Media Relations Manager (Job ID: 2024-3416) - The Brookings Institution

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 Office of Communications is a centralized service unit that develops effective communications products and strategies to empower and share impactful scholar messages to wide audiences. The Office of Communications meets the daily needs of the institution through web development and publication support, convening and event support, multimedia services like video, animations, and podcasting, governance of visual design and brand systemts, social media management, and institutional brand and media communications. 

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 and visitors 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.   

Responsibilities

Ready to contribute to Brookings success?

As a vital member of our dynamic team, the Media Relations Manager will play a crucial role in enhancing Brookings' visibility and impact. Reporting to the Director of Strategic Communications and closely collaborating with the Vice President for Communications and Public Affairs, your responsibilities include managing institutional media relations, supporting the Office of the President, and overseeing media monitoring and reporting. The successful candidate will employ strategic planning, media engagement, and effective storytelling to strategically position Brookings in the public discourse and promote the institution’s impact on public policy debates. If you are a highly collaborative self-starter with a talent for translating complex research into compelling narratives, we encourage you to apply for this unique opportunity at the intersection of public policy research and media relations.

Managing Institutional Media Relations (50%)

• Develop and execute media engagement strategies to elevate Brookings' visibility in key policy areas.

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, and media outlets for coverage and placement of Brookings research and experts.

• Collaborate internally to identify media opportunities, coordinating interviews, briefings, and events.

• Create impactful press releases, media pitches, and materials to communicate Brookings' research effectively.

• Manage the central media inbox, routing inquiries, coordinating media bookings, and leading monthly media managers meetings.

• Collaborate with internal teams, providing strategic counsel on messaging, positioning, and crisis communications.

• Support coordination, development, and deployment of special projects aligned with institutional priorities.

• Collaborate with the Director of Strategic Communications and senior leadership to develop proactive strategies and response protocols for brand risk mitigation and crisis communications.

• Support the implementation of crisis communications plans, ensuring clear and effective communication strategies are in place to address potential reputational risks.

Supporting Media Relations for the Office of the President (25%)

• Work closely with the Vice President for Communications to implement media strategies aligning with the President's priorities.

• Assist in preparing the President for media engagements, ensuring key messaging alignment.

• Facilitate media interactions for the President, acting as a liaison to ensure seamless coordination with media.

Media Monitoring and Reporting (25%)

• Monitor media coverage and provide regular updates to internal teams.

• Manage the institution’s media monitoring platform (Meltwater), offering guidance and training to Media staff.

• Analyze media trends and sentiment to assess the impact of communications efforts and identify areas for improvement.

• Establish benchmark goals for media engagement in the central communication team’s strategic planning.

• Prepare comprehensive media reports for senior leadership, highlighting key metrics and areas for adjustments.

• Conduct post-crisis evaluations to identify lessons learned and areas for improvement in crisis communications planning and execution.

• Update Brookings.edu with timely op-eds, quotes, and research citations.

• Stay informed about industry best practices and emerging trends in media monitoring and reporting for continuous improvement.

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 in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field. Minimum 5 years of related work experience, preferably in media relations, strategic communications, or related roles. Experience with media monitoring and pitching is required. Strong understanding of public policy issues and the ability to translate complex research into compelling media narratives. Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Knowledge/Skills Requirements

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages to diverse audiences. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with members of the media. Proficient in media monitoring tools and reporting techniques. Public policy savvy with the ability to learn about new concepts and policy areas quickly and effectively. Strategic thinker with the ability to contribute to overall communication strategy and goals. Detail-oriented, organized, and capable of managing multiple tasks simultaneously. Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

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 attach a relevant portfolio for this position.  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.