Melanie Sara Robbins
Melanie Robbins (She/Her) is a strategist, media advisor, and operator specializing in policy, narrative, and public communication. She currently serves as Chief of Staff to Ahmed Toulad al-Khatib, a role she has held for approximately 18 months, where she manages internal operations, provides strategic policy analysis, writes and publishes on Middle East issues—particularly Israel and Palestine—coordinates high-volume political engagements and conferences, and travels frequently for diplomatic meetings and international events. In addition, Melanie is Deputy Director of Realign for Palestine at the Atlantic Council and co-founder of Blue Hills Strategy Group, an Emmy-nominated consultancy focused on media, strategy, and communications. Her work seamlessly integrates policy, narrative, and media strategy, translating complex political issues into clear public messaging and durable institutional impact.
With over a decade of experience spanning nonprofit policy, international relations, and media production, Melanie has built a reputation for leadership, innovation, and strategic vision. She has lived and worked in Israel, collaborating with Jewish-Palestinian educational organizations and the peace movement Peace Now, and has led projects and tours in the West Bank and Bethlehem that contributed to academic research. Melanie has also produced Emmy-nominated content for PBS Kids’ Alma’s Way, managed multi-million-dollar budgets, and built public-facing platforms that engage policymakers, media, and broad audiences simultaneously. Her early professional formation includes advocacy work with Human Rights Watch and research support for the late sociologist Dr. Saad Eddin Ibrahim during the Arab Spring.
Melanie holds a Master’s in Security and Diplomacy from Tel Aviv University and a BA in Political Science, Middle East Studies, and Women & Gender Studies from Drew University, graduating magna cum laude. She is certified in management, project cycle management, and is a trained anti-bias facilitator. Throughout her career, she has been recognized with an Emmy nomination, the Anti-Defamation League Innovation Award, and multiple leadership honors. Beyond her professional achievements, Melanie is deeply committed to building relationships across lines of conflict, advancing human security and women’s empowerment, and promoting thoughtful, credible discourse on some of the world’s most complex and high-stakes political challenges.
• Completed Bullet Proof Manager Leadership Development Program
• Drew University - BA, Political Science
• Innovation Challenge Award
• Synagogue Active Member
• Project Yaakar
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my passion for helping others and advancing meaningful work in foreign policy and media. Receiving an Emmy nomination for my production work and an Innovation Award from the Anti-Defamation League has been incredibly rewarding, but the real fulfillment comes from engaging with people and initiatives around the world. My extensive travel for events and diplomatic meetings has broadened my perspective, and I am now focused on leveraging my experience to grow my own nonprofit and create lasting impact.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that you truly can make a difference in the lives of others. Keeping that perspective has guided my work in foreign policy, media, and nonprofit leadership, reminding me that impact comes from both strategic decisions and meaningful human connection.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is that you, too, can make a meaningful difference—never give up on your vision or your work. I’ve found that persistence, passion, and dedication are essential, and I’m especially excited about the project I’m currently leading, which reinforces how much impact one can have when staying committed to important work.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges and opportunities in my field right now is balancing the many demands of professional and personal life. The work often requires multitasking across high-stakes projects, media strategy, policy analysis, and international engagement, while also maintaining commitments at home. Learning to navigate these responsibilities effectively not only strengthens resilience but also creates opportunities to grow as a leader and make a meaningful impact.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are presence, commitment, and balance. I strive to be fully engaged in my professional responsibilities while also being there for my four children and life partner, ensuring that I contribute meaningfully both at home and in the impact I create through my work.