Director of Media Relations and Executive Communications

Position Summary

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Vice President for Global Communications, the Director is responsible for helping craft and execute communications strategy for the Council’s president. In collaboration with the Executive Office, the Director will develop proactive plans to elevate the profile and voice of CFR’s president as the lead “brand ambassador” of the Council to further its mission as a non-partisan source of independent analysis and research.

This includes working on earned media opportunities, social media presence and engagement, and written content (including weekly newsletters, opinion essays, and long‑form articles). The Director will also seek to expand and deepen the range of media targets and audiences and incorporate social media activity to further the president’s engagement and voice.

This position is based in CFR’s Washington, DC office at least three days per week. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are considered institutional anchor days where all staff are required to be onsite. Effective Monday, September 14, 2026, CFR employees will be based on‑site at least four days per week. CFR’s remote working schedule is subject to change.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with the VP for Global Communications and the President’s office to develop and execute a proactive strategy for the president’s media engagement on a wide range of geopolitical and geoeconomic issues. This includes:
• Mapping opportunities based on the president’s thought leadership as well as external moments on the global security calendar.
• Building and maintaining relationships across a wide range of media outlets.
• Identifying innovative ways to engage media, including through partnerships, collaborations, and events.
• Drafting briefing memos, talking points, and Q&A, as well as potential op‑eds and newsletter content.
• Work with the VP, the Executive Office, and the Digital audience strategy team to develop and expand the president’s profile on social media, taking advantage of video, photos, and live events to generate compelling content in the president’s voice.
• Perform any other duties or tasks as assigned or required.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• A minimum of 7-10 years of relevant experience in media relations and public affairs, preferably supporting and leading similar strategic and crisis communications efforts for institutional principals.
• Familiarity with the foreign policy media ecosystem and contacts with national and international media outlets.
• Experience using media tracking tools and databases such as Muck Rack, Cision, Critical Mention, TV Eyes, and/or Meltwater.

Related Skills & Other Requirements

• Superior writing, verbal, and digital communications skills.
• Strong working knowledge of media relations and issues management.
• Strong judgment in media relations matters.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively engage with reporters, editors, columnists, producers, and bookers.
• Track record drafting statements, talking points & Q&A.
• Comfortable working in a digital environment using digital tools, including website content management systems.
• Comfortable providing counsel to senior executives.
• Self‑starter and strategic thinker with the ability to prioritize and synthesize.
• Strong collaborator with solid negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, results‑oriented, collaborative environment.
• Able to work under pressure quickly, effectively, and efficiently.

• The full-time annual compensation range for this position is $145,000 – $155,000, depending on experience.
• In addition to competitive salaries, the Council on Foreign Relations offers a benefits package that is among the best offered by nonprofit institutions today, including an award‑winning health and wellness program, an on‑site fitness center, and generous leave policies and health insurance programs.