Director, Public Relations

Overview

Why join our team? With a mission that spans the globe, the USO provides a rewarding and fulfilling work environment. Our team is exceptional, and we offer generous paid time off, including volunteer days and military leave. We have a remarkable 401k match, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for training and education reimbursement. Our team members are passionate about putting the mission first, and we have a lot of fun while doing it.

Working for the USO isn't just a job – it's a calling, and we believe in doing what you love and loving what you do.

A Certified Great Place to Work Don’t just take our word for it—our people have spoken. According to the Great Place to Work 2025–2026 survey, the USO is recognized for its culture and impact.

• 96% feel good about how we support the community
• 94% are proud to tell others they work at the USO
• 92% say their work has special meaning—it’s not “just a job”
• 91% felt welcomed from day one
• Over 88% agree all employees are treated fairly, regardless of race or gender

The Director, Public Relations serves as the point person for the USO worldwide and is responsible for strategic and tactical public relations initiatives that reach key external audiences. Additionally, leads and organizes work and processes that advance the public’s recognition of the USO’s mission, and increases admiration for and loyalty to the USO brand. The position reports to the Vice President, Communications.

• Lead the organization’s external PR activities to support strategic priorities, including media relations, thought leadership, regional communications, and support for marketing campaigns.
• Set strategy to raise awareness of the USO and broaden the organization’s base of support through media engagements and thought leadership programs.
• Support departmental, marketing, social media, community engagement, and public affairs campaigns and initiatives. Provide media guidance to regional staff.
• Oversee the development, execution, and oversight of all press materials, including the USO’s digital presence among the media (including USO.org’s Media Room section), press releases, fact sheets, and other relevant documents and information.
• Identify opportunities for community engagement, thought leadership, and other platforms for USO visibility and awareness.
• Oversee and ensure coordination of media strategies and activities across the organization, ensuring external message and program consistency.
• Work with various department colleagues to develop PR plans and tactics to meet specific organizational and departmental goals and priorities.
• Plan media training for field staff, C-Suite and Board members as needed to support organizational goals.
• Establish and maintain working relationships with the press, including major newspapers, online media outlets, podcasts, TV, radio, and magazines.
• Coordinate with Development team to design and execute press plans around USO corporate partner and major donor initiatives worldwide. Review and respond to media requests for information.
• Establish, maintain, and report PR goals and metrics for the department.
• Draft documents and collateral material in support of external and internal communications programs and campaigns.
• Serve as a resource and technical advisor, overseeing media events, developing guidelines for media relationships, providing training materials, targeted message development, and PR plans for USO field staff.
• Assist in conducting market research, audience development, project management, and budget coordination for a large volume of PR initiatives.
• Manage, grow, and protect the USO brand within its functional areas and oversight, including guidance for working with the media, thought leadership programs, and other initiatives.
• Lead, manage, and mentor PR team including Managers and Specialists. Manage day-to-day with our PR AOR and vendor relationships.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, or related field. Master’s Degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive work experience in a communications or public relations leadership or management role, including 5+…