Director, External Communications

FHI 360

. Lead FHI 360’s external communications strategy to strengthen visibility, thought leadership, and influence across global health, economic opportunity, and international development sectors .

Posted 10/6/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesLead💰 $145,000 - $156,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in developing and executing integrated communications strategies, media relations, and crisis communications within global health and international development sectors. Proven ability to build relationships with key stakeholders and influence senior leaders in high-stakes environments.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Media RelationsCrisis CommunicationsStrategic WritingGlobal Communications StrategyStakeholder Engagement

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Media TrainingThought Leadership CommunicationsExecutive Visibility StrategiesCrisis ManagementAnalytical SkillsCommunications Framework DevelopmentPress Material DevelopmentMessage DevelopmentPublic AffairsReputation Management

Soft Skills

Relationship BuildingPresentation SkillsInfluencing SkillsConsensus BuildingStrategic Storytelling

Tools & Technologies

Media Monitoring ToolsCrisis Communication PlaybooksMessaging FrameworksTraining Toolkits

Industry Keywords

Global HealthInternational DevelopmentPublic RelationsPhilanthropyNGOMultilateral OrganizationsU.S. Government EnvironmentCorporate CommunicationsPublic PolicyJournalism

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead FHI 360’s external communications strategy to strengthen visibility, thought leadership, and influence across global health, economic opportunity, and international development sectors
Develop and execute integrated media and executive visibility strategies through earned media, thought leadership communications, strategic storytelling, and high-impact media opportunities
Build and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, influencers, industry associations, coalitions, and strategic partners
Serve as FHI 360’s spokesperson when appropriate
Prepare executives and subject matter experts for media interviews and public appearances through media training, briefing materials, and message development
Develop and maintain a global media relations framework, including standards, toolkits, templates, and training
Monitor global media coverage and trends and provide strategic communications recommendations
Serve as a core member of FHI 360’s global crisis response team
Develop proactive and reactive communications strategies, messaging, and stakeholder communications during change, crisis, and heightened public interest
Build and maintain crisis communications infrastructure, including playbooks, escalation protocols, scenario plans, messaging frameworks, media training, and response tools
Lead thought leadership and executive communications opportunities
Coordinate executive participation in external engagements, including messaging, content, and follow-up
Develop strategic opportunities for FHI 360 leaders to engage funders, policymakers, multilateral organizations, industry associations, partners, and other influential stakeholders
Measure external and executive engagement effectiveness and improve strategies and organizational impact
Report to the Senior Director, Global Communications, within the Chief Impact Office

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree or international equivalent in communications, Journalism, Public Relations, International Relations, Public Policy, Marketing, or related field
Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in media relations, public affairs, external communications, corporate communications, or strategic communications
Experience developing and executing global media relations and executive visibility strategies for complex, mission-driven organizations
Track record of securing positive coverage in U.S. and international outlets for rapid-response and evergreen stories
Experience leading crisis communications, issues management, and reputation management initiatives in a fast-paced, global environment
Experience in conflict, disaster, or other challenging operating settings
Experience developing thought leadership communications, executive speaking strategies, and high-profile external engagement initiatives
Proven experience as an on-the-record spokesperson with print, broadcast, and online media
Deep understanding of the U.S. and global media landscape
Strong sector understanding of global health, economic opportunity, international development, philanthropy, multilateral organizations, and the U.S. government environment
Exceptional strategic writing and editing skills across press materials, speeches, executive messaging, op-eds, briefing materials, and presentations
Ability to develop integrated communications strategies
Ability to advise and influence senior leaders during high-profile, sensitive, or rapidly evolving situations
Strong relationship-building, presentation, and media training skills
Experience developing communications frameworks, playbooks, standards, and toolkits for a global organization
Excellent analytical skills for interpreting media intelligence, emerging trends, and stakeholder insights
Ability to lead through influence, build consensus across matrixed organizations, and manage multiple high-priority initiatives
Experience in international development, global health, philanthropy, NGO, multilateral, or government sectors strongly preferred
Established relationships with journalists or media outlets in the sector a plus
Commitment to FHI 360’s safeguarding standards and code of conduct
Consent to reference, criminal record, terrorism finance, and misconduct disclosure screening checks

Benefits

Comp & perks

FHI 360 contributes 7% of monthly base pay to a money purchase pension plan account
18 days of paid vacation per year for US-based full-time staff
12 sick days per year for US-based full-time staff
11 paid holidays per year for US-based full-time staff
Competitive benefits package
Professional development
Policies and programs supporting a healthy work/life balance