Senior Managing Director, Media Relations and Crisis Communications (M4)

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement national and international media strategies that position Save the Children as a trusted, visible voice across priority issues and sectors.
• Lead outreach to top-tier media outlets and cultivate strong relationships with senior journalists, editors, and producers.
• Lead teams to craft messaging and narratives that advance the organization's communications and advocacy efforts.
• Serve as a senior spokesperson for the organization and advise and prepare senior executives and board-level leaders for high-stakes media engagements.
• Oversee the planning and execution of high-impact media campaigns tied to enterprise initiatives and external moments.
• Compose press releases, messaging documents, thought-leadership content, and other content types.
• Ensure consistency, alignment, and quality control across all earned media content, including press releases, statements, op-eds, and media kits.
• Partner with internal stakeholders—including Program, Fundraising, and Public Policy teams—to shape compelling narratives and identify timely media opportunities.
• Lead the organization's response to sensitive or high-risk communications scenarios, including reputational issues and humanitarian crisis situations.
• Act as the central point of contact for media escalation and rapid response.
• Establish and maintain internal protocols for media triage, message approval, and executive alignment in urgent contexts.
• Collaborate with Legal, Risk, People & Culture, and senior leadership to craft unified, values-aligned responses to real-time developments.
• Ensure the organization is prepared for crisis response through scenario planning, message frameworks, and team coordination.
• Supervise and mentor a team of media professionals and/or contractors; provide ongoing coaching, direction, and performance feedback.
• Serve as a senior leader within the Communications department and act as deputy to the Head of Media and Communications as needed.
• Foster a high-performance culture built on responsiveness, accountability, and strategic discipline.
• Train, develop, coach, lead, and supervise staff, clearly communicating organization, division and department priorities, and how their work contributes to our mission, ensuring that the working environment continually fosters diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

Requirements

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, with at least 13 years of relevant experience in media relations, journalism, or strategic communications.
• Deep understanding of the national and international media landscape, with strong relationships across top-tier outlets.
• Demonstrated expertise in managing complex reputational issues and crisis communications at the executive level.
• Strong judgment, discretion, and ability to operate calmly in high-pressure environments.
• Excellent writing, editing, and message development skills across a range of formats and audiences.
• Experience managing teams, mentoring staff, and leading cross-functional collaboration.
• Proven ability to collaborate with legal, executive, and program leadership to shape public positioning.
• Professional proficiency in MS Office suite.
• Professional proficiency in spoken and written English.

Nice to Have

• Experience working in international or humanitarian organizations.
• Knowledge of issues related to child rights and development.
• Experience with digital and social media strategies.

Qualifications

• Educational background: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Experience: At least 13 years in media relations, journalism, or strategic communications.

Benefits & Perks

• Flexible schedules and time off: generous PTO, 11 paid holidays plus 2 floating holidays, hybrid working opportunities.
• Health: Competitive health care, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Family: Paid leaves including caregiver, parental/adoption, critical child illness, and fertility benefits.
• Employee Rewards Program: Annual merit increases and/or additional incentives.
• Retirement: A retirement savings plan with employer contributions (after one year).
• Wellness: 15 safety and wellness days annually, mental health benefits, and support through Calm and company-hosted events.
• Employee Assistance Program: Free and confidential assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services.
• Learning & Growth: Access to internal and external learning & development opportunities and mentorships.