Media Relations Director

We are looking for a Director of Media Relations with deep, hands-on experience working directly with journalists and preparing spokespeople to tell authentic, powerful stories under pressure. This role will shape how World Central Kitchen (WCK) shows up in the media during disaster response and will lead strategy and execution to elevate our work and mission in the moments that matter most.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive media relations strategy that covers both rapid-response scenarios and long-term reputation building, aligned with WCK’s humanitarian mission.
• Cultivate strong relationships with domestic and international journalists and proactively pitch stories, press releases, and interview opportunities.
• Prepare executive leadership, field staff, and other spokespeople for media interviews through message development, training, and real-time coaching in high-stakes environments.
• Collaborate with content and field production teams to create press materials, Q&As, media kits, fact sheets, talking points, op-eds, and briefings tailored to diverse audiences.
• Oversee media tracking and sentiment analysis to evaluate press impact, inform strategy, and prepare leadership briefings.
• Lead crisis communications efforts to ensure timely, factual, and empathetic media responses to breaking news or sensitive issues.
• Coordinate closely with response, digital, and leadership teams to ensure aligned and responsive media efforts across functions.
• Deploy to high-visibility events or disaster response zones to manage media on the ground and support press coordination in the field.
• Supervise ambassador communications and other team members involved in managing field or regional media engagement.

Application & Cover Letter
This application requires a cover letter that explains your interest in this position and in working for WCK.

References and Background Checks
To help ensure the safety of our communities and our teams, our selection process will include reference and background checks, subject to any legal or regulatory requirements.

Equal Opportunity
WCK is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusion and diversity and to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment at this time.

E-Verify
For US based employment, WCK participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. Please view the E-Verify posters here with important information.

Para empleados en los EEUU, WCK participa en E-Verify y proporcionará al gobierno federal la información de su Formulario I-9 para confirmar que usted está autorizado para trabajar en los EE.UU.. Los empleadores sólo pueden utilizar E-Verify una vez que usted haya aceptado una oferta de trabajo y completado el Formulario I-9. Haz clic aquí para ver los carteles de E-Verify con información importante.

No recruiters or agencies, please.

• 8+ years in media relations, public affairs, or strategic communications, with leadership experience at international organizations
• Proven success in media strategy and execution, including high-impact placements, rapid response, and press event management
• Experience working with international outlets and adapting communications across cultural and regional contexts
• Skilled at coaching a wide range of spokespeople including executives, field staff, and community partners
• Ability to communicate complex or sensitive topics clearly and effectively for public and press audiences
• Strong writing, speaking, and editing skills across media formats—press releases, op-eds, statements, speeches
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, dynamic, and sometimes austere environments
• Cultural fluency and experience working cross-culturally
• Experience managing crisis communications, risk mitigation, and reputational issue management
• Willingness to travel, sometimes on short notice, to support responses and major media opportunities
• Proficiency with media monitoring tools (e.g., Meltwater, Cision, TVEyes) and earned media performance tracking
• Alignment with the mission and values of WCK
• Must have valid passport

Preferred Skills

• Background in humanitarian, disaster response, or nonprofit communications
• Experience working in conflict zones, disaster areas, or other high-stakes environments (preferred)
• Fluency in additional languages
•  Prior newsroom experience

ZERO Premiums: WCK covers 100% of insurance premiums for employees and their dependents, including medical, dental, vision, and group life coverage. Benefits begin on your date of hire.

• Voluntary Benefits:
•  Options include:
• Additional Life Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Supplemental AD&D
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Dependent Care and Health Care)
• 403(b) Retirement Plan:
•  WCK offers a 50% match up to 8% of employee salary deferrals, beginning within 30 days of hire.
• Life & Disability Insurance:
•  100% employer-sponsored group life and disability insurance provided within 30 days.
• Paid Time Off (PTO):
•  Responsible PTO, including vacation, sick, and personal leave, plus paid holidays.
• Growth Opportunities:
•  Learning and development support to grow your career.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP):
•  Free and confidential support for life’s challenges.
• Annual Salary Reviews and additional benefits outlined in the Personnel Manual.

Salary Range: $120,000 - $145,000 USD per year