Director, Public Relations

Job Description

Job Description

Why join our team?

With a mission that spans the globe, the USO provides a rewarding and fulfilling work environment. Our team is exceptional, and we offer generous paid time off, including volunteer days and military leave. We have a remarkable 401k match, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for training and education reimbursement. Our team members are passionate about putting the mission first, and we have a lot of fun while doing it. Working for the USO isn't just a job – it's a calling, and we believe in doing what you love and loving what you do.

A Certified Great Place to Work®

Don’t just take our word for it—our people have spoken. According to the Great Place to Work® 2025–2026 survey:

• 96% feel good about how we support the community
• 94% are proud to tell others they work at the USO
• 92% say their work has special meaning—it’s not “just a job”
• 91% felt welcomed from day one
• Over 88% agree all employees are treated fairly, regardless of race or gender

The Director, Public Relations serves as the point person for the USO worldwide and is responsible for strategic and tactical public relations initiatives that reach key external audiences. Additionally, leads and organizes work and processes that advance the public’s recognition of the USO’s mission, and increases admiration for and loyalty to the USO brand. The position reports to the Vice President, Communications.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (*Essential Duties)

• Leads the organization’s external PR activities to support strategic priorities of the organization; its functions including media relations, thought leadership, regional communications, and support for marketing campaigns.
• Set strategy to raise awareness of the USO and broaden the organization’s base of support through media engagements and thought leadership programs.
• Support departmental, marketing, social media, community engagement, and public affairs campaigns and initiatives. Provide media guidance to regional staff.
• Oversee the development, execution, and oversight of all press materials including, but not limited to, the USO’s digital presence among the media (including USO.org’s Media Room section), press releases, fact sheets, and other relevant documents and information.
• Identify opportunities for community engagement, thought leadership, and other platforms for USO visibility and awareness.
• Oversee and ensure coordination of media strategies and activities across the organization, ensuring external message and program consistency.
• Work with various department colleagues to develop PR plans and tactics to meet specific organizational and departmental goals and priorities.
• Plan media training for field staff, C-Suite and Board members as needed to support organizational goals.
• Establish and maintain working relationships with the press to include major newspapers, online media outlets, podcasts, TV, radio, and magazines.
• Coordinate with Development team to design and execute press plans around USO corporate partner and major donor initiatives worldwide. Review and respond to media requests for information.
• Establish, maintain, and report PR goals and metrics for the Dept.
• Draft documents and collateral material in support of external and internal communications programs and campaigns.
• Serve as a resource and technical advisor, overseeing media events, developing guidelines for media relationships, providing training materials, targeted message development and PR plans for USO field staff.
• Assist in conducting market research, audience development, project management and budget coordination for a large volume and wide variety of PR initiatives.
• Manage, grow, and protect the USO brand within its functional areas and oversight, including establishing guidance for working with the media, thought leadership programs, and other initiatives.
• Lead, manage, and mentor PR team including Managers, and Specialists. Manage the day-to-day with our PR AOR and vendor relationships.

• Other duties as assigned.

Job Specifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations or related field. Master’s Degree preferred.
• 10+ years progressive work experience in a communications or public relations leadership or management role, including 5+ years in a supervisory capacity. Relevant experience in a not-for-profit, military, multicultural and/or global organization preferred.
• Must be a strong writer who can draft and edit clean copy for C-suite, Board of Governors, external, and internal audiences.
• Strong working knowledge of media relations thought leadership program development, organizational communications, public relations tactics, strategic communications, crisis management, and project management. Ability to develop, promote, test, and improve on new preferred concepts.
• Demonstrated ability to create and lead high-performing teams. Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and achieve desired results through others.
• Strong interpersonal, presentation, and problem-solving skills. Ability to interact with USO Leadership, the general public and military audiences at a variety of levels with integrity and professionalism.
• Demonstrated initiative/self-motivation, with the ability to adapt quickly and easily to changing organizational needs.
• Proficiency in using computers and electronics equipment. Working knowledge of various software, applications, and programs including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to obtain and maintain proper credentials necessary to access USO Center locations and facilities including but not limited to security, credit and/or background screening, or valid driver’s license.
• Must be a strong advocate of the USO’s mission.

Details

• This position is located in Arlington, VA. Preference will be given to local candidates within commuting distance to the location.
• Resume and cover letter are required for full consideration.
• Background check – education, criminal and driving required.
• The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other areas to cover absences or relief to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.

If that’s not enough to convince you, here are some direct quotes from employees:

• The organization truly cares about the people who work here.
• There is great consideration given and extended in the following areas: organizational core values for all, work-life balance, impact we can actually see (and even experience as a staff member- the feeling of making an impact is priceless), autonomy with respect to current position within the organization.
• Everyone is friendly and easy to talk to. We collaborate well together and share ideas and interests to create fun activities for our overall goal in the community. I couldn't think of a better organization to work for.
• The mission alone provides a positive and meaningful purpose, where people should want to work and be a part of. Most of the people who work for the USO and volunteer for the USO have giving hearts and want to make a difference. This also makes the organization a place where people would want to work.
• The mission and opportunities to make a Difference are amazing. There is no doubt that the USO is one of the most forward-facing, frontline serving nonprofits that I know of.

Apply today. Join the mission. Join Team USO.