Our Mission in Action 

Trees play a vital role in solving some of the most pressing issues facing our communities, our society, and our world today. For 150 years, American Forests has stood boldly at the forefront of the conservation movement, working collaboratively and innovatively to ensure that all people have access to the benefits of trees. As we look ahead to the next 150, continued collective action will be essential to securing a healthy, climate-resilient future for all. 

To support this work, American Forests is seeking a creative, driven, and highly strategic Director, Media Relations to help shape and elevate the organization’s public presence at a critical moment for forests, climate, and communities. This role is ideal for a media professional who thrives on generating ambitious earned media, spotting fresh story angles, and building strong journalist relationships that translate complex issues into compelling narratives. 

What You'll Do

Reporting to the Vice President, Communications, the Director, Media Relations will lead day-to-day media strategy and execution – driving coverage that increases visibility for American Forests’ work, strengthens the organization’s brand, and positions the CEO and senior leaders as trusted, influential voices on forest restoration, wildfire and climate resilience, and urban forestry. This role will serve alongside a growing communications team, including storytelling and content professionals and external consultants.  

Key Responsibilities 

Earned Media Strategy & Execution 

• Develop and execute proactive media strategies that generate consistent, high-impact earned coverage across national, regional, trade, broadcast, and digital outlets.
• Identify timely, creative, and newsworthy story opportunities tied to American Forests’ programs, science, policy priorities, partnerships, and on-the-ground impact.
• Pitch and place stories, op-eds, interviews, and broadcast segments that elevate the organization’s profile and advance strategic priorities.
• Track media trends and the news cycle to rapidly identify opportunities for thought leadership and rapid response.

CEO & Leadership Visibility 

• Serve as a key partner in elevating the visibility and influence of the CEO and senior leaders.
• Prepare media briefs, talking points, backgrounders, and interview materials to support high-profile media engagements.
• Coordinate interviews, press events, and media opportunities tied to announcements, campaigns, and major milestones.
• Support leaders in developing a confident, compelling, and disciplined media presence.

Media Relationships & Reputation 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with reporters, editors, producers, and influencers across relevant beats, including climate, environment, policy, business, and philanthropy.
• Act as a primary point of contact for media inquiries, ensuring responsiveness, accuracy, and strategic alignment.
• Support crisis and issues communications efforts in coordination with the VP, Communications, helping protect and strengthen organizational credibility.

Collaboration & Integration 

• Work closely with colleagues across communications, programs, policy, and development to surface stories and ensure alignment across earned, owned, and shared channels.
• Collaborate with storytelling, content, and digital teams to maximize the reach and impact of media coverage.
• Coordinate with external consultants or agencies as needed to extend capacity and expertise.

Measurement & Continuous Improvement 

• Track, analyze, and report on media performance, using data to refine strategies and demonstrate impact.
• Continuously test new approaches, outlets, and formats to expand reach and relevance.

What We're Looking For

• 7+ years of demonstrated experience in media relations, journalism, public relations, or strategic communications, with a strong track record of securing earned media, preferably in a nonprofit environment. 
• Proven ability to develop creative story ideas and translate complex subject matter into clear, compelling narratives.
• Strong media instincts and editorial judgment, with comfort operating in fast-moving news environments.
• Experience supporting executive-level spokespeople or senior leaders.
• Excellent writing skills and attention to detail.
• Highly organized, proactive, and collaborative, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Passion for mission-driven work and interest in climate, conservation, or environmental issues.

Working Conditions

This is a remote position based in the United States. Up to 10% of travel throughout the U.S. and/or to American Forests’ headquarters in Washington, D.C. may be required.  

This position requires the ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for extended periods and to operate a computer and other office equipment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to support individuals across the full range of abilities and experiences in performing the essential functions of the job. 

Compensation & Benefits

This is a full-time, salaried exempt position. The budgeted salary range is between $115,000 - 150,000. 

Why American Forests

American Forests is a national nonprofit conservation organization with a bold vision for restoring forests at the scale needed to address climate change, support biodiversity, and strengthen communities. Our work is driven by cutting‑edge forest science, strong policy engagement, and movement‑building efforts in collaboration with federal agencies, corporate partners, and local community leaders. We lead transformative, science‑based initiatives across the country, from advancing Tree Equity to ensure every neighborhood has the trees needed for health, safety, and climate resilience, to restoring forest ecosystems so they can adapt to climate change, store more carbon, protect water resources, and support wildlife. 

This role plays a critical role in ensuring this work is seen, understood, and valued by the public, the media, and key decision‑makers. It will shape how American Forests’ impact and leadership are communicated at a moment when the urgency for climate solutions and community resilience has never been greater.

American Forests is an equal opportunity employer. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. Reasonable accommodation may be made to provide access to all individuals along the continuum of human ability and experience. 

Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/LGBTQ+ Encouraged to Apply 

In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible State or local Agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information is also available in languages other than English.