Associate Director of Media Relations

4 weeks ago

Washington, United States Cato Institute Full time
Job DescriptionJob DescriptionDescription:


The Cato Institute seeks an experienced and dynamic Associate Director of Media Relations to join our communications team. This role is essential in shaping and amplifying Cato’s voice in public policy debates, helping to disseminate the Institute’s research, analysis, and perspectives across various media channels. The Associate Director will report to the Executive Director of Communications and oversee the Media Coordinator position.


This is a hybrid position in Washington, DC.


About Cato


The Cato Institute is a public policy research organization – a think tank – dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace. Its scholars and analysts conduct independent, nonpartisan research on a wide range of policy issues.


Founded in 1977, Cato owes its name to Cato’s Letters, a series of essays published in 18th-century England that presented a vision of a society free from excessive government power. Those essays inspired the architects of the American Revolution. And the simple, timeless principles of that revolution – individual liberty, limited government, and free markets – turn out to be even more powerful in today’s world of global markets and unprecedented access to information than Jefferson or Madison could have imagined. Social and economic freedom is not just the best policy for a free people, it is the indispensable framework for the future.


The Cato Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.


Key Responsibilities:

  • Media Strategy Development: Work closely with the Executive Director of Communications to develop and implement media strategies that align with Cato’s mission and objectives.
  • Media Outreach: Proactively cultivate and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, producers, and other media professionals to secure coverage in major national and international outlets.
  • Content Promotion: Assist with the promotion of Cato’s research, reports, and events, ensuring that key findings and messages reach targeted audiences through traditional and digital media.
  • Press Materials: Draft, review, and distribute press releases, op-eds, statements, and other media materials.
  • Media Practice: Provide media practice and support to Cato’s scholars, preparing them for interviews, press conferences, and other media appearances.
  • Crisis Communication: Assist in managing the organization’s response to media inquiries during high-profile or sensitive situations, ensuring consistent messaging and timely responses.
  • Monitoring and Analysis: Track media coverage and report on the effectiveness of media outreach efforts. Provide regular updates to senior leadership on media engagement metrics.
  • Event Promotion: Coordinate media coverage for Cato events, including conferences, panel discussions, and webinars, ensuring robust media presence and post-event coverage.
  • Social Media Integration: Collaborate with the digital communications team to integrate media outreach with social media strategies, enhancing Cato’s online presence and engagement.
  • Team Leadership: Oversee the Media Coordinator, providing guidance, mentorship, and support to ensure the successful execution of media relations activities.
Requirements:
  • Education: A bachelor’s degree in communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field. An advanced degree is a plus.
  • Experience: A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in media relations, public relations, or communications, preferably within a think tank, public policy organization, or similar environment.
  • Preferred Experience: Experience inside a newsroom and/or with public relations work and an understanding of libertarian principles and Cato’s mission is preferred.
  • Media Relationships: Strong network of contacts within the media industry, particularly in political and policy-oriented media.
  • Communication Skills: Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills. Ability to convey complex ideas clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
  • Writing Experience: Candidates should have significant writing experience and will be asked to share examples and/or participate in a writing test prior to being hired.
  • Strategic Thinking: Proven ability to develop and execute effective media strategies that align with organizational goals.
  • Crisis Management: Experience handling high-pressure situations and managing crisis communications effectively.
  • Digital Media Savvy: Familiarity with social media platforms and their use in media relations and public engagement.
  • Leadership: Experience managing or mentoring junior staff members.

Benefits

All Cato employees are provided:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Employer contribution to a Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Generous vacation and sick days
  • Paid parental leave
  • Employer-provided life and disability insurance
  • 401(k) employer match
  • Transit/ Parking benefits
  • Pet discount plan

  • Senior Director/Director, Media Relations

    6 days ago

    Washington, United States Public Relations Society of America’s National Capital Chapter Full time

    The American Gaming Association (AGA) seeks a Senior Director/Director, Media Relations to manage the AGA’s earned media efforts. As an integral member of the strategic communications team, the senior director/director is primarily responsible for advancing the industry through trade, regional and national media engagement.Reporting to the senior vice...

  • Media Relations Associate

    1 week ago

    Washington, Washington, D.C., United States Americans for Financial Reform Education Fund (AFREF) Full time

    Position OverviewJoin our mission to ensure accountability in the financial sector and advocate for consumer rights. The Americans for Financial Reform Education Fund (AFREF) is on the lookout for a Media Relations Associate to assist in executing our media and communication initiatives that support our campaigns aimed at enhancing consumer protections,...

  • Director of Media Relations

    2 months ago

    Washington, United States Institute for Women's Policy Research Full time

    Job DescriptionJob DescriptionWe Are The Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) is the nation’s preeminent think tank committed to achieving economic equity for women and eliminating structural and institutional barriers to women’s full participation in the workforce and society.IWPR’s mission is to build knowledge and evidence to support...

  • Media Relations Associate

    3 weeks ago

    Washington, United States The Encompass Group Full time

    We are seeking a dynamic Media Relations Associate to join a top-ten think tank in Washington, DC. As a moderate right-leaning nonprofit focused on research related to foreign, domestic, and political policy, our firm offers unparalleled opportunities for career advancement, with many alumni moving on to roles within the White House. In this role, you'll...

  • Media Relations Associate

    3 weeks ago

    Washington, United States The Encompass Group Full time

    We are seeking a dynamic Media Relations Associate to join a top-ten think tank in Washington, DC. As a moderate right-leaning nonprofit focused on research related to foreign, domestic, and political policy, our firm offers unparalleled opportunities for career advancement, with many alumni moving on to roles within the White House. In this role, you'll...

  • Chief of Media Relations

    1 week ago

    Washington, United States Congressional Budget Office Full time

    The Chief of Media Relations will be a part of the Director of Legislative and Public Affairs' team to disseminate its analysis as clearly and accurately as possible and to provide the Congress with objective, nonpartisan analysis. Key responsibilities will include:- Proactively engaging with media outlets and responding to external inquiries about CBO...

  • Senior Media Relations Manager

    3 months ago

    Washington, United States Strauss Media Strategies, Inc. Full time

    Strauss Media Strategies is looking for a senior media relations professional to join growing team of experts. The individual will work with team members across the country on projects ranging from tech to environmental to book authors to automotive and beyond. Our clients range from independent book authors to global technology firms, from small non-profits...

  • Senior Media Relations Manager

    3 months ago

    Washington, United States Strauss Media Strategies, Inc. Full time

    Strauss Media Strategies is looking for a senior media relations professional to join growing team of experts. The individual will work with team members across the country on projects ranging from tech to environmental to book authors to automotive and beyond. Our clients range from independent book authors to global technology firms, from small non-profits...

  • Lead Media Relations Strategist

    1 week ago

    Washington, United States Strauss Media Strategies, Inc. Full time

    Strauss Media Strategies, Inc. is seeking a seasoned media relations expert to become part of our expanding team of specialists. This role involves collaboration with colleagues nationwide on diverse projects that span various sectors including technology, environmental issues, literature, and automotive industries.Our clientele includes a wide array of...

  • Senior Media Relations Manager

    1 week ago

    Washington, Washington, D.C., United States Cato Institute Full time

    Position OverviewThe Cato Institute is in search of a seasoned and proactive Senior Media Relations Manager to enhance our communications initiatives. This pivotal role focuses on refining and promoting Cato's narrative in the public policy arena, facilitating the dissemination of our research and insights through diverse media platforms. The Senior Media...

  • Director of Earned Media

    2 months ago

    Washington, Washington, D.C., United States Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Full time

    The Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is one of the nation's leading national racial justice legal organizations. Formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy, the Lawyers' Committee uses legal advocacy to achieve racial justice, fighting inside and outside the courts to ensure that Black people and other people of color have the...

  • Senior Media Relations Manager

    1 week ago

    Washington, Washington, D.C., United States American Oversight Full time

    American Oversight - Senior Media Relations ManagerAmerican Oversight (AO) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit watchdog organization committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and democracy by upholding the public's right to access government records. Since its inception, AO has been instrumental in holding public officials accountable by acquiring and...

  • Media Relations Coordinator

    1 week ago

    Washington, Washington, D.C., United States Mayor's Office of Talent and Appointments (MOTA) Full time

    Job OverviewPOSITION: Media Relations CoordinatorOFFICE: Mayor's Office of Talent and Appointments (MOTA)GRADE: Excepted Service, Grade 5SALARY: $72,586.32INTRODUCTIONThis role is situated within the Mayor's Office of Talent and Appointments, focusing on effective communication strategies. The Media Relations Coordinator will collaborate closely with the...

  • Director of Earned Media

    3 months ago

    Washington, United States LAWYERS' COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS UNDER LAW Full time

    Job DescriptionJob DescriptionThe Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is one of the nation’s leading national racial justice legal organizations. Formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy, the Lawyers’ Committee uses legal advocacy to achieve racial justice, fighting inside and outside the courts to ensure that Black people...

  • Association Director of Communications

    1 week ago

    Washington, United States YMCA of Metropolitan Washington Full time

    YMCA of Metropolitan Washington - Association Director of Communications Are you ready to make a profound impact in your community? The YMCA of Metropolitan Washington is a cornerstone of our community, dedicated to empowering individuals, strengthening families, and fostering healthy, inclusive neighborhoods. We're looking for an engaging and innovative...

  • Editorial Fellow, Media and Public Relations

    2 days ago

    Washington, United States The Heritage Foundation Full time

    Title: Editorial Fellow, Media and Public Relations Reports to: Director, Media and Public Relations Job Summary: The Editorial Fellowship is a year-long training program focused on editing and drafting op-eds to ensure priority projects are executed in a timely manner to expected editorial standards. This position requires working with research departments...

  • Public Policy Intern

    4 days ago

    Washington, Washington, D.C., United States NAFSA Association of International Educators Full time

    Position OverviewNAFSA: Association of International Educators stands as the premier organization dedicated to the promotion of international education and exchange. This esteemed association offers a wealth of professional development opportunities, fosters research initiatives, and hosts conferences that encourage collaborative discussions.The Public...

  • Digital Media Director

    2 weeks ago

    Washington, United States Foundation for Defense of Democracies Full time

    Job DescriptionJob DescriptionDigital Media DirectorThe Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) seeks to hire a highly motivated, experienced communications professional to lead the organization's digital media team and drive FDD's multimedia strategy via impactful digital content. This individual must have extensive knowledge of policy...

  • Digital Media Director

    3 months ago

    Washington, United States Foundation for Defense of Democracies Full time

    Job DescriptionJob DescriptionDigital Media DirectorThe Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) seeks to hire a highly motivated, experienced communications professional to lead the organization's digital media team and drive FDD's multimedia strategy via impactful digital content. This individual must have extensive knowledge of policy...

  • Director of Digital Media

    1 month ago

    Washington, United States LAWYERS' COMMITTEE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS UNDER LAW Full time

    Job DescriptionJob DescriptionThe Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is one of the nation’s leading national racial justice legal organizations. Formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy, the Lawyers’ Committee uses legal advocacy to achieve racial justice, fighting inside and outside the courts to ensure that Black people...