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Washington National Cathedral · 4 days ago

Director of Media Relations

DC-Baltimore Area

Full-time

Hybrid

Lead/Staff, Director/Executive

$90K/yr - $95K/yr

5+ years exp

Washington National Cathedral is seeking a Director of Media Relations to enhance their public presence and media engagement. This role involves shaping written content, managing media inquiries, and supporting crisis communications while fostering relationships with the media and public.

Religion

Responsibilities

Serve as the Cathedral’s main point of contact for incoming media inquiries

Coordinate media visits to the Cathedral, including set-up, security coordination, and on-site support

Prepare Cathedral leaders and subject matter experts for interviews. This may include developing talking points, briefing materials, practice questions, and suggested framing

Build and maintain positive relationships with reporters, editors, producers, and partner institutions

Serve as a media spokesperson when appropriate

Develop and support proactive media engagement that increases public awareness of Cathedral programs, services, and institutional priorities. This includes but is not limited to:

Identifying story opportunities that align with mission and have news value

Pitching stories to targeted reporters and outlets

Coordinating with Marketing and Communications staff to shape media calendars and messaging

Highlighting seasonal priorities such as Christmas, Easter, concerts, and public programs

Working with departments to surface events or initiatives that have strong public interest potential

Support crisis communications planning and response to help ensure consistent communication during urgent or sensitive situations

Monitor media coverage and identify themes, opportunities, and risks

Represent the Cathedral in public and professional settings

Develop clear and compelling written materials for the Cathedral as a whole, including statements, reflections, speeches, remarks, website content, and other pieces that support institutional priorities. Including but not limited to:

Coordinate content development and editorial planning for Cathedral Age in partnership with Marketing and Communications, Development, and other staff

Write and edit stories for Cathedral blogs, newsletters, and related platforms. Highlight Cathedral life, worship, programs, national moments, and community impact

Support podcast content, including scripts, outlines, and narrative structure in collaboration with the Cathedral’s content management team

Draft timely reflections and statements for moments of national importance. Provide rapid response writing so that public messages are thoughtful, relevant, and coordinated

Serve as an editorial partner across departments as needed. Help ensure that Cathedral-wide communications are clear, consistent, and reflective of Cathedral values

Perform other duties as assigned

Qualification

Media RelationsCrisis CommunicationsWriting SkillsPublic AffairsStrategic CommunicationsEditorial LeadershipEmpathyAnalytical SkillsOrganizational SkillsProblem-SolvingVerbal Communication

Required

Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, English, or a related field

At least five years of experience in media relations, public affairs, journalism, strategic communications, or a related discipline

Demonstrated experience responding to media inquiries and working directly with reporters

Proven ability to write quickly, clearly, and in multiple voices for a range of platforms, including statements, articles, speeches, and digital content

Intellectually curious

Empathetic and able to navigate sensitive topics with care

Strategic thinker who can balance long-term planning with day-to-day execution

Excellent copywriting and editing skills, with the ability to write clearly in the Cathedral's tone and voice

Ability to assess news value, identify story opportunities, and support proactive earned media efforts

Strong verbal and written communication skills for a wide range of audiences

Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities

Ability to work with confidential information and maintain discretion

Preferred

Previous experience in a communications or media role within a complex nonprofit, faith-based institution, cultural organization, or mission-driven entity

Experience managing or supporting editorial processes for publications or institutional communications

Demonstrated success in proactive media outreach, including pitching stories and securing earned media placements

Strong understanding of digital communications strategy, analytics, and audience engagement