The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) seeks a Director of External Relations to communicate and disseminate the organization’s research products, establish and maintain critical partnerships in the security policy and media communities, manage public events, and otherwise ensure that the Center’s work has the greatest possible impact. This person will be responsible for the Center’s print and electronic publications, website design and content, and event planning; and direct CNAS media relations. He or she will report to the CEO and work closely with other CNAS directors, researchers and staff on a variety of strategic initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning and Project Management
  • Work with CNAS researchers and executive team to maximize the impact of CNAS research, events, and analysis;
  • Define and coordinate a comprehensive communications strategy, including establishing and maintaining policies and procedures for information dissemination, with CNAS leadership, scholars, and staff;
  • Develop and manage a project-based strategic plan for external relations;
  • Manage the day-to-day operations of external relations, including media outreach, publication design and production, event planning and implementation, web site development and maintenance;
  • Manage and develop external relations programs including staffing and budgeting;
  • Manage and mentor external relations staff;
  • Establish and evaluate metrics of CNAS’s external engagement and impact in the security policy and public arenas;
  • Establish, maintain and coordinate outreach databases across CNAS.
• Outreach and Media Relations
  • Spearhead outreach to the national security policymaking community including, but not limited to, members of Congress, the State Department, Pentagon, NSC, USAID, other research and academic institutions;
  • Develop and implement innovative modes of media engagement;
  • Maintain strong relationships with key media representatives;
  • Leverage the profile and reach of CNAS scholars by targeting policy reports and opinion pieces in leading news media, and arranging broadcast and other press opportunities;
  • Develop and apply cutting-edge social media tools to expand the CNAS message beyond the immediate security community;
  • Oversee the management of more than 70 small and large events per year;
  • Oversee the design and production of CNAS publication;
  • Oversee content management on the CNAS website.

Requirements

• In-depth experience in strategic communications, public affairs, public relations, marketing or equivalent;
• Strong interest in national security, defense, military and foreign policy;
• Proven track record in strategic planning, and in executing internal and external communications plans;
• Established relationships with television, radio, print, and online media;
• Experience with web-based communications and social media outreach;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as strong leadership, interpersonal and management ability;
• Legal right to work in the United States.

About CNAS

The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit research organization dedicated to developing strong, pragmatic and principled national security and defense policies. Building on the deep expertise and broad experience of its staff and advisors, CNAS engages policymakers, experts and the public with innovative, fact-based research, ideas and analysis to shape the national security debate. CNAS is located in Washington, D.C. and was established in February 2007.

To Apply

CNAS is accepting online applications only. Candidates must apply online using this link:

https://cnasjobs.wufoo.com/forms/director-of-external-relations/

Complete application must include a cover letter explaining interested in and qualifications for the position, a résumé or CV, and two writing samples.

All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race,
color, religion, sex, or national origin.