[Hiring] Director of External Engagement @Princeton University

Role Description

BDI is seeking a Director of External Engagement to lead our public communications, editorial strategy, briefings, and external outreach. This leadership role oversees BDI’s broader external footprint, synthesizing BDI’s rapid-response research and long-term trend analysis into compelling public narratives, interactive tools, and strategic briefings.

The Director will design and execute an integrated external engagement strategy to ensure BDI’s resources reach communities when and where they are needed most. This role manages external representation across national coordination spaces and establishes robust systems for responsive partner engagement. The role does not include development or fundraising responsibilities.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible, 1-year term position with a possibility of extension. Work must be performed within the United States and is fully remote.

Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & People Management
  • Act as the direct supervisor and manager for external engagement staff.
  • Provide ongoing coaching, performance evaluation, and professional development support to team members.
  • Manage the team's internal workflows, project timelines, and task allocations.
• Strategic Communications
  • Develop and execute an integrated, outcomes-based communications and external engagement strategy.
  • Lead media strategy, manage and expand national and local press relationships.
  • Oversee multi-channel digital communications, including newsletters and social media channels.
  • Maintain organizational branding, narrative consistency, and visual style guidelines.
  • Manage the production pipeline for all public-facing content.
  • Oversee public product development and drafting of resources.
• External Representation & Outreach
  • Coordinate external engagement efforts with key audiences and stakeholders.
  • Serve as an official representative and spokesperson for BDI.
  • Prepare BDI staff for public speaking engagements and press interviews.
  • Represent BDI within national coordination spaces.
  • Design and execute a comprehensive event strategy.
  • Coordinate and host regular and ad hoc briefings for public and partner-only audiences.
• User Engagement, Matchmaking & Responsive Support
  • Supervise and optimize institutional communication pathways for inquiries and support requests.
  • Create clear pathways for public and partner engagement with BDI tools.

Qualifications

• Deep commitment to supporting civil society efforts to address political violence in the U.S.
• Demonstrated experience designing and executing comprehensive communication or external affairs strategies.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Established relationships with media outlets and a deep understanding of media relations.
• Strong project management background.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in communications, external affairs, media relations, or public policy operations.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field.

Preferred

• Advanced degree in a relevant field.
• Experience leading communication or external engagement strategy within an academic or policy-oriented organization.
• Design experience.
• Familiarity with spatial data, mapping tools, or public-facing data platforms.
• Experience working effectively within a fully remote, highly collaborative team structure.
• Experience with Mailchimp, Drupal, Canva, Adobe Illustrator, Asana, Slack and G-Suite.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees.