Head of Global Media and Public Relations

Plan International

Lead global media engagement for Plan International, driving visibility on girls' rights and humanitarian issues. Engage with the Leadership Team and coordinate responses during emergencies.

Posted 6/29/2026full-timeRemote • 🌎 Anywhere in the WorldLeadWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead and deliver a global media strategy that strengthens Plan International’s visibility, credibility and influence on girls’ rights and humanitarian issues
Identify and secure high-impact media opportunities that advance organisational priorities and shape public and policy conversations
Provide strategic communications leadership across advocacy, campaigns, research, partnerships, and programmes to maximise external impact
Lead the organisation’s global approach to reputation risk, issues management, and crisis communications across diverse and high-risk contexts
Advise the Leadership Team on high-profile, sensitive, and complex issues, providing clear, timely, and actionable guidance
Strengthen systems, protocols, and decision-making mechanisms to ensure an effective, coordinated response to reputational risk across the federation
Lead and coordinate global media engagement during major emergencies and humanitarian responses to aid fundraising appeals
Drive strong, aligned media engagement across the organisation
Monitor and interpret global trends, media narratives and external risks to inform organisational positioning and decision-making
Develop and embed global standards, guidance, and best practice for media engagement, crisis communications, and reputation management
Lead and develop a high-performing global media team, fostering collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Significant experience leading global media relations, securing coverage across international and mass media
Proven ability to design and deliver integrated global communications strategies
Experience working across diverse and high-risk contexts, particularly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America
Strong track record in crisis communications, including major emergencies and field deployment
Expertise in reputation risk management within complex, global organisations
Experience advising senior leaders on high-profile, sensitive issues
Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to shape influence and positioning
Proven experience in international and multicultural environments
Solid understanding of the international development sector, including gender equality and human rights systems
Experience developing global communications plans, policies, and best practice
Knowledge of safeguarding in humanitarian and development communications
Strong project management and prioritisation skills in fast-paced environments
Proven team leadership, coaching, and capability-building experience
Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication, and influencing skills
Strong collaboration skills across global, matrixed organisations
Effective negotiator and problem solver
Background in journalism, media, or communications (international development exposure desirable)
Fluent in English; additional languages an advantage.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health insurance
Flexible work arrangements
Professional development

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

Integrated Global Communications StrategiesGlobal Communications PlansMedia EngagementAnalytical ThinkingProject Management

Soft Skills

Team LeadershipCollaborationInfluencing SkillsNegotiationProblem Solving