[Hiring] Director, External Communications @FHI 360

Role Description

The Global Communications team is seeking a Director, External Communications, to lead FHI 360's external communications strategy to strengthen the organization's visibility, thought leadership, and influence across global health, economic opportunity, and international development sectors. This role develops proactive media strategies, manages complex issues and reputational risks, and builds trusted relationships with journalists, industry organizations, and strategic partners. The Director also leads thought-leadership communications and executive speaking strategies that elevate FHI 360's expertise and amplify its impact with key global audiences.

Working across communications, global policy and advocacy, legal, program and country operations, business development, and executive leadership, the Director ensures consistent messaging, rapid response capabilities, and compelling storytelling that advances organizational priorities while protecting and strengthening FHI 360's reputation. This role reports to the Senior Director, Global Communications, within the Chief Impact Office.

Responsibilities

• Media Strategy & Relations:
  • Develop and execute integrated media and executive visibility strategies that elevate FHI 360 through earned media, executive thought leadership communications, strategic storytelling, and high-impact media opportunities.
  • Build and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with journalists, editors, influencers, industry associations, coalitions, and strategic partners.
  • Prepare executives and subject matter experts for media interviews and public appearances through media training, briefing materials, and message development.
  • Develop and maintain a global media relations framework, including standards, toolkits, templates, and training.
  • Monitor global media coverage and trends to track emerging opportunities, risks, and provide strategic communications recommendations.
• Issues & Reputation Management:
  • Serve as a core member of FHI 360's global crisis response team, providing strategic communications counsel.
  • Develop proactive and reactive communications strategies, messaging, and stakeholder communications.
  • Build and maintain FHI 360's crisis communications infrastructure, including playbooks, escalation protocols, scenario plans, messaging frameworks, media training, and response tools.
• External Engagement & Executive Communications:
  • Develop and lead FHI 360's strategy for thought leadership and executive communications opportunities.
  • Coordinate executive participation in external engagements by aligning messaging, content, and follow-up.
  • Develop and cultivate strategic opportunities for FHI 360 leaders to engage with funders, policymakers, and other influential stakeholders.
  • Measure the effectiveness of external and executive engagements, using insights to continuously improve strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or international equivalent in communications, Journalism, Public Relations, International Relations, Public Policy, Marketing, or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in media relations, public affairs, external communications, corporate communications, or strategic communications.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing global media relations and executive visibility strategies.
• Experience leading crisis communications, issues management, and reputation management initiatives.
• Experience developing thought leadership communications, executive speaking strategies, and high-profile external engagement initiatives.
• Experience in international development, global health, philanthropy, NGO, multilateral, or government sectors strongly preferred.
• Proven experience as an on-the-record spokesperson with print, broadcast, and online media.
• Established relationships with journalists or media outlets in the sector, a plus.

Requirements

• Deep understanding of the U.S. and global media landscape.
• Strong sector understanding of global health, economic opportunity, international development, philanthropy, multilateral organizations, and the U.S. government environment.
• Exceptional strategic writing and editing skills across various formats.
• Demonstrated ability to develop integrated communications strategies.
• Proven ability to advise and influence senior leaders.
• Strong relationship-building, presentation, and media training skills.
• Experience developing communications frameworks, playbooks, standards, and toolkits.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret media intelligence and emerging trends.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through influence and manage multiple high-priority initiatives.

Benefits

• FHI 360 contributes 7% of monthly base pay to a money purchase pension plan account.
• 18 days of paid vacation per year.
• 12 sick days per year.
• 11 holidays per year.