Job Announcement
Director of External Affairs
Primary Function:
The Director of External Affairs leads MBN’s external engagement and public presence, advancing its mission through strategic communications, outreach, and stakeholder engagement. Reporting to the CEO, it oversees four core pillars—Congressional outreach, think tank and NGO engagement, media and digital communications and special outreach projects---ensuring message discipline, transparency, and alignment with MBN’s public mandate as a government-funded non-profit grantee. The director will manage a small communications team, work closely with senior leadership, and serve as a strategic advisor on external positioning, reputational risk, and audience engagement.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The following tasks are considered essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions:
Congressional/Capitol Hill Communications
Develop and execute communications strategies to support engagement with Congress and relevant federal stakeholders.
Oversee preparation of briefings, talking points, one-pagers, correspondence and other materials for legislative audiences.
Support CEO and senior leadership in preparation for Hill meetings, briefings and hearings, ensure communications adhere to statutory, appropriations, and accountability requirements.
Think Tanks, NGOs, and Policy Community
Manage relationships with think tanks, NGOs, academic institutions and organizations.
Position MBN as a credible, nonpartisan voice through partnerships, events, and thought-leadership opportunities.
Coordinate outreach that strengthens MBN’s standing within the policy and research community.
Media and Digital/Social Communications
Lead media strategy, including press engagement, executive messaging, and rapid response.
Oversee social and digital communications to ensure consistent voice, compliance, and strategic reach.
Monitor media coverage and public discourse; advise leadership on reputational risks and opportunities.
Special Salon Outreach and Convening
Design and execute special communications initiatives such as salons, roundtables, and briefings.
Manage messaging, logistics, and follow-up to maximize impact and stakeholder engagement.
Cross-Cutting Responsibilities
Consolidate, maintain, and regularly update key outreach contact lists across Congressional, media, NGO, and policy audiences to support coordinated and effective engagement.
Leadership and Management
Supervise and mentor a small communications team, setting priorities and ensuring high-quality outputs.
Manage external vendors or consultants as needed.
Coordinate closely across internal teams to ensure unified and compliant external communications..
Other Duties:
Perform additional job-related duties and take on new responsibilities as needed based on organizational requirements and circumstances.
Qualifications and Requirements:
Candidates are required to have:
Undergraduate/advanced degree or equivalent professional experience in journalism, mass communications, public administration, or a related field.
Ten years’ experience in external communications, public affairs, or related field.
Demonstrated experience engaging with Congress, media and policy stakeholders.
Exceptional writing skills and editing skills, with strong judgement and attention to compliance.
Preferred experience
Experience in government-funded, policy-focused, or mission-driven organizations strongly preferred.
Core Competencies:
Strategic insight: Understands editorial mission and organizational goals
Political and institutional acumen: Strong understanding of Congress and the policy ecosystem; exercises sound bipartisan judgement
Influence and partnership: Builds trust with editorial leadership & stakeholders
Resilience: Ability to operate under pressure
Communication: Practices clear, and timely communications
MBN is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity.