Sr. Director of Media and Public Relations

Leesburg, VA (Unknown)

$120K/yr – $177K/yrSenior Level

Posted 10 days ago

Job Summary

Own and execute ADF's media and public relations strategy, leading messaging, media relations, crisis comms, content strategy, and measurement across earned, owned, and paid channels; drive thought leadership and rapid response while coordinating with legal and cross-functional teams.

  • Own and steer the media strategy across internal and external audiences
  • Lead crisis communications and thought leadership initiatives

Job Description

Responsibilities

  • Strategic Media Leadership
  • 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.
  • Media Relations & Thought Leadership
  • 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.

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.

Preferred

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

Benefits

  • Our benefits include 100% covered medical and dental insurance, medical and dependent care reimbursement, paid disability, long-term care, life insurance, and a 401(k) plan with a 4% company match. We prioritize work-life balance with paid time off and 12 paid holidays each year.
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Alliance Defending Freedom

Alliance Defending Freedom is an alliance-building legal organization that advocates for the right of people to freely live out their faith. ADF was launched in 1994 by a large group of Christian ministry leaders with one mission in mind: to keep the doors open for the Gospel by advocating for religious liberty, the sanctity of life, and marriage and family. For information on careers and current open positions at ADF, please visit ADFlegal.org/careers.

Founded in 1994
Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
371 employees (56 in marketing)

Salaries

Posted range

$120K/yr – $177K/yr

Taken straight from the job posting.

See all Alliance Defending Freedom salaries

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Sr. Director of Media and Public Relations

Alliance Defending Freedom · Leesburg, VA · Unknown