Director of Entertainment Relations

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a prominent international humanitarian non-governmental organization (INGO) founded in 1933 at the behest of Albert Einstein. The organization operates in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, focusing on responding to the world's most severe humanitarian crises. The IRC's mission is to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to individuals affected by conflict and disaster. With a workforce dedicated to delivering lasting impact, the IRC aims to help millions regain control of their futures and strengthen their communities, embodying a force for humanity.

Job Overview:
The Director of Entertainment Relations is a pivotal role within the Marketing & Mobilization (M&M) team at the IRC. This position is responsible for developing and executing the IRC's strategy for engaging with celebrity voices, high-profile supporters, and influential figures in the entertainment, culture, and media sectors. The Director's primary goal is to elevate the organization's global profile, brand, and impact through innovative and creative engagement strategies. This role involves building and maintaining long-term relationships with artists, talent, and industry leaders to maximize opportunities for fundraising, advocacy, and awareness. The Director ensures that celebrity partners are well-informed about the IRC's mission and programs, enabling them to represent the organization authentically and effectively across various platforms. By continuously innovating the IRC's presence in the entertainment landscape, the Director plays a crucial role in increasing awareness and support for the IRC's work, ultimately contributing to the organization's ability to raise funds and influence policies that improve the lives of those affected by crises worldwide.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Director of Entertainment Relations has several key responsibilities, including:

• Building and stewarding strategic entertainment relationships by identifying, cultivating, and sustaining a diverse portfolio of internationally recognized artists, creators, and entertainment partners to support the IRC’s mission.
• Leading the strategic assessment and management of talent engagements, serving as the central decision-maker for organization-wide talent engagement requests, balancing short-term opportunities with long-term relationship stewardship.
• Collaborating with internal teams such as Digital Engagement, Creative & Marketing, and Fundraising to translate talent strategy into effective activations.
• Advising on resource requirements, timelines, and complexities of engaging high-profile supporters, ensuring that talent activations are operationally sound and creatively compelling.
• Evaluating outcomes of talent engagements and sharing insights with internal stakeholders to strengthen institutional knowledge and future strategies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Director of Entertainment Relations position must possess a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience, along with a minimum of 10 years in entertainment-related fields. The ideal candidate should demonstrate a proven ability to work creatively and effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, representing the IRC with excellence. Strong interpersonal skills are essential for fostering collaborative outcomes, and candidates must have strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively represent the organization to senior entertainment collaborators. Additionally, the ability to perform under pressure, adapt to change, and mentor team members is crucial.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s Degree is required for this position, with a preference for candidates who have pursued studies related to communications, marketing, public relations, or a similar field that aligns with the responsibilities of engaging with entertainment and cultural figures.

Experience:
The position requires at least 10 years of experience in entertainment-related fields, with a demonstrated ability to build and sustain long-term relationships with high-profile talent and influencers. Candidates should have a track record of successful engagement strategies and the ability to navigate the complexities of the entertainment industry.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential given the nature of the role. Additional language skills may be beneficial for engaging with a diverse range of international artists and cultural figures.

Additional Notes:
The position is hybrid, requiring the candidate to be willing to travel as needed. The role reports to the Senior Director of Experiential Marketing and directly supervises the Officer of Entertainment and Influencer Relations. The compensation for this position is based on various factors, including labor market conditions, job type, and individual candidate experience. The IRC offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based candidates, including paid time off, medical and dental insurance, a retirement savings plan, and an Employee Assistance Program. The IRC is committed to equal opportunity employment and considers all applicants based on merit without regard to protected characteristics.