Director of Strategic Communications - External Relations

Director Of Strategic Communications - External Relations

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non-profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 to provide strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision makers concerned with global security and prosperity. Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of some 250 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) seeks a Director of Strategic Communications to help lead the design and execution of communications strategies that deepen the Center's impact and broaden its reach. Serving as deputy to the Chief Communications Officer (CCO), the Director will play a central role in shaping how CSIS communicates its research and ideas to key audiences. The Director will help develop high-impact communications campaigns around the Center's strategic priorities, drive proactive media engagement, and ensure consistent, integrated approaches across platforms and research departments.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned communicator with strong editorial judgment, deep experience in Washington's policy communications landscape, and a demonstrated ability to drive results in complex, high-profile environments.

The salary range for this position is $100,000-$160,000.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following :

Strategic Communications

Serve as deputy to the CCO, working alongside other senior External Relations staff, to shape and implement integrated communications strategies that advance CSIS's mission and visibility.

Develop tailored communications plans around core institutional priorities, including major research initiatives, flagship products, and high-profile events.

Manage the flow of ongoing projects and daily communications tasks across CSIS's research departments to ensure consistent execution.

Coordinate with digital and creative teams to integrate multimedia, data visualization, and broadcast assets into external outreach efforts.

Provide editorial guidance across CSIS's research products and communications platforms, including its publications and website.

Strategically connect CSIS analysis to priority policy discussions and global events to maximize institutional visibility and impact.

Ensure all external communications are consistent with CSIS's strategic priorities, audience engagement objectives, and brand standards.

Play a central role in planning and coordinating communications activities for CSIS's public events, including liaising with external partners and speakers.

Media Engagement

Play a leading role in driving CSIS's earned media engagement alongside the Media Relations Manager, including facilitating media inquiries, proactive pitching, rapid response engagement, and organizing press briefings.

Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, and producers covering beats central to CSIS's workwhile fostering direct connections between CSIS scholars and members of the media.

Monitor media trends and coverage to inform outreach strategies and identify new opportunities for visibility.

Advise scholars and leadership on message development, framing, and media positioning around key issues and research programing.

Management & Administrative

Play a leading role managing daily operations and setting priorities of the External Relations department.

Ensure strong coordination across all functions of the External Relations department to maintain consistent messaging and align activities around institutional priorities.

Partner with the CCO and senior leadership to set departmental goals, track progress, and evaluate performance metrics.

Ensure seamless collaboration with scholars and senior CSIS leaders on external engagement and high-visibility initiatives.

Supervise and mentor staff, supporting professional growth in media strategy, writing, stakeholder engagement, and digital storytelling.

Knowledge, Education, And Experience

Minimum of 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 working across CSIS's core policy portfolios : defense and national security, economic security and technology, foreign policy, and global development.

Strong editorial judgment and ability to prioritize communications based on institutional goals, the policy landscape, and the news cycle.

Proven success in developing and executing comprehensive communications strategies in complex, high-profile environments.

Extensive experience managing communications around 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 and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with competing deadlines.

A collegial, collaborative, and entrepreneurial attitude is essential.

Physical Requirements And Work Conditions

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee working in an office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Equal Opportunity Employer.