Cato Institute
Associate Director of Media Relations
Cato Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
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 insuranceEmployer contribution to a Health Savings Account (HSA)Generous vacation and sick daysPaid parental leaveEmployer-provided life and disability insurance401(k) employer matchTransit/ Parking benefitsPet discount plan
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 insuranceEmployer contribution to a Health Savings Account (HSA)Generous vacation and sick daysPaid parental leaveEmployer-provided life and disability insurance401(k) employer matchTransit/ Parking benefitsPet discount plan