Location: Washington, D.C.

Team Overview

As the Sr. Director of Media & Public Relations, you will shape and protect ADF's public voice. Reporting to the Vice President of Public Relations & Communications, you will lead ADF's media strategy, oversee the multi-media news division, manage rapid response and crisis communications, and ensure ADF's messaging is strategic, consistent, and impactful. This role is both strategic and hands-on, requiring a leader who can build influential media relationships, craft compelling narratives from complex legal issues, respond quickly to emerging conversations, and position ADF as a trusted and leading voice on the most urgent cultural and legal topics of the day.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Media Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive media and public relations strategy aligned with ADF's mission, brand, and legal advocacy objectives.
• Translate complex legal principles into accessible, compelling messaging that resonates with key audiences and advances ADF's influence.
• Oversee messaging development for internal, external, and alliance audiences across multiple platforms.
• Direct communication efforts across earned, owned, and paid media channels - including press releases, op-eds, video/audio content, and public events.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to position ADF and its leaders as authoritative voices in national conversations on freedom and advocacy.

Media Relations & Thought Leadership

• Build and maintain high-impact relationships with top-tier media, journalists, influencers, and opinion leaders to maximize visibility and coverage.
• Lead ADF's rapid response efforts by identifying and acting quickly on breaking news, cultural moments, and emerging trends.
• Oversee the creation of proactive media strategies and events to amplify ADF's profile, showcase cases, and shape public conversations.
• Foster surrogate commentary and third-party advocacy by cultivating a strong network of aligned voices to amplify ADF messaging.

Crisis Communications & Risk Management

• Serve as the organization's first line of defense during crises, leading swift, strategic communications responses that protect ADF's reputation.
• Anticipate potential risks, develop crisis playbooks, and train staff and leadership on effective public response.
• Coordinate with legal teams to ensure all external communications are accurate, compliant, and aligned with legal and ethical standards.

Messaging Oversight & Content Strategy

• Direct the creation of high-impact media content designed to reach and engage target audiences, including articles, commentaries, interviews, videos, podcasts, and web content.
• Ensure all communications are optimized for digital distribution and search discoverability.
• Oversee training, preparation, and deployment of attorneys, spokespeople, and staff for media appearances and public speaking opportunities.

Measurement, Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Define KPIs, track results, and report on media performance, audience reach, and message effectiveness.
• Use data and insights to inform strategy, optimize campaigns, and ensure agility in responding to opportunities.
• Manage budgets for media initiatives, ensuring resources are used effectively and aligned with strategic priorities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in media relations, public affairs, or strategic communications.
• 5+ years of experience leading a communications or media team.
• Demonstrated success designing and executing impactful media and PR strategies that shape public opinion and advance organizational objectives.
• Exceptional ability to distill complex legal and policy issues into clear, compelling messages for diverse audiences.
• Proven track record of building strong relationships with national and international media outlets and securing high-impact coverage.
• Skilled in crisis communications, managing sensitive situations under pressure and protecting organizational reputation.
• Experienced in defining KPIs, analyzing performance data, and adapting strategies to maximize impact.
• Deep understanding of emerging media platforms, content optimization, and audience engagement strategies.
• Strong team leader and cross-functional collaborator who can inspire, coach, and direct others while partnering effectively across departments.
• Commitment to maintaining brand integrity, consistency, and tone across all external communications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field.
• Prior experience in legal, policy, think-tank, or faith-based nonprofit environments.

Pay & Benefits

At Alliance Defending Freedom, we offer a competitive compensation and benefits package to support your well-being and growth. While we do not disclose specific salary ranges, our compensation is competitive with top non-profit law firms. Our benefits include 100% covered medical and dental insurance, medical and dependent care reimbursement, paid disability, long-term care, life insurance, and a 401(k) plan with a 4% company match. We prioritize work-life balance with paid time off and 12 paid holidays each year.

This salary range is reflective of a position based in Washington, D.C. This range is a good faith estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on the candidate's experience, skills, qualifications, and office location.

Washington, D.C. Salary Range

$119,800-$195,400 USD