Senior Political Media Strategist

Position Summary

The Brennan Center seeks a dynamic and experienced Senior Political Media Strategist to work with our Media & Strategy team in the Communications Department.

Responsibilities

As a senior member of the Brennan Center’s media relations team, the Senior Political Media Strategist will report to the Director of Media and Strategy and collaborate with program staff. The person is expected to master the organization’s policy positions and messaging on the issues assigned to them. This includes knowledge of Brennan Center publications, research, and positions; trends in news coverage; best practices for messaging; and debates among advocates and in academia.

When news breaks that relates to Brennan Center work, the Senior Political Media Strategist will ensure that the relevant thought leaders and pundits know as quickly as possible what experts can offer. The role will balance multiple projects, tight deadlines, and changing priorities, all with the goal of helping the Brennan Center shape public opinion and build momentum for our work.

Specific duties will include:

• Monitoring and reporting to communications and program staff on what the top thought leaders and commentators are saying about issues related to Brennan Center priorities, both in traditional and social media.
• Developing and executing media relations strategies to expand the group of thought leaders and commentators who speak with Brennan Center experts and rely on the organization’s ideas and policy recommendations.
• Responding quickly when news breaks to ensure that top thought leaders and commentators know what Brennan Center experts can offer; evening and weekend hours often necessary.
• Cultivating and maintaining relationships with key commentators, columnists, anchors, podcast hosts, bookers, producers, podcast hosts, op-ed page editors, and editorial board members.
• Writing press pitches, op-eds, talking points (for Brennan Center experts, clients, and colleague organizations), media advisories, and press releases.
• Drafting, editing and placing op-eds; identifying new outlets for Brennan Center op-eds and fostering relationships with those editors.
• Conducting media trainings for staff as formal workshops and informal feedback.
• Collaborating with the editorial, digital, creative, and Brennan en español teams to make the most of earned media attention.
• Representing the Brennan Center’s communications interests in coalitions with other organizations and leading multi-partner media work when appropriate.
• Serving as head of the media team when the media director is out of the office.
• Managing interns as needed.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 5-10 years of experience in media relations (nonprofit, government, campaign (political or policy), or agency preferred).
• Experience in journalism, publishing, or other communications work outside of media relations a plus.
• Excellent writing and editing skills (don’t hesitate to send links to op-eds that you’ve drafted).
• Wide knowledge of political commentators on democracy and justice issues.
• A deep network of contacts in journalism that includes editors, producers, and bookers.
• Experience spotting publicity opportunities in breaking news and generating placements.
• Success developing and executing high priority media strategies for campaigns or projects.
• Success writing talking points that were used in interviews and picked up by reporters.
• Experience managing communications efforts that have multiple stakeholders inside and/or outside the organization/company.
• Ability to work constructively and professionally across multiple issue areas and under deadline pressure.

Applications

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis and decisions will be made as soon as exemplary candidates are identified. To apply, please visit THIS LINK. Please upload the following application materials: (1) cover letter, (2) resume, (3) URLs to a total of three op-eds or news stories that you placed or reported, with a brief explanation of your role in its placement or production, and (4) contact information for three references.

Please no phone calls or faxes; it is strongly preferred that you apply on our website. If you have difficulty with the online system, you may send your application by e-mail to: [email protected] with “Senior Political Media Strategist” in the subject line, after registering in the online system.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a scaled position. The salary range assigned for the scale is $110,000-$120,000 and has been determined based on market competitiveness. Each salary in the scale is determined by the number of years of professional experience after the selected candidate graduated from law school. Additionally, we offer a very robust and competitive array of benefits such as a generous time off program, 401k plan, comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), and wellness and office perks.

In addition, this position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW local 2320.

Note: The Brennan Center is committed to public health and to the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues and visitors. As such, we have adopted a policy requiring all employees working in the New York and Washington, DC offices to be vaccinated against COVID-19, including having a booster, or to meet the legal guidelines for an exemption.

The Brennan Center for Justice is committed to a workplace based on equal opportunity and a strong belief in the increased effectiveness that comes from a diverse workforce. To this end, Brennan Center:

• Welcomes applicants with disabilities and applicants of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, socioeconomic identities, sexual orientations, and national origin or citizenship, including people who have been previously incarcerated;
• Hires diverse candidates and works to improve our recruitment practices to allow for such;
• Creates a workplace where true diversity is fostered and different perspectives are valued and freely exchanged;
• Ensures that all members of the Brennan Center community feel welcome and respected, and have equal opportunities to thrive and advance within the institution; and
• Is committed to supporting low-income communities and communities of color particularly affected by social inequities.