Director of Media Relations

We Are

The Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) is the nation’s preeminent think tank committed to achieving economic equity for women and eliminating structural and institutional barriers to women’s full participation in the workforce and society.

IWPR’s mission is to build knowledge and evidence to support policies that help grow women’s economic power and influence in society, close inequality gaps, and improve the economic security and well-being of girls, women, and families. We generate the ideas that build power and economic equity for all women.

Statement on Racial Equity and Intersectionality

At IWPR, we believe social and economic mobility in the United States is determined and influenced by race, ethnicity, class, gender identity, sexual orientation, and other markers of difference. In working to achieve economic equity and to better understand the experiences of all women in the workforce and in society, we use both racial equity and intersectional frameworks in our research and analysis to help generate strategies and solutions that are grounded in the economic realities of women and families. We also prioritize building an inclusive and welcoming work environment that values the diverse perspectives and experiences of all staff.

Statement on Inclusivity and non-discrimination

IWPR is an equal opportunity employer. We value and support difference, diversity, and inclusion in our hiring and employment practices. We do not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or age.

POSITION OVERVIEW

IWPR seeks a Director of Media Relations to help develop, implement, and oversee ongoing efforts to elevate the organization’s brand and public profile with the public, the media, and specific target audiences. Reporting to the Vice President of Communications, the position is an integral member of the IWPR Communications team and will be an innovator and play a key role in strategic communications planning for the organization. They will work closely with the IWPR Policy and Research teams to promote IWPR projects, campaigns, publications, and events while ensuring their activities are aligned with broader publications and digital communications strategies.

The Director of Media Relations is also charged with elevating the media profile of IWPR leadership and subject matter experts and will be responsible for all media outreach activities, including events, webinars, pitching, interview prep, and logistics. They will also be responsible for writing all press materials, including releases, statements, talking points, op-eds, backgrounders, and media briefing sheets. The position also oversees all media relations systems, including journalist relationship management and tracking, media list upkeep, interview request intake procedures, clip tracking and reporting, material distribution mechanisms, and monthly metrics to track output and effectiveness. The Director position is also responsible for the upkeep of the press release and press clip sections of the IWPR website.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Planning

• Broad strategic communications planning in concert with the Vice President of Communications, IWPR leadership, and Communications team members.
• Develop and execute long-range strategic communications plans to grow IWPR’s brand and public profile.
• Develop and implement a plan to elevate the media profile of IWPR’s leadership and experts as part of IWPR’s larger communications goals.
• Innovate and explore untapped avenues for IWPR promotion to further our reach.

Media Relations

• Strategize and develop proactive opportunities for IWPR to highlight its work
• Monitor daily news cycle and explore opportunities for IWPR to insert itself and its research into the public debate.
• Work with the Vice President of Communications to develop effective message points for all IWPR projects, campaigns, publications, and events; work with Research and Policy teams to distill complex ideas and data down into succinct and effective messaging.
• Work across departments to develop project-specific communications plans to garner media coverage and elevate IWPR’s work.
• Generate/write/edit content for IWPR’s communications platforms, including press releases, statements, op-eds, editorial memos, blogs, ad copy, and pitch kits; assist in the generation of social media and web content.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with reporters, bookers, producers, podcasters, and media influencers.
• Develop and maintain relationships with appropriate communications personnel in partner coalitions and among allies.
• Develop/refine/maintain all media relations systems, including intake procedures and tracking, interview prep and logistics, media list curation, clip and metrics tracking.

Management

• Manage multiple projects at once, with overlapping timelines and deliverable dates.
• Work professionally and collaboratively across departments and with policy-focused teams.
• Coordinate with publications and digital strategy teams on communications strategy and execution.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in related field required.
• 7+ years of relevant or equivalent experience in a related field required.
• Highly strategic individual with a deep understanding of effective public and media relations strategies and tactics.
• Deep experience coordinating media relations strategies with other platforms, including publications and digital strategies.
• Innovative thinker who is always on the lookout for new and creative outreach strategies.
• Reliable individual with strong time management skills and ability to multitask.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills required.
• Kind individual with strong emotional intelligence.
• Experience with media list software packages a must (Cision, Meltwater).
• Existing relationships with media/bookers/producers a plus.
• Experience with polling and public opinion research a plus.
• Demonstrated passion for IWPR’s mission and a commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

SALARY

This is an on-site, full-time exempt position. The salary for the Director of Media Relations is $106,692 to $125,520. The salary will be commensurate with experience. IWPR provides competitive salaries and a generous benefits package.

To learn more about the IWPR compensation program and role structures, please click HERE. IWPR provides competitive salaries and a generous benefits package. 

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit a resume, writing sample, and thoughtful, relevant cover letter. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Individuals from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. IWPR is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

Vaccine Policy: IWPR has made the safety of our staff and our surrounding community a top priority. As part of that commitment, IWPR recently implemented a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy. This policy states that all IWPR employees, interns, and fellows, (i.e.- IWPR staff) are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. IWPR will require selected candidates to submit proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19 prior to extending a job offer. If a candidate has a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a COVID-19 vaccination, a medical exemption form should be requested from Human Resources.