Director of Media Relations

Description

The Director of Media Relations serves as a key partner in sharing the Cathedral’s voice, mission, and public presence with audiences across the country. This role leads the Cathedral’s media engagement and plays a central part in shaping written content that supports institutional priorities.

The Director provides writing and editorial support for a wide range of platforms, including Cathedral Age (the Cathedral’s magazine), Cathedral Connects Blog, Crossroads Podcast, statements, remarks, and national moments requiring timely reflection. The role also serves as the primary point of contact for all media inquiries, coordinating responses, preparing leadership for interviews, and supporting proactive earned media efforts that highlight Cathedral worship, programs, and events.

In partnership with senior leadership and the Cathedral’s strategic communications firm, the Director supports crisis communications and contributes to coordinated messaging during urgent or sensitive situations. The position represents the Cathedral in interactions with reporters, partner organizations, and the broader public, helping to strengthen relationships and expand awareness of the Cathedral’s work and witness.

This is a collaborative, forward-facing role that requires strong judgment, exceptional writing skills, sensitivity to tone, and the ability to navigate both routine and high-profile communications with care and professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Media Relations and Public Affairs
- Primary Point of Contact for Media:
Serve as the Cathedral’s main point of contact for incoming media inquiries.
- Coordinate media visits to the Cathedral, including set-up, security coordination, and on-site support.
- Prepare Cathedral leaders and subject matter experts for interviews, including developing talking points, briefing materials, practice questions, and suggested framing.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with reporters, editors, producers, and partner institutions.
- Serve as a media spokesperson when appropriate.

• Proactive Earned Media Strategy
- Develop and support proactive media engagement that increases public awareness of Cathedral programs, services, and institutional priorities, including but not limited to story opportunities, pitching to reporters, coordinating with Marketing and Communications to shape calendars and messaging, and highlighting seasonal priorities.
- Work with departments to surface events or initiatives with strong public interest potential.

• Crisis Communications and Emergency Response
- Support crisis communications planning and response to ensure consistent communication during urgent or sensitive situations.

• Monitoring and Analysis
- Monitor media coverage and identify themes, opportunities, and risks.

• Public Ambassador for the Cathedral
- Represent the Cathedral in public and professional settings.

Writing and Editorial Leadership

• Writer for Cathedral Communications
- Develop clear and compelling written materials for the Cathedral as a whole, including statements, reflections, speeches, remarks, website content, and other pieces that support institutional priorities.

• Principal Writer for Cathedral Age
- Coordinate content development and editorial planning for Cathedral Age in partnership with Marketing and Communications, Development, and other staff.

• Blog and Feature Writing
- Write and edit stories for Cathedral blogs, newsletters, and related platforms. Highlight Cathedral life, worship, programs, national moments, and community impact.

• Podcast Content Development
- Support podcast content, including scripts, outlines, and narrative structure in collaboration with the Cathedral’s content management team.

• National Moments and Rapid Response Writing
- Draft timely reflections and statements for moments of national importance. Provide rapid response writing so that public messages are thoughtful, relevant, and coordinated.

• Editorial Quality and Institutional Alignment
- Serve as an editorial partner across departments as needed. Help ensure that Cathedral-wide communications are clear, consistent, and reflective of Cathedral values.

Perform other duties as…