Director, External Communications and Media Relations

Company: Partnership For Public Service
Location: Washington
Posted on: February 16, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description ORGANIZATION The Partnership for Public Service is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to building a better government and a stronger democracy. Central to this mission is our work to connect the government with those it serves by protecting it from harm and reimagining the way it works on behalf of the public. Building on our over 20 years of experience, we: Prepare civil servants to navigate an increasingly complex federal environment Educate and engage the public about the value of government and how eroding its capacity hurts communities nationwide Collaborate with a range of stakeholders to advance bold reforms that seek to make our federal institutions more effective, responsive and accountable to the American people Equip and advise government leaders at the federal, state and local levels to develop critical skills for effective public service. Our staff, diverse in experience and perspective, is mission-driven, creative, collaborative, optimistic and inclusive. Our work is strategic, fast-paced and guided by our values: Passion for public service and our work toward more effective government People who promote a culture of learning, leadership, collaboration, inclusion and respect Persistence to drive change, take strategic risks and deliver results Promise to be trustworthy, nonpartisan and fiscally responsible We hire smart and friendly people who are great at what they do and good to one another in the process. POSITION OVERVIEW The Partnership for Public Service seeks a dynamic and strategic leader to serve as our Director of External Communications and Media Relations. This role is responsible for shaping and amplifying the Partnership’s public voice across media channels, driving new media and content partnerships, influencing public narratives about the role and purpose of government, and ensuring our mission, research and policy priorities are clearly and compellingly communicated to external audiences — from policymakers and press to stakeholders and the public. Reporting to the Vice President of Communications and Engagement, this role will lead external communication strategies that elevate visibility, strengthen reputation and ensure consistency across all channels. Operating in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, the Director of External Communications and Media Relations will lead a six-person press and editorial team and will partner closely with cross-functional leaders across the team and organization. This position will also play a central role in crisis communications and reputation management. The ideal candidate is a strategic and creative thinker with a proven ability to use media relations and strategic communications as a tool to increase an organization’s visibility and advance policy and advocacy outcomes. The successful candidate will have exceptional writing and editing skills and will exhibit strong news judgment, political acumen and the ability to lead with calm and clarity during periods of crisis or heightened visibility. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES Oversee the Partnership’s proactive and rapid response media relations work and team by providing strategic direction and high-level oversight to elevate the Partnership as a local and national expert and leader in government reform. Monitor and analyze the current media and policy landscape to identify opportunities for engagement and proactive media strategies to support and amplify organizational priorities (e.g., op-eds, interviews and strategic content placement). Oversee rapid response communications during breaking news and relevant policy developments, ensuring timely, accurate and accessible messaging. Manage rapid response protocols, communication systems and decision-making frameworks. In partnership with the Vice President of Communications and Public Engagement, lead crisis communications, including reputational risk anticipation and response planning. In partnership with the Vice President of Communications and Public Engagement, develop and refine organizational messaging, brand voice and narrative strategies, ensuring they reflect the organization’s priorities and policy positioning. Serve as a thought partner to executives on message development, narrative framing and public positioning. Train and support staff and key partners as ambassadors of the Partnership’s value proposition and messaging. Oversee the editorial team and editorial process. Set the standard for high-impact writing and provide high-level content leadership that elevates quality and clarity, while empowering team to own and deliver consistently excellent work. Serve as principal copy writer and editor across external facing products, including media materials (e.g., news releases, statements, etc.), research reports and policy papers. Ensure products reflect Partnership’s style, values and messaging and advance strategic goals. Collaborate with Partnership’s researchers and policy experts to ensure external products are accurate, accessible and strategically aligned. KEY COMPETENCIES Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex research and policy issues into clear, compelling and accessible content for policymakers, the press and the public. Strong understanding of media dynamics, narrative strategy and message discipline, with experience shaping public narratives at the national level. A strategic thinker who can build and navigate relationships at all levels of the organization, particularly at the executive level, and connect ideas and information from across a broad landscape. Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality communications in all formats. Strong editorial judgment and expertise. Excellent understanding of AP style and the ability to enforce copy and style guidelines. Ability to provide communications guidance and collaborate productively across teams to ensure accuracy, clarity and strategic alignment. Ability to identify issues proactively and execute actions to eliminate or minimize their potential impact. Excellent project management skills and the ability to simultaneously prioritize and manage multiple projects and deadlines. Passion for the mission of the Partnership for Public Service and our nonpartisan values. REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE At least 10 years of successful experience demonstrated in external communications or media relations, ideally in a senior or leadership role. National-level experience with understanding the evolving media landscape, crisis management and rapid response communications and campaigns. Experience supervising staff, managing competing priorities and maintaining high-quality output in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Experience navigating complex political, operational and interpersonal dynamics. A Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, communications or a similar field, or a combination of experience and education in professional work or military experience. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY/REPORTING STRUCTURE This position reports to the Vice President of Communications and Public Engagement. The position will lead a six-person team and will directly supervise a Senior Media Relations Manager and two Senior Writers and Editors. WORK ENVIRONMENT This job operates in a hybrid (remote office) environment in Washington, DC. The successful candidate must be a permanent resident in the Washington, DC, Maryland or Virginia area. The person in this role is expected to work in the office, on average, three days per week – with Wednesday as the required day in-office. This position requires consistent use of office equipment such as computer, telephone, printer/scanner and MS Office. In assessing employee performance at the Partnership, we consider collaboration, results, and demonstration of our values. POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK This position is full-time and classified as exempt from overtime pay. Official business hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern, though the Partnership allows flexibility in work schedules. Occasional evenings or weekend activities may be required. TRAVEL If travel occurs, it is usually during the business day. Some out of the area and/or overnight travel may occasionally be required. SALARY The starting salary range for this position is $125,000 - $160,000. The Partnership offers a compensation package that includes a competitive salary; medical, dental and vision coverage; life insurance; long- and short-term disability insurance; a 401(k) program with a 4 percent employer match; opportunities for training and development; commuter benefits; 15 days of annual leave per year, 10 days of sick leave per year, plus all federal holidays and the day after Thanksgiving off; and use of an on-site exercise facility. EEO STATEMENT The Partnership adheres to all federal, state and local employment laws. Partnership for Public Service is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, caste, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, veteran status, disability; or on any other basis prohibited by law.

Keywords: Partnership For Public Service, Germantown , Director, External Communications and Media Relations, PR / Public Relations , Washington, Maryland