Job description
Who we are
Semafor is a global news platform for an increasingly complex world in which consumers are overwhelmed by too many news sources and unsure what to trust. We are building Semafor to enable world-class journalists to deliver reporting and insights with rigor in journalistic forms that ensure a new level of transparency. Our editors and reporters distill the most important stories from all over in formats that uncover the forces shaping the stories, explain the interests behind polarizing narratives, and replenish the stock of shared facts. As a global platform, Semafor recognizes that smart people can disagree and that informed readers need to understand alternative points of view from competing centers of power and culture in a multi-polar world. Want to join us? Read on.
About this Role
The Director, Public Affairs Partnerships will be responsible for identifying, developing, and managing key partnerships with media organizations, advertisers, public affairs firms, policy influencers, content distributors, and technology providers. This role requires not only strong business development expertise and strategic vision but also deep knowledge of the Washington, DC public affairs ecosystem- including policy decision-makers, agencies, advocacy groups, and the competitive media landscape that shapes the conversation in the nation’s capital. The individual will work closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure partnership success and growth, particularly within the DC market.
Your Responsibilities
- Partnership Development: Build and expand partnerships with organizations in the DC public affairs and policy community, including national advertisers, agencies, trade associations, and advocacy groups, alongside key media partners.
- Revenue Growth: Drive revenue through new and existing partnerships by structuring deals that generate business value and audience expansion.
- Market Analysis: Conduct ongoing competitive analysis with a focus on Washington DC news publishers, regulatory developments, and the policy communications environment to identify partnership opportunities.Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with sales, marketing, editorial, and product teams to ensure seamless integration and execution of partnerships.
- Negotiation & Contract Management: Support the structuring and negotiation of partnership agreements, ensuring compliance and mutually beneficial terms.
- Performance Metrics & Reporting: Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure partnership success, providing insights and recommendations to leadership.
- Client & Stakeholder Management: Maintain strong relationships not just with advertisers and partners, but also with key DC influencers and power centers who drive decision-making in public policy and regulation.
- Strategic Adjustments: Monitor and refine partnership strategies to adapt to changing market conditions and business needs.
- Event & Conference Representation: Represent the company at Washington policy forums, regulatory summits, and public affairs industry events, in addition to broader media and business conferences.
What makes you qualified
10+ years of experience in strategic partnerships, business development, or related fields within media, digital publishing, advertising, or public affairs-with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
Proven track record of securing and managing high-impact partnerships across both commercial and policy/public affairs sectors.
Strong understanding of partnership structures, including licensing, sponsorships, affiliate programs, and joint ventures.
Strong understanding of the Washington, DC ecosystem, including:
- DC news publisher and competitive media landscape
- Public affairs and policy networks
Regulatory and legislative environments
Agency and advocacy group dynamics
Strong analytical skills and ability to leverage market research and competitive intelligence to drive decision-making.
Exceptional communication and negotiation skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
Proficiency in CRM and sales management tools (e.g., Salesforce, Boostr).
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics (KSAOs)
Knowledge:
- Strategic partnership development and execution in journalism, media, and/or digital publishing sectors.
- Public policy, advocacy, and regulatory landscapes in Washington, DC.
- Market research, competitive analysis, and audience insights to inform partnership strategies.
- Licensing, sponsorship, and affiliate business models.
- Digital marketing, content distribution, and advertising ecosystems.
- Contract negotiation and regulatory compliance for partnerships.
Skills:
- Strong negotiation and deal-closing capabilities.
- Strategic planning and execution of partnership initiatives.
- Relationship-building and account management.
- Analytical and data-driven decision-making.
- Cross-functional collaboration and project management.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Abilities:
- Adaptability to dynamic business environments and evolving market conditions.
- Strong problem-solving skills to identify and address partnership challenges.
- Resilience and persistence in navigating complex negotiations and long sales cycles.
- Ability to manage multiple high-priority projects simultaneously.
- High emotional intelligence (EQ) to foster and maintain strong business relationships.
- Comfortable navigating and leveraging DC power centers, agency networks, and regulatory stakeholders to advance partnerships.
Other Characteristics:
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for innovation and growth.
- Comfortable working in a hybrid or remote setting with travel as needed.
- Passion for media, journalism, and the evolving digital content landscape.
Additional Job Details
This position is based in Washington DC at Semafor Headquarters.
Candidates must be willing to work flexible hours and frequently travel domestically and internationally as needed.
Comprehensive employee benefits: unlimited PTO, medical, dental, vision, short & long-term disability, flexible spending, health savings accounts, life insurance, 401(k), pre-Tax commuter benefits.
Salary Range: Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, etc. Base: $160,000 - $180,000 per year.
Additional job details
Semafor offers a Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) policy to our full-time, salaried employees who may take paid time off as-needed without a prescribed limit or defined balance.
Semafor, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and enthusiastically encourages people from all backgrounds and experiences to apply. Semafor, Inc. will consider all applicants without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical and/or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
