Director of U.S. Public Affairs

Salary: $130K – 150K

The Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), the international nonprofit combatting online hate and disinformation that results in real-world harm, is looking for our new leader of U.S. Public Affairs. Join an international team dedicated to framing the debate about online safety, increasing transparency about how platforms operate, and holding social media companies accountable for their decisions. These issues are at the epicenter of our times and CCDH operates at the intersection of social change and public policy challenge. This is your chance to inform a national conversation that will help set the agenda for 2026 and 2028.

The Role

The Director of U.S. Public Affairs is someone who wants to help shape the environment in which CCDH, and a cross-section of civil society groups, work to drive measurable change in areas including protecting children online and the potential harms of artificial intelligence.

We deal with hot issues, but we’re trying to allow cooler heads to prevail so that problems like online radicalization, identity-based hate, and election lies no longer drive platform ad revenue. You will help create transparency about the choices made by social media companies, and the motives behind them, allowing market forces to drive eyeballs and ad revenue toward responsible platforms that champion facts and create safer online spaces. You will play a lead role in focusing those same market forces to influence the critical policy changes needed to ensure corporate accountability in the online world.

The role reports to CCDH’s Head of Communications & Outreach and will benefit from working with an international team of expert researchers, policy thought leaders, and innovative communicators. CCDH is based in Washington, DC with offices in London, Brussels, and Los Angeles. CCDH has already proven that it can bring about real regulatory change in the United Kingdom and the European Union.

The social and political dynamics in the United States require someone in the job who gets the nuances and understands how to reach across the spectrum to touch a diverse set of audiences. In particular, you need to know how to sincerely listen and respond to different opinions, while spotting emerging topics and trends.

Job Responsibilities

Develop and execute the U.S. public affairs strategy in collaboration with the Head of Communications & Outreach, ensuring alignment with CCDH’s global mission and policy goals.

Manage one direct report specializing in U.S. partnerships.

Monitor and analyze legislative, regulatory, and political trends affecting online safety, platform accountability, and digital policy.

Engage with policymakers, civil society organizations, and industry leaders to advance CCDH’s advocacy efforts and policy objectives.

Identify and drive opportunities to integrate CCDH’s research and policy work into national conversations leading up to the 2026 and 2028 election cycles.

Craft compelling messaging and policy narratives, including writing speeches, op-eds, and blogs to shape public debate on digital harms, AI risks, online radicalization, and election integrity.

Lead CCDH’s U.S. coalition-building efforts, partnering across the political and social spectrum with rights groups, consumer advocates, and corporate stakeholders.

Organize and drive convenings, including conferences and other public affairs events involving a range of stakeholders, in support of CCDH policy positions.

Develop briefing materials and reports for external audiences, including civil society partners, lawmakers, regulators, and the media.

Coordinate rapid response efforts to emerging policy debates and legislative developments.

Work closely with the entire CCDH organization to amplify research findings and elevate public awareness.

Serve as a key spokesperson for CCDH in policy discussions, conferences, and media engagements.

Build relationships across the political spectrum to ensure CCDH’s influence with diverse decision-makers.

Engage in strategic outreach to influencers in business, philanthropy, and media to reinforce the economic and societal imperatives of safer online spaces.

Person Specification

Essential:

7+ years of experience in public affairs, strategic communications, policy advocacy, or a related field, with a strong track record of influence and impact.

Deep understanding of U.S. policy and political dynamics, including legislative and regulatory processes affecting technology, digital platforms, and online safety.

Proven experience in coalition-building and engaging with policymakers, civil society organizations, corporate stakeholders, and thought leaders.

Excellent writing and messaging skills, including experience crafting narratives for diverse audiences such as media, policymakers, and the public.

Strong media relations and storytelling abilities; capable of translating complex policy issues into accessible messages.

Experience with crisis communications and rapid response to policy debates, misinformation attacks, or high-profile developments.

Strategic thinker with adaptability and political awareness.

Skilled in briefing and preparing executives and spokespeople for media, hearings, and public events.

Ability to synthesize complex research and policy into actionable recommendations.

Leadership and project management skills, comfortable in a reactive environment.

Collaborative mindset and ability to manage high-profile initiatives.

Capable of working across the political spectrum and building bipartisan support.

Desirable:

Experience in tech policy, digital rights, or platform accountability, especially in nonprofit settings.

Background in campaign strategy, public opinion research, or issue-based advocacy.

Experience engaging corporate stakeholders, including advertisers, investors, and brand safety professionals.

Previous roles in government affairs, as legislative staff, or in a policy advisory or PR agency capacity.

Existing relationships with policymakers, journalists, and digital rights advocates.

Degree in public policy, law, political science, communications, journalism, or a related field.

Experience with international organizations, NGOs, or global policy forums.

A sense of humor. Seriously. (No, we really mean it.)

Compensation Package

Competitive salary package

20 days annual leave plus federal holidays

Extra birthday bonus day off

Office closure between Christmas and New Year

Sick leave and pay

Health and dental insurance

401(k)

Flexible training budget and development opportunities

Mental health support

Learn more here