Director of Media and Public Relations

About this role

Make a difference with us! At Alliance Defending Freedom, we believe God has brought you here for His purpose—to stand for truth and defend the God-given right to live and speak it. Together, we protect religious freedom, free speech, the sanctity of life, marriage and family, and parental rights. Review our Statement of Faith to ensure we’re a fit for you.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Team Overview

As the Director of Media and Public Relations, you will shape and protect ADF’s public voice. Reporting to the Vice President of Communications and Public Relations (PR), you will lead ADF’s media strategy, oversee the multi-media news division, manage rapid response and crisis communications, and ensure ADF’s messaging is strategic, consistent, and impactful. This role is both strategic and hands-on, requiring a leader who can build influential media relationships, craft compelling narratives from complex legal issues, respond quickly to emerging conversations, and position ADF as a trusted and leading voice on the most urgent cultural and legal topics of the day.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Media Leadership

• Develop and lead a comprehensive media and public relations strategy that advances ADF’s mission, strengthens its brand, and supports legal advocacy objectives.

• Translate complex legal concepts into compelling, accessible messaging for diverse audiences, ensuring consistent alignment across earned, owned, and paid media platforms.

• Oversee cross-channel communications and message development for internal, external, and alliance audiences, while positioning ADF and its leaders as influential voices in national conversations on freedom and advocacy.

Media Relations & Thought Leadership

• Build and maintain high-impact relationships with top-tier media, journalists, influencers, and opinion leaders to maximize visibility and coverage.

• Lead ADF’s rapid response efforts by identifying and acting quickly on breaking news, cultural moments, and emerging trends.

• Oversee the creation of proactive media strategies and events to amplify ADF’s profile, showcase cases, and shape public conversations.

• Foster surrogate commentary and third-party advocacy by cultivating a strong network of aligned voices to amplify ADF messaging.

Crisis Communications & Risk Management

• Serve as the organization’s first line of defense during crises, leading swift, strategic communications responses that protect ADF’s reputation.

• Anticipate potential risks, develop crisis playbooks, and train staff and leadership on effective public response.

• Coordinate with legal teams to ensure all external communications are accurate, compliant, and aligned with legal and ethical standards.

Messaging Oversight & Content Strategy

• Direct the creation of high-impact media content designed to reach and engage target audiences, including articles, commentaries, interviews, videos, podcasts, and…