[Hiring] Managing Director, Public Relations, Earned Media & High-Stakes Communications @Teach For America

Role Description

The Managing Director of Communications & Public Affairs plays a senior, strategic role in shaping and executing Teach For America’s earned media strategy across both regional markets and key national priority areas. Reporting to the Vice President of Communications & Public Affairs, this role is responsible for setting earned media direction nationwide by supporting regions while also partnering closely with national teams to develop and execute media strategies that advance org wide priorities and ensure Teach For America shows up clearly, accurately, and credibly in local and national media.

This is a high‑judgment, high‑impact role that combines strategy, execution, and counsel. You lead earned media planning across regions and national partners, prioritize markets and storylines, and guide teams through both proactive campaigns and high‑stakes reactive moments. You bring a strong point of view on narrative, risk, and opportunity and use it to influence how Teach For America is positioned across communities and in the media nationwide. As a trusted partner to regional and national leaders, you help teams identify the stories that matter most, prepare leaders to serve as effective messengers, and navigate complex or sensitive media situations. The goal of this role is not just to land coverage but to ensure earned media meaningfully advances organizational priorities, strengthens public trust, and supports Teach For America’s mission at both the local and national level.

Qualifications

• 8 - 10+ years of related experience in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience executing earned media efforts, including pitching reporters and supporting media interviews
• Experience supporting reactive or high‑stakes communications situations
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline‑driven environment
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross‑functional and geographically dispersed teams
• Strong alignment with Teach For America’s mission, values, and commitment to educational excellence for all students

Requirements

• Lead Regional Earned Media Strategy & Execution (45%)
• Develop and lead 4–5 earned media campaigns annually that advance organization‑wide priorities and messaging, integrating both regional and national pitch opportunities.
• Design and drive regional earned media strategies aligned to earned media campaigns, organizational priorities, and the broader narrative goals of Teach For America.
• Set clear priorities across regions, determining where to invest proactive outreach based on impact, opportunity, and risk.
• Oversee the execution of earned media campaigns across regional markets, ensuring coverage is timely, high‑quality, and strategically aligned.
• Serve as Senior Counsel to Regional & National Teams (30%)
• Serve as a senior strategic partner to both regional teams and national partners, including Growth, Development, and the Reinvention Lab, to develop and execute earned media strategies that advance organizational priorities.
• Lead the development of pitches and story strategies for both local and national outlets, tailoring approaches based on audience, market, and moment.
• Advise national teams on earned media strategy, narrative development, and positioning in support of their goals.
• Surface and assess reputational and external affairs risks, partnering with leaders to navigate sensitive, high‑visibility, or complex media situations.
• Act as a trusted advisor to regional staff and leaders on media strategy, messaging, and spokesperson readiness.
• Partner with teams to identify compelling storylines, sharpen narratives, and prepare leaders to serve as effective media messengers.
• Lead Reactive & High‑Stakes Communications (15%)
• Manage and support responses to incoming media inquiries, particularly during time‑sensitive or high‑stakes moments.
• Apply sound judgment and strategic thinking to assess risk, recommend approaches, and ensure consistency with organizational values and messaging.
• Coordinate closely with internal partners to align responses and mitigate reputational risk.
• Strengthen Systems, Insights & Cross‑Team Alignment (10%)
• Track, analyze, and synthesize regional media activity to inform strategy, identify trends, and share insights across the communications team.
• Partner with colleagues responsible for owned channels, internal communications, and key audiences to ensure earned media is effectively shared and amplified.
• Contribute to the ongoing evolution of earned media practices, tools, and standards across regions.

Benefits

• This is a full‑time role. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required.
• Limited travel may be expected on an ad hoc basis.

Company Description

Teach For America’s Communications & Public Affairs team shapes the organization’s public voice and works in close partnership with regional and national teams to elevate stories from across our network and mitigate external risk. The earned media team focuses on securing timely, high‑quality coverage that reflects the experiences of students, teachers, and communities and supports Teach For America’s broader mission.