Media Relations and Outreach Manager (Job ID: 2025-3707)

Overview

Join one of the most influential, most quoted and most trusted think tanks!  

The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC. Our mission is to conduct in-depth research that leads to new ideas for solving problems facing society at the local, national and global level.  

We bring together leading experts in government and academia from all over the world, rooted in open-minded inquiry and representing diverse points of view, who provide the highest quality research, policy recommendations, and analysis. Research topics cover a full range of public policy issues in economics, foreign policy, development, governance and metropolitan policy. 

With fair and transparent business practices, clear communication, mutual respect, and a collaborative atmosphere that offers both professional and personal development opportunities, Brookings offers an inclusive and welcoming workplace that values the efforts of all contributors. 

The Economic Studies program analyzes current and emerging economic issues facing the United States and the world and, based on that research, provides innovative, practical policy recommendations. ES’s work covers a broad array of economic issues, including economic growth, economic opportunity and mobility, the labor market, regulation, health policy, the environment, tax policy, retirement policy, and fiscal and monetary policy. Economic Studies scholars influence key economic policies by conducting rigorous and relevant research and then disseminating and communicating their findings to the policy community and to the broader public.

Position Location: This position is hybrid. Hybrid positions combine regular in-person presence at our Washington, DC office with the option of two days of remote work each week.  

Please Note: This position is included in the staff bargaining unit, Brookings United, affiliated with the IFPTE Local 70 union, and is covered under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement. 

Responsibilities

Ready to contribute to Brookings success? 

The Media Relations and Outreach Manager is responsible for supporting the Director of Communications in the development of the Economic Studies (ES) program’s media relations and stakeholder outreach strategies and the day-to-day implementation of those strategies. Using subject matter knowledge and editorial expertise, the Media Relations and Outreach Manager develops messages and materials to promote ES research, events, and experts to maximize the impact and visibility of the program’s work.

Media Relations (60%)

• Works with the Communications Director to develop strategies for increasing coverage of ES research, experts, and events in support of the program’s impact goals; helps document strategies and establish benchmark goals as part of the ES communication team’s strategic planning process.

• Manages day-to-day implementation of the program’s media relations strategy by pitching new research and events, positioning ES scholars as experts available for comment, forming new relationships with members of the media, and responding to media inquiries in a timely manner.

• Works with ES research staff to develop strategies for elevating their media presence as desired, including media trainings, and prepares briefing materials ahead of interviews.

• Builds target audiences through proactive media outreach and by establishing relationships with reporters from relevant news outlets and producers from multimedia channels.

• Expands target audiences through proactive media outreach and by establishing relationships with reporters from relevant news outlets and producers from multimedia channels.

• Establishes relationships with top-tier opinion editors to increase placement of ES commentary; assists in the drafting and pitching of op-eds and other commentary.

• Consistently updates ES media lists to reflect editorial staff and beat changes.

• Identifies opportunities to react to breaking news and offers our experts for interviews and comments.

• Drafts press releases or media advisories where appropriate for the release of new research, books, or ES Institutional announcements.

• Publicizes events to members of the media, driving awareness and capturing news made during events.

• Interacts with members of the media at public and private ES events, responding to questions and acting as a source of information as appropriate.

• Monitors news trends on social media and develop strategies for promoting ES experts and their research where appropriate.

• Monitors print, online and broadcast media for coverage that includes mention of ES work and experts.

• Produces a daily report on media coverage to share with ES scholars and staff.

Stakeholder Outreach (30%)

• Works with the Senior Events Manager to build stakeholder lists for ES events.

• Assists with outreach to key stakeholders on Capitol Hill, in state and local government, the executive branch, financial and regulatory agencies, the business community, other think tanks, and at academic institutions.

• Coordinates with Brookings Government Affairs team on stakeholder outreach and helps ES scholars utilize the GA team to promote their work.

• Coordinates with Brookings Central Communications as needed to align ES stakeholder outreach and strategies with Institution-wide goals.

Social Media (10%)

• Implements ES’s social media outreach plans, including daily promotion, event-based posting, and long-term audience-building and engagement campaigns.

• Elevates and tracks the presence of ES scholars across social media channels.

• Provides training and strategic advice to scholars on social media best practices.

• Engages with core audiences following ES’s current best practices and pitches creative methods to expand core audiences and better engage key stakeholders.

• Engages with journalists on social media as part of the program’s media relations strategy.

• Helps create social media toolkits for ES program staff and scholars, which include key instructions, handles, hashtags, sample content, and graphics.

• Coordinates with Central Communications and other Brookings programs on cross-program and Institution-wide promotional efforts.

Qualifications

Ready to make an impact? In this role, you will support Brookings values of collegiality, respect, inclusion, diversity and community, and bring the following qualifications: 

Education/Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required. Minimum five years of professional experience in a communications setting required, preferably in a non-profit, think tank, public relations agency, or other political/policy environment, and at least three years of related media relations experience required. Must have a strong understanding of the current media landscape and policy environment. Experience developing and implementing strategies to elevate an organization’s media presence and strengthen stakeholder relationships required. Experience using media databases such as Meltwater/Cision and contact management systems such as Leadership Connect; and experience using social media to engage key audiences preferred. Must have strong interest or experience in economic policy issues and ability to translate dense, technical content for broader audiences. Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

Basic knowledge of MS Office programs and ability to learn database systems required. Strong organizational and interpersonal skills; discretion, poise, and professional judgment; ability to work in a fast-paced environment; and strong writing and editing skills preferred.

Additional Information 

What can we offer you? Brookings provides a generous benefit package that is comprehensive and includes both traditional benefits and unique offerings. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision benefits, generous time off, and workplace flexibility. For more information, please visit Brookings Benefits.   

Brookings requires that all applicants submit a cover letter and resume. Please attach your cover letter and resume as one document when you apply. Please note: if you have applied to more than one Brookings job opening you should add a position-specific cover letter as a separate attachment. 

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment at Brookings. 

Brookings welcomes and celebrates diversity in all its forms, including diversity of experience, thought, and personal background.  We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, first generation college goers, and other factors protected by law. Brookings is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace. All selection decisions are based upon merit, skills, abilities and experience.