points on tight deadlines.
• Working knowledge of international affairs and the Washington policy landscape.
• Proficiency with social media, digital marketing, and AI tools.
• Proven judgment in crisis communications and in handling sensitive issues.
• Ability to work outside standard hours when breaking news or other time-sensitive matters require it.

Preferred

• Experience at a major newsroom, government agency or congressional office, international organization, or policy institution.
• Experience with media in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, or Latin America.
• Experience developing paid media strategies or managing media partnerships.
• Proficiency in a second language.
• Familiarity with media monitoring and database platforms such as Cision, Meltwater, or Muck Rack.