Director of Media Relations

POSITION TITLE: Director of Media Relations
REPORTS TO: Senior Director, Communications
SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None
LOCATION: New York, NYC preferred or Anywhere ADL has an Office.
Grade/Class: Grade G, Exempt, PSA-Eligible

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:

ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913, its timeless mission is “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.” Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of antisemitism and bias, using innovation and partnerships to drive impact. A global leader in combating antisemitism, countering extremism and battling bigotry wherever and whenever it happens, ADL works to protect democracy and ensure a just and inclusive society for all.

PRIMARY FUNCTION:

The Director of Media Relations coordinates ADL’s response to the media on breaking news and in planning and strategizing for the public rollout of major reports and announcements. The Director is responsible for providing direct counsel and support to the Office of the CEO, the ADL National Affairs Division and national subject matter experts in preparing for high-profile media interviews; pitching ADL CEO and other executives for top-tier media and podcast interviews; and cultivating and maintaining relationships with top-tier reporters and producers. This individual also assists with providing strategic counsel in response to breaking news at the national level, with an emphasis on supporting ADL’s government affairs team in Washington, D.C.

Primary:

• Execute strategic media relations plans aligned with ADL goals and priorities.
• Proactively pitch news stories and features to the media. Coordinate interviews and media events. Schedule and staff press conferences and provide support during national meetings and summits.
• Draft written content to clearly and cogently represent ADL’s positions on breaking news issues and navigate approvals with internal stakeholders.
• Produce internal media briefings for agency subject matter experts and spokespeople.
• Staff, brief, and advise CEO and members of senior leadership team for media interviews.
• Lead and participate in strategic planning for the rollout of major reports and announcements.
•  Develop press materials including press releases, media lists, fact sheets, and briefing books and messaging guides.
• Monitor media coverage, industry trends, and competitor activity; provide insights and recommendations.
• Effectively manage and mentor a junior member of the communications team

This job description provides a general overview of the role and its key responsibilities. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, and ADL reserves the right to assign additional tasks as needed. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Familiarity with a wide range of media and an in-depth understanding of news
  cycles.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; adaptable tone/style for diverse audiences.
• Strong relationships with top tier media.
• Crisis communications and rapid-response experience at C-suite level strongly desired.
• Interest and understanding of national and international events and issues of
  concern to the Jewish community.
• Thorough understanding of ADL’s positions and ability to articulate them effectively
  to the media and the public.
• Experience and passion for policy and issues advocacy a plus.
• Ability to translate complex design concepts into accessible, compelling narratives
• Strategic thinker with strong organizational and project management skills
• Comfortable working with senior leaders and managing sensitive communications

Work Experience:

• The ideal candidate has significant years’ experience in communications and/or journalism and is able to demonstrate progressive increase in expertise and responsibility in strategic communications and public messaging, including pitching major feature stories in top tier publications.
  
  

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism/communications or equivalent degree, or equivalent work experience.

Work Environment: 

• ADL is a hybrid environment; this role may require up to 3 days a week in person.

Compensation: 

• This position has a salary range of $105,000 to $115,000. This salary range is reflective of a position based in (New York, NY). Please note that actual salaries are commensurate with experience and reflect the budget for a given position, and since ADL has a location-based compensation structure, there may be a different range for candidates in other locations. For an overview of our total rewards package, please visit https://www.adl.org/about/careers.

ADL aims to create a working environment where every employee can thrive professionally.  Our mission-driven work is best accomplished in an environment that supports belonging. ADL values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages people of all races, religions, nationalities, genders, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and veterans to apply. ADL is an equal opportunity employer. Recruitment, hiring, promotions and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment shall be maintained in a manner which does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or military status, or in violation of any applicable Federal, state or local laws.    

ADL will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation to support the interview process, please contact the People & Culture department at talentacquisition@adl.org.    

ADL will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and all other applicable State, Local, and Federal laws. 

The information in this job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, or be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and objectives required of employees assigned to this job, nor is it to be interpreted as a contract for employment.