[Hiring] Director of Media Relations @Digital Technology Institute for Development (DTID)

Role Description

DTID is seeking an experienced and well-connected Director of Media Relations to lead the organisation's external media engagement and strengthen relationships with journalists, editors, producers and relevant media organisations. The central requirement for this role is a current and relevant network of media contacts combined with a demonstrated record of securing significant earned-media coverage. The successful candidate will identify newsworthy opportunities arising from DTID's research, projects, announcements, experts and institutional activities and convert these into credible external media opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage DTID's media-relations strategy.
• Establish and maintain active relationships with journalists, editors, producers and relevant media organisations.
• Pitch DTID research, projects, announcements, events, experts and commentary to appropriate media.
• Identify opportunities for interviews, expert commentary, quotations and editorial coverage.
• Work closely with the Director of Strategic Communications and Brand to identify media opportunities arising from DTID's work.
• Advise DTID leadership on media positioning and potential reputational considerations.
• Prepare senior representatives for interviews and other media engagements.
• Respond to journalist enquiries and coordinate appropriate DTID responses.
• Maintain structured records of media contacts, pitches, responses, placements and follow-up opportunities.
• Report regularly on media placements, active conversations and emerging opportunities.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of DTID's external media engagement and visibility.

Qualifications

• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Strong professional media-relations and networking skills.
• Excellent understanding of editorial decision-making.
• Ability to identify credible and newsworthy stories from institutional or technical work.
• Strong pitching and persuasive communication skills.
• Confidence communicating with senior journalists, editors and media organisations.
• Strong relationship-management and stakeholder-engagement capability.
• Excellent judgement when handling sensitive or reputational matters.
• Ability to advise and prepare senior executives for media engagements.
• Excellent organisational and follow-up skills.
• Ability to manage multiple media opportunities and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• A proactive, professional and results-focused approach to work.

General and Specialist Knowledge

• Media relations.
• Journalism and editorial processes.
• Earned-media strategy.
• Public relations.
• Media pitching.
• Executive media preparation.
• Reputation and issues management.
• Media monitoring and reporting.
• Press and journalist relationship management.
• Institutional communications.
• Knowledge or interest in climate change, sustainability, international development, artificial intelligence, blockchain and emerging digital technologies would be advantageous.

Education and Training

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree, or equivalent qualification, in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, Media Studies, Marketing, International Relations or another relevant discipline.
• Equivalent senior professional experience and demonstrated capability may also be considered where appropriate.
• Professional proficiency in English.
• Knowledge of an additional international language would be advantageous.

Experience

• Senior-level professional experience in media relations, journalism, public relations or a closely related field.
• An active and relevant network of journalists, editors and media contacts.
• Demonstrated success securing significant earned-media placements.
• Experience identifying credible stories from institutional, research or technical work.
• Experience advising senior executives or organisational spokespeople.
• Experience managing journalist relationships and media enquiries.
• Experience developing and implementing media-relations strategies.

Recruitment Evidence

As part of the recruitment process, applicants should provide details of their three most recent significant media placements, including:

• Publication or media outlet.
• Date of publication or broadcast.
• Their specific role in securing the coverage.
• Whether the placement resulted from a direct pitch, existing media relationship, reactive opportunity or another route.

Benefits

• Lead media relations for an international organisation.
• Apply and strengthen senior media-relations expertise.
• Work directly with senior leadership and technical experts.
• Develop and strengthen international media relationships.
• Gain exposure to climate, sustainability, international development and emerging digital technologies.
• Build international professional networks and strategic relationships.
• Contribute to DTID's external visibility and institutional development.
• Work within a fully remote and globally distributed organisation.

Selection Process

DTID is committed to identifying talented individuals with both demonstrated expertise and strong potential. Applications will be assessed on the basis of demonstrated capability, relevant professional experience, media networks, evidence of successful placements and suitability for the responsibilities of the role. The selection process will normally include:

• Application screening
• Written or technical assessment
• Interview and/or technical discussion for shortlisted candidates
• Final selection and onboarding

Important Notice

This is an unpaid volunteer position.