Sr. Director of Media and Public Relations

Job description

Make a difference with us! At Alliance Defending Freedom, we believe God has brought you here for His purpose—to stand for truth and defend the God-given right to live and speak it. Together, we protect religious freedom, free speech, the sanctity of life, marriage and family, and parental rights. Review our [Statement of Faith](https://adflegal.org/about-us/careers/statement-of-faith/) to ensure we’re a fit for you. **Location:** Lansdowne, VA; Washington, D.C. **Team Overview** As the Sr. Director of Media & Public Relations, you will shape and protect ADF’s public voice. Reporting to the Vice President of Public Relations & Communications, you will lead ADF’s media strategy, oversee the multi-media news division, manage rapid response and crisis communications, and ensure ADF’s messaging is strategic, consistent, and impactful. This role is both strategic and hands-on, requiring a leader who can build influential media relationships, craft compelling narratives from complex legal issues, respond quickly to emerging conversations, and position ADF as a trusted and leading voice on the most urgent cultural and legal topics of the day. **Key Responsibilities** Strategic Media Leadership - Develop and execute a comprehensive media and public relations strategy aligned with ADF’s mission, brand, and legal advocacy objectives. - Translate complex legal principles into accessible, compelling messaging that resonates with key audiences and advances ADF’s influence. - Oversee messaging development for internal, external, and alliance audiences across multiple platforms. - Direct communication efforts across earned, owned, and paid media channels — including press releases, op-eds, video/audio content, and public events. - Identify and pursue opportunities to position ADF and its leaders as authoritative voices in national conversations on freedom and advocacy. Media Relations & Thought Leadership - Build and maintain high-impact relationships with top-tier media, journalists, influencers, and opinion leaders to maximize visibility and coverage. - Lead ADF’s rapid response efforts by identifying and acting quickly on breaking news, cultural moments, and emerging trends. - Oversee the creation of proactive media strategies and events to amplify ADF’s profile, showcase cases, and shape public conversations. - Foster surrogate commentary and third-party advocacy by cultivating a strong network of aligned voices to amplify ADF messaging. Crisis Communications & Risk Management - Serve as the organization’s first line of defense during crises, leading swift, strategic communications responses that protect ADF’s reputation. - Anticipate potential risks, develop crisis playbooks, and train staff and leadership on effective public response. - Coordinate with legal teams to ensure all external communications are accurate, compliant, and aligned with legal and ethical standards. Messaging Oversight & Content Strategy - Direct the creation of high-impact media content designed to reach and engage target audiences, including articles, commentaries, interviews, videos, podcasts, and web content. - Ensure all communications are optimized for digital distribution and search discoverability. - Oversee training, preparation, and deployment of attorneys, spokespeople, and staff for media appearances and public speaking opportunities. Measurement, Reporting & Continuous Improvement - Define KPIs, track results, and report on media performance, audience reach, and message effectiveness. - Use data and insights to inform strategy, optimize campaigns, and ensure agility in responding to opportunities. - Manage budgets for media initiatives, ensuring resources are used effectively and aligned with strategic priorities. **Minimum Qualifications** - Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field. - 10+ years of experience in media relations, public affairs, or strategic communications. - 5+ years of experience leading a communications or media team. - Demonstrated success designing and executing impactful media and PR strategies that shape public opinion and advance organizational objectives. - Exceptional ability to distill complex legal and policy issues into clear, compelling messages for diverse audiences. - Proven track record of building strong relationships with national and international media outlets and securing high-impact coverage. - Skilled in crisis communications, managing sensitive situations under pressure and protecting organizational reputation. - Experienced in defining KPIs, analyzing performance data, and adapting strategies to maximize impact. - Deep understanding of emerging media platforms, content optimization, and audience engagement strategies. - Strong team leader and cross-functional collaborator who can inspire, coach, and direct others while partnering effectively across departments. - Commitment to maintaining brand integrity, consistency, and tone across all external communications. **Preferred Qualifications** - Master's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field. - Prior experience in legal, policy, think-tank, or faith-based nonprofit environments. **Pay & Benefits** At Alliance Defending Freedom, we offer a competitive compensation and benefits package to support your well-being and growth. While we do not disclose specific salary ranges, our compensation is competitive with top non-profit law firms. Our benefits include 100% covered medical and dental insurance, medical and dependent care reimbursement, paid disability, long-term care, life insurance, and a 401(k) plan with a 4% company match. We prioritize work-life balance with paid time off and 12 paid holidays each year. **Want to Know More About ADF?** *This salary range is reflective of a position based in Washington, D.C. This range is a good faith estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on the candidate’s experience, skills, qualifications, and office location.* Washington, D.C. Salary Range $119,800—$176,500 USD *This salary range is reflective of a position based in Lansdowne, VA. This range is a good-faith estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on the candidate’s experience, skills, qualifications, and office location.* Virginia Salary Range $119,800—$176,500 USD