Media and Communications Officer

Location: Washington, DC

About the Role

The Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) External Affairs team is seeking an experienced, proactive, and creative Media and Communications Officer to highlight RFE/RL’s mission, high-impact journalism, and role in advancing press freedom for important stakeholders around the world.

This role is best suited for an experienced media relations professional and skilled writer who can translate complex issues into compelling pitches for journalists and external stakeholders. The successful candidate will work closely with the Communications Director to shape and execute proactive media outreach and communications strategies, identifying opportunities to showcase RFE/RL’s journalism and impact. They will also collaborate closely with RFE/RL’s journalists in Prague and bureaus around the world to develop engaging content for the corporate communications channels.

This is a hybrid position based in RFE/RL’s Washington, D.C. office. Occasional travel to Prague, Czechia is expected, and the selected candidate will need to join or participate in events, executive visits, and other organizational priorities.

What you’ll accomplish: 

• Develop and execute targeted media relations efforts to generate coverage and raise the visibility of RFE/RL’s reporting, expertise, leadership, and organizational priorities.
• Identify and cultivate relevant media relationships, draft and facilitate timely responses to media inquiries, and maintain updated press lists.
• Track communications and media metrics and compile regular performance reports to evaluate outreach and inform future strategies.
• Draft compelling written materials, including media pitches, statements, talking points, and background documents.
• Prepare executive leadership and staff for media appearances, speaking engagements, events, and other external-facing opportunities.
• Support content creation for RFE/RL’s corporate social media channels (X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube), translating top journalism and corporate updates into engaging posts, short-form video clips, and visual assets.
• Draft, schedule, and optimize digital campaigns using social media management systems (Hootsuite).
• Maintain and update content on RFE/RL’s corporate WordPress website, ensuring updates are accurate and timely.
• Review, update, and manage inventory for corporate collateral, digital content libraries, and other branded assets.
• Direct and manage occasional event planning, logistics, and day-of execution from concept to completion.

What you bring: 

The ideal candidate will have 8-10 years of experience in media relations and communications, including a strong track record of creative pitching to traditional and new media — including journalists, content creators, and social influencers, as well as developing successful communications campaigns, and navigating a fast-paced and evolving media environment.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, International Relations, Marketing or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 8+ years of relevant professional experience in media relations, corporate communications, public relations, digital communications, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing media relations strategies, including pitching journalists, cultivating media relationships, responding to media inquiries, and securing coverage in relevant news outlets.
• Professional proficiency in English, both written and spoken.
• Excellent writing and editing skills, with a proven ability to convert complex issues into clear, engaging content.
• Experience preparing executives and organizational spokespeople for media interviews, public appearances, events, and other external engagements.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities while meeting tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience developing and managing content for social media channels, including writing copy and creating basic multimedia assets.
• Experience scheduling and managing digital content through publishing and social media management platforms, such as Hootsuite, Sprout Social, or Meta Business Suite.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to collaborate effectively across teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a mission-driven, international, media, public affairs, human rights, or press freedom organization.
• Experience using WordPress or another CMS to manage and update website content.
• Experience creating graphics and short-form multimedia content using tools such as Canva and/or Adobe Express.
• Knowledge of AP Style and experience copyediting communications materials.
• Experience using web, social media, and communications analytics to measure performance and inform communications strategies.
• Familiarity with digital communications tools, including Hootsuite, Meta Business Suite, Mailchimp, and basic analytics platforms.
• Knowledge of a language relevant to RFE/RL audience (e.g., Russian, Ukrainian, Persian) is a plus.

We offer:

• Salary range: $100,000 - $115,000, depending on qualifications and experience
• Hybrid work schedule
• 25 days of paid vacation, 13 days of paid sick leave, and 12 paid holidays annually (on average) 
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability benefits
• A diverse and multicultural work environment
• Retirement Savings Plan (RSP) with competitive employer matching contributions
• The opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven organization that promotes democratic values and press freedom
• Modern offices in a convenient downtown Dupont Circle location

How to Apply:

Please include the following materials with your application: your CV, a cover letter, and a relevant writing sample. For the writing sample, you may share a published article, op-ed, press release, blog post, social media campaign, or draft from a previous role. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position closed once filled.