Managing Director, Media Relations

This role is remote or hybrid (New York, NY); EST time zone required. We prioritize the following locations for hiring: CA, CT, DC, GA, IL, LA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TX, VA, VT but welcome candidates from other states to apply as well.  

About the Roosevelt Institute

The Roosevelt Institute takes on today’s greatest public policy challenges by advancing bold, cutting-edge research and policy ideas. We believe that the future of the American economy and our democracy depends on a new way of thinking about markets and government—and have successfully engaged with policymakers and the media to inform and shape public debate. Too few people hold too much economic and political power today, and we know that a stronger society is possible if we rectify this imbalance between private actors and the public. With a commitment to transforming corporations, restructuring markets, reviving democratic institutions, and reimagining the role of government, our work moves our nation toward a more resilient, equitable, and green future.

The Roosevelt Institute is a think tank, a student network, and the nonprofit partner to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum that, together, are learning from the past and working to redefine our collective future. Focusing on corporate and public power, labor and wages, and the economics of race and gender inequality, the Roosevelt Institute unifies experts, invests in young leaders, and advances progressive policies that bring the legacy of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt into the 21st century.

Our Culture

At Roosevelt, we recognize that the culture of the workplace and opportunities for career growth and development are important to all. We believe that diversity of background and experience among our people make our work to rewrite the rules of our social and economic realities stronger. Roosevelt is an equal opportunity employer and, as such affirms in policy and practice to consider all applications in all job classifications, without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status, military status, height and weight, genetic predisposition or carrier status, arrest record, or other legally protected status. We strongly encourage people with diverse work and life experiences, diverse educational backgrounds, and diverse cultures to apply.

What You’ll Do

A key member of the Roosevelt Institute’s communications team, the managing director, media relations will be a politically-savvy, team-oriented professional with solid writing, relationship building, and pitching skills. Reporting to the senior vice president of communications, the managing director oversees the organization’s media relations strategy, develops messaging, and supports the work of the Think Tank, Network, and Executive teams. Managing the deputy director, media strategies and overseeing a team of two, this new role will focus on refining the Roosevelt Institute’s media strategy and strengthening its media presence to ensure the deepening of relationships with key print, online, and broadcast journalists and editors—and the maintenance of already strong relationships with high-profile media outlets and thought leaders. 

• Create a comprehensive media strategy that builds on success to-date, is attentive to the political calendar, and includes developing results-driven campaigns that integrate online and offline channels to meet visibility and advocacy goals
• Manage, mentor, and collaborate with the deputy director, media relations on all elements of media strategy
• Develop and deepen media relationships and lead outreach efforts, building on Roosevelt Institute’s position as a key expert source on progressive economics
• Provide coaching and interview prep for staff and fellows
• Collaborate with the deputy director, media strategies and digital director in building and executing thought leadership plans for key staff and fellows
• Write, edit, and package persuasive and newsworthy content including traditional press releases, opinion pieces, and talking points as well as contributing to blog posts and social media posts as needed
• Monitor daily news cycle and relevant coverage—with particular attention to opportunities in the political news cycle—to propose responses, releases, interviews, and new media tactics based on that coverage
• Serve as lead rapid responder on breaking news and opportunities
• Lead media outreach efforts to support the Roosevelt Institute’s positions and publication releases
• Integrate media relations efforts into a larger communications strategy to raise the profile of the Roosevelt Institute, its staff, fellows, and other experts
• Lead cross-functional efforts to identify and develop positioning for programs and people in order to significantly bolster the impact of the Roosevelt Institute’s work

What You’ll Have

• 10 plus years of experience in media relations and/or journalism and communications
• Significant experience managing and mentoring a high-performing team
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to translate complex issues into key points for target audiences across varied communications platforms 
• Demonstrated ability to develop, pitch, and secure feature coverage in top-tier media
• Creative thinking and ability to navigate complexity and ambiguity to get to the heart of and develop a great story
• Interest and enthusiasm for working with media professionals, including strong pitching and cold calling skills 
• Demonstrated ability as a spokesperson with the media with a proven record of performance in the national and federal media environments
• Demonstrated placement in national media of organization-generated story ideas
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and handle high-pressure situations, as well as plan and execute longer-term projects
• A proactive attitude with the ability to identify problems and develop solutions
• The ability to leverage the Roosevelt Institute’s established network of press and media contacts, as well as building on that solid base, is key to the overall success of this position; solid professional reputation and credibility within the PR community is a must
• Genuine excitement about bringing the Roosevelt Institute’s ideas to new audiences
• Familiarity and interest in progressive economic policy
• Familiarity with Muckrack or similar media database

Not sure if you meet all the qualifications? Please apply!

We know talent comes in many forms. Our only requirement is that you’re passionate about advancing democracy—to create meaningful change. Join our team and help envision a new equitable future for all.

INTERESTED CANDIDATES MUST SUBMIT A COVER LETTER AND RESUME FOR CONSIDERATION.

The salary range for this role is $146,000.00 – $160,000.00 annually. The Roosevelt Institute offers excellent benefits that include 100% paid medical, dental, and vision for employees and 80% paid for dependents; life insurance; vacation; personal and sick time; paid parental leave; professional development; healthcare- dependent- and commuter FSA; and a 403(b) Retirement plan with up to 4% contribution.