Who We Are

International Justice Mission (IJM) is the global leader in protecting vulnerable people from violence around the world. Our team of over 1,200 professionals are at work worldwide in over 30 offices. Together we are on a mission to rescue millions, protect half a billion, and make justice unstoppable.

We are a global community that cares for one another. We believe that the way we work is as important as the results we achieve. We provide professional excellence with joy and celebration to all those we serve. 

The Need

For over 25 years, IJM has pioneered the work to protect vulnerable people from violence. 9 out of 9 times in the last decade, IJM’s Justice System Strengthening Projects have reduced slavery and violence between 50 and 85% for very large populations of people in poverty. As we grow to expand our impact to protect 500 million people from violence, we are seeking a Global Director, Story and Media Relations.

The Global Director, Story and Media Relations will shape IJM’s storytelling and public relations efforts, ensuring the organization’s mission and impact are communicated with excellence and reach audiences worldwide. This leader will be responsible for crafting compelling, mission-aligned narratives that resonate across cultures and contexts while implementing best practices in PR and media to amplify IJM’s profile and influence.

This role will champion IJM’s mission to protect people from violence, blending exceptional storytelling with strategic communication and distribution to engage global audiences and inspire action. Collaborating with regional and global teams, the Director will elevate IJM’s stories of justice and advocacy through multi-channel campaigns and media outreach, positioning IJM as a global leader in the fight against violence and oppression.

This position is hybrid (onsite Tuesdays & Thursdays) if located in the Washington, DC area or remote for non-local candidates. It reports to the Global Vice President, Marketing & Communications and is only available for candidates with the right to work in the US.

Key Result Areas:

The success of this role is measured by the following KRAs:

Storytelling Strategy Development

• Create and execute a comprehensive global storytelling strategy that highlights IJM’s mission and amplifies the voices of those impacted by the organization’s work.

• Develop innovative approaches to storytelling that leverage multimedia formats, ensuring maximum reach and engagement.

• Ensure storytelling efforts are audience-centered, culturally sensitive, and adaptable across diverse regions and channels.

• Partner with regional teams to co-create stories that reflect local context while aligning with global priorities.

• Maintain a repository of impactful stories to support advocacy, donor engagement, and external campaigns.

PR & Media Integration

• Develop and implement PR strategies to elevate IJM’s profile globally, including cultivating media relationships and securing coverage in influential outlets.

• Create and distribute press materials, pitches, and statements that communicate IJM’s mission effectively.

• Lead proactive media engagement to position IJM as a thought leader in justice and advocacy.

• Leverage storytelling to craft media campaigns that inspire advocacy, donor engagement, and public support.

• Monitor and respond to emerging trends in media to keep IJM’s messaging relevant and timely.

Audience Engagement & Outreach

• Leverage audience insights and data analytics to create content that fosters emotional connections and drives advocacy.

• Develop segmented engagement strategies tailored to donors, partners, and advocates across various demographics.

• Partner with regional teams to adapt storytelling and PR strategies for local relevance while maintaining global consistency.

• Build and nurture IJM’s online and offline communities to strengthen engagement and loyalty.

• Utilize innovative engagement tactics, such as interactive storytelling and influencer partnerships, to deepen audience connections.

Crisis & Reputation Management

• Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to establish robust crisis communication strategies that align with IJM’s values and voice.

• Develop messaging frameworks that proactively address risks, ensuring organizational reputation is preserved.

• Act as the primary PR lead during crises, supporting the development of internal and external responses, working closely with leadership, the global sec