Job Number:
HC-03841
Date Posted:
March 22, 2026
Position Title:
Associate Vice President, Media Relations and Strategy
Party:
N/A
Office Code:
Office/Company:
Council on Foreign Relations (CFR)
Reports To:
Location:
Washington, DC
Contact:
Salary:
$165,000–185,000
Primary Role
Secondary Role:
Job Type:
Full Time
Description:
The Associate Vice President of Media Relations and Strategy will serve as the strategic communications and external outreach partner for the Studies department, CFR’s think tank.Develop and lead the execution of a proactive and strategic communications and media engagement strategy for Studies Fellows, research, and publications.Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Public Policy, Journalism, or a related field. A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in strategic communications, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within a think tank, high-level political campaign, or government agency.
Responsibilities:
• Develop and lead the execution of a proactive and strategic communications and media engagement strategy for Studies Fellows, research, and publications.
• Manage junior staff as a part of the team in support of said strategy.
• Collaborate with fellows and other key members of the organization, preparing them for media and public speaking engagements, refining their voice, and helping produce opportunities.
• Serve as the departmental deputy, working with the VP on overall management of the team, to include, for example, budget oversight, performance evaluations, and talent development.
• Support management of systems and tools to track and respond to media requests, strengthen media relationships, coordinate media interactions, track and summarize media hits, and develop and maintain targeted media lists across the team.
• Support crisis communications and issues management as necessary in support of the department’s Directors for media relations and strategic communications.
Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Public Policy, Journalism, or a related field.
• A minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in strategic communications, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within a think tank, high-level political campaign, or government agency.
• Proven history of successful people management and professional development.
• Deep expertise in the foreign policy media ecosystem and contacts with national and international media outlets.
• Extensive experience navigating the intersection of policy, politics, and press.
• Experience using media tracking tools and databases such as MuckRack, Cision, Critical Mention, TV Eyes, and/or Meltwater.
Instructions:
See employer site for application details.
Other:
The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is an independent, nonpartisan think tank. The CFR is not responsible for the views expressed by its fellows, members, or guests.
