Director, Publicity (ABC News)

Job Summary:

Director, Publicity  will manage media relations for ABC News’ Washington DC Bureau, including supporting DC-based events and initiatives, key news talent and executives, and leading program publicity efforts for the Emmy® Award winning “This Week with George Stephanopoulos,”  ABC News’ pre-eminent, top-rated Sunday public affairs program, featuring newsmaker interviews and dynamic roundtable discussions and debates on a wide range of global issues and politics.

This role will work closely with the ABC News’ SVP and the VP of Communications & Publicity in NYC as well as the DC Bureau Chief to serve as a primary point of contact with media for DC-based communications efforts.

Additionally, this role will work closely with the Executive Producer and team for " This Week with George Stephanopoulos” on all media outreach and program publicity for the program, including announcing and promoting weekly guests, servicing transcripts, positioning weekly program ratings and creating an overall strategy for the public affairs show based on priorities and opportunities. 

As such, the role also interacts with external program guests and their representatives and would require working in-person Wednesday-Sunday, with Monday and Tuesdays off. 

Responsibilities: 

• Serve as a primary point of contact with media and spokesperson for ABC News’ DC Bureau, executives and talent
• Work with DC-based correspondents and producers to ensure their exclusives and stories are amplified externally
• Develop and facilitate publicity opportunities for DC-based anchors/hosts/correspondents, including pitching and covering interviews, features, speaking engagements or panels
• Help lead planning efforts on all DC-based events including the White House Correspondents Dinner, program screenings and more
• Support political coverage which can include election coverage, polling and more 
• Draft relevant press materials including releases, remarks, talking points, messaging and more
• Develop strategies to implement, manage and broaden social media impact via PR channels and work closely with program and ABC News social teams
• Partner with Human Resources and DC Bureau Chief on any internal employee events and communications for bureau

Required Experience:

• At least 10 years of experience in public relations, corporate communications, or related field
• Proven experience developing and executing publicity strategies in a fast-paced environment
• Strong track record of securing earned media coverage
• Experience supporting high-profile talent and executives
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends in support of news cycles (Wednesday-Sunday schedule)
• Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent work experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in news, political, or broadcast media environments 
• Strong understanding of the political landscape and DC media ecosystem
• Established relationships with national and political press

The hiring range for this position in Washington, D.C. is $135,800.00 to $186,600.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.