Director Media Relations US

About the job

• Shape Rio Tinto’s media profile in the United States and connect major business, policy and operational stories across the Americas.
• Influence high-profile corporate communications, advise senior leaders and contribute an Americas perspective to global media strategy.
• Work from Washington, DC at the centre of the US media and public-affairs environment, partnering with teams across the United States, Canada and South America.

We’re Finding Better Ways™ to provide materials the world needs, now and in the future. Our values – care, courage and curiosity – guide how we work and how we treat each other.

About the role

We are looking for a Director, Media Relations, Americas to lead Rio Tinto’s media engagement in the United States and provide strategic support and coordination across Canada and South America.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Media Relations & Corporate Communications, you will connect national and regional narratives, policy developments and operational priorities so our communications are coordinated, credible and relevant in each market.

This is a hands-on senior media role with a strong US focus. You will build trusted relationships with influential journalists, identify compelling stories, prepare leaders, manage incoming media interest and respond quickly as issues emerge. You will also bring an integrated Americas perspective to Rio Tinto’s global media strategy and support major Group announcements and initiatives across the region.

What you’ll be doing

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Media Relations & Corporate Communications and partnering with Corporate Affairs, communications and external affairs teams across the Americas, you will be:

• Lead media relations strategy and execution in the United States across national business, financial, political and policy media, while coordinating priorities with teams in Canada and South America.
• Build and sustain relationships with reporters, editors, columnists and producers at leading US business and national news organisations, relevant trade outlets and regional media.
• Create earned-media opportunities that explain Rio Tinto’s businesses, investments, partnerships, technology, supply chains and contributions to communities and economies across the Americas.
• Align media engagement with US Corporate Affairs colleagues on federal policy and regulatory developments, using clear roles and disciplined messaging.
• Partner with asset and business communications teams across the Americas to connect local developments with national and international relevance, provide media counsel, and escalate emerging issues effectively.
• Act as a company spokesperson, manage inbound media enquiries and support significant or sensitive media matters with timely, accurate responses aligned with Group positions and disclosure requirements.
• Advise and prepare senior executives and subject-matter experts for interviews, editorial meetings, broadcast appearances, events and other high-profile external engagements.
• Monitor media, political and policy developments across the Americas, use media intelligence and audience insight to identify reputation risks and opportunities, and contribute regional perspectives to major Group announcements and global media campaigns.

About you

We’re looking for someone whose experience aligns with the key requirements below. You do not need to meet every “helpful for success” item to apply — if you bring relevant experience and are excited by the opportunity, we encourage you to submit an application.

Required for Success

• A commitment to the safety of yourself and your team.
• Demonstrated senior-level experience in media relations, corporate communications or journalism within a major corporation, complex industry or highly scrutinised policy environment.
• An established, current network across leading US business and national media, with demonstrated experience engaging top-tier reporters, editors and producers.
• Demonstrated understanding of the Washington media and public-affairs environment, including how business, federal policy, regulation and politics can shape corporate reputation.
• Experience developing and executing media strategies across multiple markets and partnering with government affairs, public affairs or Corporate Affairs teams while maintaining strong media-relations judgement.
• Demonstrated news judgement and writing capability, including translating technical, operational and policy topics into concise, credible messages and advising senior leaders during sensitive or rapidly evolving situations.

Helpful for Success

• Experience supporting communications for geographically dispersed operations or assets and balancing national, regional and local stakeholder contexts.
• Familiarity with Canadian and South American media landscapes and experience working across different political, cultural or regulatory environments.
• Business and financial literacy, with experience in mining, resources, energy, manufacturing, infrastructure or another industrial sector.
• Experience using media intelligence, coverage analysis and audience insights to improve earned-media targeting, messaging and effectiveness.

What we offer

We are committed to providing our employees with a generous benefits package. Be recognized for your contribution, your way of thinking, your hard work, and go home knowing you’ve helped the world progress, we provide:

• A safety-focused and inclusive working environment
• Advantageous salary package with annual cash incentive awards (STIP) for eligible employees
• Access to top-tier family-friendly health programs including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, and various voluntary benefits.
• Excellent retirement plan including up to 6% defined company contribution; Generous 401k matching program
• Generous Rio Tinto employee share program, which allows you to purchase Rio Tinto Company shares.
• Comprehensive leave policies which cover all moments that matter in life: PTO (paid time off), paid holidays, and paid bereavement leave.
• A favorable child-caregiver leave program (Up to 100% salary top-up)
• Discount programs for leisure purposes and access to Virgin Pulse with incentives supporting your wellbeing
• Ongoing Employee Assistance Program for you and your family; to help in addressing educational opportunities, addiction treatment, depression, stress, domestic issues, financial management, and legal concerns.
• Our team and industry experts are here to support and work with you to explore your learning potential and career goals

About Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.

We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs – striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can’t do it on our own, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.

Respect and Inclusion

Rio Tinto is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel safe, respected and valued. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome but are essential to our success. We treat all our people fairly and with dignity.

Rio Tinto participates in E- Verify to confirm work authorization. Please visit http://www.ucis.gov/ for more information.