Director, Communications & Awards

About the role

The Director, Communications & Awards leads Searchlight Pictures’ brand and film positioning across press and industry channels. Reporting to the Co‑Heads of National Publicity and working with the VP of Communications for The Walt Disney Studios, this senior leader drives strategic communications, media relationships, and awards initiatives to keep Searchlight projects highly visible.

Key responsibilities

• Set and maintain Searchlight’s corporate brand strategy and positioning in collaboration with senior publicity executives.
• Develop and execute award‑season strategies and media campaigns with internal and external stakeholders.
• Hire, manage, and provide feedback to production notes writers, ensuring high‑quality materials.
• Oversee film synopses across release windows to evolve positioning.
• Field press inquiries, secure coverage in trade and industry outlets, and nurture press relationships.
• Coordinate with the Studios Corporate Communications team on announcements, leaks, and crisis management.
• Draft executive talking points, panel remarks, conference presentations, and box‑office positioning statements.
• Manage awards budgets, analyze performance, and communicate adjustments to publicity, media, and events teams.

Required profile

• Proven leadership in communications, publicity, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience managing media relationships and award‑season campaigns.
• Ability to collaborate with senior executives and cross‑functional teams.
• Strong editorial judgment for production notes, synopses, and executive messaging.

Required skills