Media Relations Lead (Contract)

Who we are

Semafor is a global news platform for an increasingly complex world in which consumers are overwhelmed by too many news sources and unsure what to trust. We are building Semafor to enable world-class journalists to deliver reporting and insights with rigor in journalistic forms that ensure a new level of transparency. Our editors and reporters distill the most important stories from all over in formats that uncover the forces shaping the stories, explain the interests behind polarizing narratives, and replenish the stock of shared facts. As a global platform, Semafor recognizes that smart people can disagree and that informed readers need to understand alternative points of view from competing centers of power and culture in a multi-polar world. Want to join us? Read on. 

About this Role

The Media Relations Lead will work closely with Semafor Head of Global Communications and the Semafor World Economy media lead. 

The successful candidate will need to be able and willing to work outside of regular office hours onsite at the event at the Conrad, Washington, DC during April 12th - 17th. 

Role is on a full-time, temporary basis from March 20th 2026-April 21st 2026.

Overview: The Media Relations Lead oversees the end-to-end process connecting registered CEOs/speakers with credentialed media. This vital role ensures a seamless, compliant, and well-managed experience for executives, journalists, internal communications teams, and external partners - balancing access, privacy, and brand integrity. 

During the week of the event, this role will be situated at the media helpdesk and will support additional questions / queries for on-site media. 

Key Responsibilities:

Executive & Speaker Media Opt-In Management

• Work with the speaker concierges to have visibility of the registration process where CEOs and speakers indicate whether they are open to press engagement.
  
  
• Track and maintain accurate records of executive media preferences (opt-in/opt-out).
  
  
• Coordinate with speaker teams via a team of concierges to confirm or clarify media availability as needed.

Media Registration & Vetting

• Collaborate with Semafor Comms on media registration, including opt-in/opt-out preferences for sharing contact details with executives and partners.
  
  
• Support the vetting process for participating media in coordination with communications leadership.
  
  
• Maintain compliant records of consenting registered press lists for internal and partner use.

Interview Coordination

• For approved requests:
  
  
• Connect CEO/speaker teams directly with media contacts to arrange interviews.
  
  
• Ensure scheduling and logistics are efficiently handled between parties.

Data Protection & Compliance

• Serve as the internal gatekeeper to prevent unauthorized data sharing.

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Work closely with:
  
  
• Semafor communications team
  
  
• Speaker and executive teams
  
  
• Event operations and programming
  
  
• External partners
  
  
• Ensure all stakeholders are aligned on process, timelines, and expectations.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, process-oriented, and experienced in executive communications, media relations, and stakeholder management and loves an empty-inbox. 

What makes you qualified

• Deep experience in executive support / event planning / communications / media 
• Strong professional planning and interpersonal skills 
• Experience working alongside high-level executives and media 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Detail-oriented and able to meet tight deadlines
• Proficiency in Airtable, G-Suite

Additional Job Details

Salary range: $1,500 - $2,000 per week - 4 weeks

Additional job details

Semafor offers a Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) policy to our full-time, salaried employees who may take paid time off as-needed without a prescribed limit or defined balance.

Semafor, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and enthusiastically encourages people from all backgrounds and experiences to apply. Semafor, Inc. will consider all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.