Director, Media Relations and Executive Communications

Organization: Independent Sector (IS)
Location: Washington, DC
Date Posted: 04/22/2025

Who We Are
Independent Sector (IS) is the national membership organization that connects, strengthens, and advocates for nonprofits and philanthropies. Our vision is for a charitable sector that is healthy, trusted, and equitable and helps all people in the United States thrive. We unite nonprofits and philanthropies to strengthen the charitable sector, identifying structural challenges and mobilizing around policy and practice solutions. Independent Sector aims for a sector where charitable organizations are financially robust; powered by a thriving workforce that reflects the communities they serve; trusted, well-governed, and effective; and informed and active advocates.

Driven by the deep recognition of our impact, our organization is growing to meet the need for our work. At IS, we are seeking passionate individuals with a deep understanding of the social sector and a commitment to strengthening nonprofit institutions that, in turn, strengthen our nation. We deeply value and welcome those who bring their whole selves to our work. In this role, you will have a unique opportunity to shape the future of our team and our sector. If you are ready to make a meaningful impact, drive transformative change, and lead with purpose and passion, we invite you to join us in advancing this critical mission.

Summary
The Director of Media Relations and Executive Communications will be a critical leader in advancing the organization’s visibility, influence, and engagement with key audiences. This role focuses on strengthening relationships with media, crafting compelling executive-level messaging, and ensuring consistent, strategic communications with stakeholders. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Communications, the Director will lead and implement efforts to position the organization and its leadership as trusted voices for the charitable sector.

The Director remains current with industry trends and best practices. The Director oversees the budget and manages staff and vendors in support of these activities. IS operates in a hybrid model (3 days in the office/2 days remote).

Essential Job Functions
Media Relations

Design and implement a comprehensive media relations strategy to amplify the organization’s mission and thought leadership.

Build and nurture relationships with journalists, editors, and media outlets to ensure regular and accurate coverage.

Manage media inquiries and proactively secure opportunities for press coverage, including interviews, op-eds, and feature stories.

Write and distribute press releases, media statements, and advisories.

Monitor media trends and coverage to inform strategic decision-making and ensure timely responses to relevant issues.

Executive Communications

Partner closely with the President and CEO to create impactful, strategic communications and thought leadership that reflect the organization’s goals and values.

Draft and edit speeches, talking points, presentations, op-eds, and other thought leadership content for executive leadership.

Provide media training and support for executives, including preparation for interviews, panels, and public appearances.

Develop key messaging frameworks to support executive participation in high-profile events and initiatives.

Content Leadership

Shape and oversee content direction to ensure it aligns with the organization’s overall business goals and resonates with target audiences.

Lead content planning and development, including editorial calendars, content ideas, and creation of impactful written materials.

Oversee the planning and execution of content strategies for reports, publications, and other major communications pieces.

Leadership and Strategy

Supervise and mentor a team that includes a communications manager, freelancers, and external vendors.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment between communications strategies and organizational objectives.

Track and analyze the effectiveness of media and stakeholder engagement efforts, providing regular updates and recommendations for improvement.

Stay informed on industry trends and emerging opportunities to enhance the organization’s communications strategies.

Experience and Education
Bachelor’s degree in advertising, marketing, communications, or public relations or a related field and 5-7 years of progressively responsible communications experience in media relations with a strong emphasis on brand management and executive communications; or

High school diploma and 10+ years of progressively responsible communications experience in media relations with a strong emphasis on brand management and executive communications.

Qualifications
Demonstrated success in developing and implementing a media relations strategy to raise visibility of an organization’s brand and its work.

Demonstrated success in managing executive communications for maximum impact.

Proven ability to secure high-impact media coverage and build relationships with top-tier outlets.

Exceptional project management. Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication.

Creative thinker with a strategic mindset.

A strong track record as an implementer who thrives on managing a variety of key initiatives concurrently.

Relationship builder with the ability to easily collaborate across teams.

Successful multi-tasker who can manage immediate, short-term, and long-term projects simultaneously.

Demonstrates exceptional judgment, attention to detail, thoroughness, and follow-through.

Must be able to organize and schedule work effectively even under urgent deadlines.

Team player with a proven history of working collaboratively.

Broad or general knowledge of the nonprofit and philanthropic sector.

Ability to embed IS core values into day-to-day operations/engagement.

Work Environment
The work environment is a typical office environment. The noise level is usually quiet. Up to 10% travel may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands
Remaining in a stationary position, often sitting for prolonged periods.

Communicating with others to exchange information.

Repeating motions, like typing or answering a phone, that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.

Assessing the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefit Offerings
Medical Plan

Dental Plan

Vision Plan

Flexible Spending Accounts (Health and Dependent Care)

403(b) Retirement Plan with Generous Matching Program

Basic and Supplemental Life Insurance

Long-Term Disability Insurance