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Pivotal · 1 hour ago

Senior Director, Communications & Media

Seattle, WA

Full-time

Onsite

Director/Executive

$267K/yr - $286K/yr

12+ years exp

Pivotal is an organization dedicated to accelerating social progress for women and young people. The Senior Director, Communications & Media will lead communications strategies, manage media relations, and enhance the Principal's public presence while collaborating with internal and external partners.

LGBTSocialWomen's

Responsibilities

Implement the strategic direction set by the Vice President, Communications & Public Affairs to elevate the Principal’s profile, coordinating across Digital, Writing, and Creative Studio teams

Develop and lead comprehensive communications strategies that define the Principal’s narrative, messages, audiences, and tone

Design and implement a proactive media strategy for the Principal’s public presence

Lead media strategy for broader Pivotal storytelling, not tied to program priorities or events

Ensure effectiveness of tailored communications strategies, including narrative, media relations, digital channel applications, and staffing

Supervise the development of media strategies that amplify Pivotal’s key issue areas

Craft messaging for media interviews—personal, political, and organizational—and provide guidance to spokespeople

Partner with the writing team to shape narrative, op-eds, and speeches, and play a lead role in preparing the Principal for engagements

Manage risk mitigation and crisis response communications for the Principal and Pivotal’s ecosystem, while applying emerging platforms, news moments, and analytics

Serve as a trusted communications adviser to the Principal, offering real-time guidance on communications and policy

Coach, staff, and manage the Principal’s high-profile media engagements

Serve as spokesperson for the Principal and Pivotal, as needed

Travel domestically and internationally to manage and support the Principal’s media opportunities and engagements

Build and maintain relationships with premier journalists to amplify the Principal’s voice and strengthen Pivotal’s brand

Manage key external relationships and contractors, as needed

Key decision maker and/or lead major projects as they emerge

Partner with Senior Director, Impact Communications and Director, Strategic Communications to align editorial calendars and media strategy

Manage external agencies and their contributions to media work

Oversee, train, and mentor direct report(s), providing direction through clear expectations and regularly conducting check-ins and providing performance feedback while supporting individual development

Interview, hire and onboard new team members

Coach team members who support the Principal’s engagements

Foster a culture of inclusivity and accountability across the Communications & Public Affairs team and its partners

Manage the media team budget

Serve as a leader on the Communications & Public Affairs team, collaborating on strategy to elevate the Principal’s leadership and voice

Champion strategic prioritization in daily editorial and communications work

Continually adapt the team’s role and structure to meet the needs of an evolving organization

Demonstrate flexibility and adapt responsibilities as strategies evolve

Represent the Communications & Public Affairs team and act as proxy for the Vice President, Communications & Public Affairs, as needed

Perform other job-related duties as assigned

Qualification

Global media relationsCommunications strategiesMedia engagementC-suite communicationsDigital platformsCrisis managementStakeholder relationsTeam leadershipDiplomacyMicrosoft 365SalesforceWorkdayNegotiating skillsWritten communicationVerbal communication

Required

Minimum 12 years of experience with global media relations and/or communications in the public or private sector, or an equivalent combination of advanced training and experience

Minimum 8 years leading others, with demonstrated commitment to staff development and experience fostering equity and belonging within a team

Experience leading media-focused teams, with deep knowledge of the media landscape and effective communication strategies across mainstream and digital platforms

Background working directly with Principals—including C-suite executives, philanthropists or political leaders—providing communications counsel and securing media opportunities

Experience working with premier media outlets

Knowledge of the global media landscape, major players, and communication strategies across mainstream and digital platforms

Experience working with and extracting value from agency networks and contractors

Strong diplomacy and negotiating skills

Demonstrated understanding of effective campaigning and the appropriate channels for reaching target audiences

Demonstrated understanding of integrated campaign models (advocacy, media, partners, etc.) and application of audience segmentation and related taxonomies

Excellent written and verbal communications skills

Proficiency using Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and SharePoint)

Fluency in use of systems necessary to role (e.g., Salesforce, Workday)

Willingness and ability to travel as needed