Director Of Strategic Communications - External Relations

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a leading bipartisan public policy organization, seeks a Director of Strategic Communications. This role is pivotal in shaping how CSIS communicates its research and ideas, serving as deputy to the Chief Communications Officer (CCO).

• *About the Role:**

This Director will lead the design and execution of communications strategies, deepen CSIS’s impact, and broaden its reach by developing high-impact campaigns, driving proactive media engagement, and ensuring integrated approaches across platforms and research departments.

• *Key Responsibilities:**
• **Strategic Communications Leadership:** Design and implement integrated communication strategies to advance CSIS’s mission and visibility, including tailored plans for major research, flagship products, and high-profile events.
• **Content & Brand Management:** Provide editorial guidance across CSIS’s research products and platforms, ensure all external communications align with strategic priorities and brand standards, and coordinate with digital/creative teams to integrate multimedia assets.
• **Media Engagement:** Drive earned media strategies alongside the Media Relations Manager, including proactive pitching, rapid response, organizing press briefings, cultivating journalist relationships, and advising scholars on message development and media positioning.
• **Departmental Management:** Play a leading role in managing daily operations and setting priorities for the External Relations department, ensuring strong coordination, setting goals, tracking metrics, and supervising/mentoring staff.
• *Qualifications:**
• Minimum 10 years of experience in public policy communications, ideally spanning Capitol Hill, the executive branch, or public relations agencies.
• Demonstrated expertise in earned media engagement with an established network of media contacts.
• Experience across CSIS’s core policy portfolios: defense/national security, economic security/technology, foreign policy, and global development.
• Strong editorial judgment and proven success in developing and executing comprehensive communications strategies in complex, high-profile environments.
• Extensive experience managing communications for content rollouts and live events.
• Outstanding writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex ideas into clear and compelling language.
• Exceptional attention to detail, ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with competing deadlines, and a collegial, collaborative, and entrepreneurial attitude.
• *Salary Range:** $100,000 - $160,000