Managing Director, Strategic Communications (M3)

The Role

As the Managing Director, Strategic Communications, you’ll be integral to our work in helping vulnerable children achieve a brighter future. You will lead the development and execution of our strategic communications strategy that supports our internal communications, thought leadership agenda, and key strategic partnerships work to enhance Save the Children’s visibility and reputation among key audiences, including Save the Children supporters, partners and staff, in support of our strategy.

This role serves as the primary communications partner with Save the Children Leadership and our Partnerships teams overseeing executive visibility efforts, high-impact content development, and strategic positioning for senior leaders across platforms and events. It also contributes to corporate communications initiatives that support brand consistency, fundraising, and enterprise priorities.

 The Managing Director works in close coordination with the Senior Managing Director, Media Relations, the Senior Advisor Web Content and Strategy as well as other key Divisional Partners to ensure message alignment and reputational integrity across our public-facing communication activities.

 Location

Hybrid – Washington DC orFairfield, CT office locations  

What You’ll Be Doing (Essential Duties)

*not inclusive of all role responsibilities. May be subject to change

Thought Leadership (40%)

• Lead thought leadership strategy aligned with fundraising and influence goals, especially for B2B audiences.
• Develop executive visibility strategies, including speaking engagements, award submissions, blogs, and op-eds.
• Develop and oversee internal communications strategy.
• Oversee and contribute to development of external communications content (e.g., LinkedIn strategy, event scripts).
• Oversee and contribute to development of internal communications content.
• Ensure the team has the skills, tools, and support to deliver high-quality work and meet shared goals.
• Build relationships with event organizers to secure speaking and conference opportunities with key partner, donor, and peer audiences.
• Lead creation of thought leadership assets such as speaker submissions, panel proposals, run-of-show materials, and messaging.
• Collaborate with Social Media and internal teams to strengthen thought leadership on LinkedIn.

 Media and Communications Strategy & Execution (25%)

• Lead public relations and communications strategy for initiatives tied to corporate partnerships, foundations, and major donors within the P&P portfolio.
• Serve as a key liaison with partner and donor communications teams to support shared visibility goals.
• Oversee and contribute to the development of partner-facing content, including press releases, talking points, quotes, and messaging aligned with brand and communications standards.
• Manage and contribute to the development of innovative content with and for partners for external communication channels. 
• Lead corporate communications initiatives, including announcements and crisis communications.
• Pitch and develop relationships with targeted traditional and new media.
• Coordinate closely with the Senior Managing Director, Media Relations & Crisis Communications to ensure alignment on messaging, timing, and risk considerations.

 Internal Collaboration and Alignment (20%)

• Work cross-functionally with teams in Philanthropy, Brand Marketing, Programs, and Executive Leadership to develop strategic messaging.
• Provide communications planning, positioning support, and audience insight to internal teams.

 Team Leadership and Management (15%)

• Train, develop, coach, lead, and supervise staff, clearly communicating organization, division and department priorities, and how their work contributes to our mission, ensuring that the working environment continually fosters diversity, inclusion, and belonging – supporting Save the Children values.
• Cultivate individual talents and guide team towards shared and personal successes. 
• Ensure efficient ways of working within the Communications team, division, domestic and global organization. 

Required qualifications for the role

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience, plus at least 10 years of relevant experience in media and communications.
• Demonstrated understanding of the o