Media Relations Director

Position Summary:

Democracy Forward Foundation is hiring a Media Relations Director to carry out its mission to promote pro-democracy and progressive policies and ideals through comprehensive media relations strategies. Members of the Media Relations team elevate the work of Democracy Forward Foundation by securing high-profile media coverage, developing and maintaining relationships with reporters, managing large-scale media outreach campaigns, and responding quickly to emerging events.

This is a full-time position based in Washington, DC and candidates are required to be in the office an average of 3 days per week.

The ideal candidate will have experience with the following:

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and execution of comprehensive media relations strategies to enhance the organization’s visibility, including proactive pitching and robust reporter engagement. 
• Manage the Media Relations team, providing guidance, mentorship, and oversight.
• Develop and organize media events, press conferences, and other media-facing activities.
• Develop and implement media strategies for crisis communication and reputational management.
• Serve as the media liaison for senior leaders and key stakeholders, preparing them for media interviews and speaking engagements. 
• Connect plaintiffs and counsel for media opportunities, and work to proactively build storytelling moments.
• Oversee media monitoring, measurement, and reporting to assess the effectiveness of media campaigns.
• Collaborate with the other teams at Democracy Forward to ensure alignment on key messages, campaigns, and broader organizational initiatives.
• Work with the team to develop and maintain relationships with key journalists, reporters, and media outlets.
• Expand outreach to New Media, podcasters, and outlets focused on diverse audiences.
• Work with cross-functional teams to align media outreach with broader organizational goals.

Qualifications:

We recognize that strong candidates may not meet 100% of the qualifications listed. If you believe you can contribute meaningfully to our team, we encourage you to apply.

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in media relations or communications.
• Proven ability to lead a media team and develop strategic media outreach campaigns.
• Strong media relationships across various industries and a history of securing significant media coverage.
• In-depth understanding of media trends, analytics, and measurement tools.
• Ability to navigate complex, high-stakes media situations and provide sound counsel to senior executives.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Ability to monitor, assess, and respond to emerging issues and communications opportunities in live-time. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Well-developed collaborative and interpersonal skills including demonstrated self-awareness, commitment to diversity and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds. 
• Commitment to workplace inclusion and ability to contribute affirmatively to a just and equitable workplace culture. 
• Ability to do occasional travel for team retreats, conferences, hearings, or organizational meetings.

The salary range for this position is $140,000-$160,000 plus excellent benefits. Compensation is commensurate with experience. 

Democracy Forward is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals. We strongly encourage people of color; lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex people; women; people with disabilities; and veterans to apply. Please note that all lawyer positions require a law degree and active membership in the bar of a state or the District of Columbia. 

Not sure you meet all of our qualifications? Research shows that men apply for jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria. Yet women and other people who are systematically marginalized tend to only apply if they meet every requirement.  If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Whether you are new to mission-based legal and policy work, returning to work after a gap in employment, or simply looking to transition or take the next step in your career path, we welcome the opportunity to have you on our radar.  Please include in your cover letter the nature of your interest in legal and policy work promoting democracy and progress and what you hope to bring to our team and the role for which you are applying.