Vice President, Public Relations

Job Description

The Washington Post is seeking a strategic, collaborative senior leader to serve as the Vice President of Public Relations. We are interested in a candidate who is a well-rounded and experienced communications leader of a multi-disciplined team, a media-savvy storyteller, and a creative thinker to drive multi-faceted PR campaigns for our newsroom and business. The role is responsible for raising The Post's global visibility and increasing awareness and interest among its current and prospective audience. You will lead a team responsible for providing communications leadership and publicity support across the company, work directly with the executive team and create media narratives that tell a compelling story and align with business objectives. You will also work closely with senior newsroom and business leaders to expand The Post's TV and film presence. This is a key leadership role in the company that reports to the Chief Communications Officer and will serve as a deputy across the communications, brand and live journalism portfolio.

Motivation:

• You are a strong and experienced leader with experience in high stakes environments, building teams and driving an energetic, innovative and collaborative culture.
• You have a passion for news media, can distill media trends and lead these into actionable plans.
• You are a strategic thinker with a bias for action, sense of urgency and appetite for action that is necessary in a dynamic media environment.
• You hold a world view with an ability to understand the importance of global perspective and regional nuances.
• You have a curious mind and are a storyteller that can land a message.
• You value world-class journalism and are eager to immerse yourself in journalism and projects that support that mission.
• You thrive in a high volume "always on" media environment.
• You are a self-starter who can independently initiate, lead and follow through with opportunities and have strong problem-solving skills when facing complex challenges.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage a winning Public Relations team with multi-disciplined backgrounds including media relations, communications strategy, publicity, influencer engagement and measurement.
• Serve as a deputy to the Chief Communications Officer, partnering on external and internal communications strategies, crises and reputation management, executive visibility and messaging. Help set the communications strategy for The Washington Post's external and internal presence and reputation including setting goals, objectives and tactics.
• Create and nurture a global PR presence that elevates The Post on an international scale, with specific plans outside of the U.S. in our hubs in London and Seoul.
• Serve as a strategic partner to executives, identifying thought leadership opportunities, delivering earned media coverage, writing talking points and conducting media training and prep sessions.
• Lead robust communications plans for our journalism, serving as a bridge to the newsroom and ensuring opportunities are maximized for impact.
• Oversee film/TV selection, adaptation, and development to ensure integrity of the brand.
• Manage fast-paced, day-to-day media inquiries and foster relationships with industry reporters.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and at least 15 years of communications experience, including distinct senior leadership experience.
• At least 10 years of experience leading and managing public relations teams required.
• Experience with leading a communications strategy from goal setting through implementation and measurement.
• Seasoned crisis communications and reputation management leader, well versed across strategy, execution and recovery.
• Exceptional news judgment, communication, and interpersonal skills, including writing, proofreading, and public speaking.
• Expertise in leading and scaling large global press campaigns, initiatives, and comms teams.
• Established connections with industry reporters across top-tier media, consumer, advertising, and tech outlets.
• Proven track record in successfully placing stories that align with company objectives in a wide range of outlets.
• Ability to deliver quality work under pressure, prioritize from moment to moment, manage multiple projects at a time, and meet tight deadlines with professionalism.

#LI-Hybrid

Wherever you are in your life or career, The Washington Post offers comprehensive and inclusive benefits for every step of your journey:

• Competitive medical, dental and vision coverage
• Company-paid pension and 401(k) match
• Three weeks of vacation and up to three weeks of paid sick leave
• Nine paid holidays and two personal days
• 20 weeks paid parental leave for any new parent
• Robust mental health resources
• Backup care and caregiver concierge services
• Gender affirming services
• Pet insurance
• Free Post digital subscription
• Leadership and career development programs

Benefits may vary based on the job, full-time or part-time schedule, location, and collectively bargained status.

The Post strives to provide its readers with high-quality, trustworthy news and information while constantly innovating. That mission is best served by a diverse, multi-generational workforce with varied life experiences and perspectives. All cultures and backgrounds are welcomed.

The innovation doesn't end in the Newsroom - dozens of teams power The Washington Post. We are now hiring the next innovator - how will you Impact Tomorrow?

#washpostlife