Senior Communications Manager

Gmf

Full-time - Senior

Construction of Buildings

About the position

The Senior Communication Manager at the German Marshall Fund (GMF) in Washington, D.C. will play a pivotal role in enhancing the organization's visibility and profile within the U.S. media landscape. This position is primarily focused on leveraging GMF's experts, events, and activities to create impactful communication opportunities that elevate the organization's overall influence. The Senior Communication Manager will be responsible for building and nurturing relationships with key media members, developing strategies to enhance media coverage of GMF across the United States, and acting as a primary contact for U.S.-based media inquiries. This role requires a proactive approach to identifying media opportunities and ensuring timely and accurate responses to press requests, while also maintaining an up-to-date press database. In addition to media relations, the Senior Communication Manager will lead the communications function within the D.C. office, developing and implementing communication strategies for GMF's events and initiatives, including the annual Brussels Forum conference. The position involves collaborating with GMF staff and external partners, including governments, international organizations, embassies, donors, and corporate partners. Approximately 85% of the role will focus on media work, while the remaining 15% will encompass broader communications responsibilities. The Senior Communication Manager will also advise GMF leadership and staff on best practices for engaging with the media, formulate op-ed strategies, and oversee the creation of content for GMF's digital channels, including press releases and social media posts.

Responsibilities

• Lead efforts to elevate GMF's profile and visibility in U.S.-based press.
• Build and cultivate relationships with key members of the media on behalf of GMF.
• Develop strategies for enhancing media coverage of GMF across the U.S.
• Act as a contact person for U.S.-based media, providing accurate and timely responses to press requests.
• Maintain and update the press database.
• Lead the communications function in the D.C. office.
• Develop and implement communications strategies for GMF's events and initiatives, including the annual Brussels Forum conference.
• Participate in the creation of content for GMF's digital channels.
• Manage relationships with key journalists covering foreign policy and other relevant subjects.
• Formulate and implement new strategies for drawing media coverage of GMF experts and initiatives.
• Advise GMF leadership, fellows, and experts on best practices for engaging with media.
• Train staff on how to engage with the media effectively.
• Develop op-ed strategy with the Europe-based Senior Press Officer and lead placement in U.S.-based publications.
• Identify opportunities for press coverage around events and publications and collaborate with colleagues to optimize coverage.
• Advise on structuring events and publications to maximize press attention.
• Write press releases and generate content for GMF's website and social media channels.
• Respond to media inquiries, set up interviews and press briefings, and manage media logistics at events.
• Secure top-level journalists as event moderators and steward their involvement with GMF.
• Develop a toolkit for measuring and analyzing GMF's media impact and provide regular reporting to the Communications Managing Director and Senior Staff.
• Develop original products for engaging journalists with GMF content.
• Maintain the organization's database of media contacts and identify gaps in engagement with specific outlets and journalists.
• Determine how GMF can engage key stakeholders to grow audiences and deepen support for its mission in the U.S.
• Lead communications around D.C. office activities in consultation with the Communications Managing Director.
• Oversee the U.S.-based communications team in collaboration with the Communications Managing Director.
• Lead the GMF Communications team when the Managing Director is out of the office or during Europe's off hours.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in communications or media relations.
• Proven knowledge of the American media landscape and established network among Washington-based foreign policy media; knowledge of European media is a plus.
• Demonstrated success in placing stories and op-eds in the media.
• Ability to manage communications and workflow across time zones.
• Excellent academic and journalistic writing skills.
• Native-speaker level written and spoken English; proficiency in German or French is considered a plus.
• Strong interest in international relations, particularly European and American foreign policy.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience working with underrepresented communities and promoting diversity in the workplace.
• Familiarity with digital communication strategies and social media engagement.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Supportive work environment that values diversity and inclusion.