Media Relations and Outreach Manager (Job ID: 2023-3278)

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.

Join the team at the Brookings Institution’s Economic Studies program (ES), and work with experts as they focus on addressing obstacles to long-term economic growth and opportunity. ES 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 the labor market, regulation, health policy, and fiscal and monetary policy. ES 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 at least two days of remote work each week.

Vaccine Policy: Brookings requires all staff to submit proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19 to be in Brookings buildings.  

Individuals that (i) have a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a COVID-19 vaccination, or (ii) who object to being vaccinated based on a sincerely held religious belief, may request a reasonable accommodation.  Brookings policies on masks and other pandemic mitigation measures will continue to be informed by DC and CDC guidelines.   

Please note: This position is part of the union (Brookings United) and subject to the terms of the Memorandum of Agreement. 

Ready to contribute to Brookings success?

The Media Relations and Outreach Manager is responsible for supporting the Senior Director of Communications and External Engagement 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 frames and messages to promote ES research and events and maximize the impact of the program’s work.

Media Relations (50%)

• 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.
• Builds target audiences through proactive media outreach and by establishing relationships with reporters from relevant publications.
• Establishes relationships with top-tier opinion editors to increase placement of ES commentary in various news outlets.
• Consistently updates ES media lists to reflect editorial staff and beat changes.
• Identifies opportunities to react to breaking news and offer 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; responds to questions and concerns with poise and professionalism.
• 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 projects and experts.
• Produces a daily report on media coverage to share with ES scholars and staff.

Stakeholder Outreach (40%)

• Builds and maintains policymaker and other stakeholder lists for ES research priorities.
• Works with the Senior Events Manager to build stakeholder lists for ES events.
• Works with scholars on outreach to key stakeholders on the Hill, in state and local government, the executive branch, financial and regulatory agencies, the business community, and other academics.
• Develops framing and key messages to aid the promotion of ES research and events, helping to maximize their policy impact.
• Coordinate with Brookings Central Communications as needed to align ES stakeholder outreach and strategies with Institution-wide goals.

Social Media (10%)

• Implement ES’s social media outreach plans on Twitter, including daily promotion, event-based live Tweeting, and long-term audience-building and engagement campaigns.
• Elevate and track the presence of ES scholars across social media channels.
• Provide training and strategic advice to scholars on social media best practices.
• Maintain core audiences within ES’s current best practices and pitch creative methods to expand core audiences and better engage key stakeholders.
• Engage with journalists on Twitter as part of our media relations strategy.
• Help create social media toolkits for ES program staff and scholars, which include key instructions, handles, hashtags, sample Tweets, and graphics.
• Coordinate with Central Communications promotions efforts with other Brookings programs and the Central Communications office.

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 modern 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 US.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements:

Basic knowledge of MS Word and Excel required; ability to learn database systems. Strong organization, high initiative, strong interpersonal skills. Discretion, poise, mature judgment; ability to work in a fast-paced environment; articulate; strong writing 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.

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.  We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, 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.