Media Relations Associate

Media Relations Associate at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy

The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, one of the world’s leading research organizations devoted to the Middle East, is seeking a media relations associate to manage our successful outreach program to the news media. The Institute was quoted over 4,000 times in 2023 by top news outlets around the globe.

Whether responding to requests or promoting Institute experts, the media relations associate is responsible for ensuring a smooth and effective working relationship with the media. The media relations associate sets up media appearances at the Institute office and in external studios, drafts press releases, maintains a database of media contacts, monitors citations, and updates the press section of the Institute website. The media relations associate must stay abreast of developments in the Middle East and the news media. Working under the director of communications, the media relations associate joins a team of professionals devoted to advancing the Institute’s mission through current and emerging technologies.

The media relations associate will also serve as co-leader of the Institute’s LINK program which creates events to enable young professionals to understand the Middle East and advance their careers.

The Institute is seeking an enthusiastic individual with a passion for public affairs and the news media who can juggle the demands of a busy media-relations operation with professionalism. Candidates should have a college degree and the ability to write and speak clearly. Previous experience working with the media, familiarity with the Middle East, and knowledge of a regional language are preferred.

Functions of the Media Relations Associate

• Responding to requests for Institute experts
• Conducting outreach to news organizations
• Coordinating media appearances at the Institute office and in news bureaus
• Drafting press releases
• Maintaining and updating a database of existing and new media contacts
• Monitoring and reporting citations
• Updating the press section of the Institute website
• Monitoring Middle East news
• Collaborating with experts to place op-eds
• Assisting in training experts to make broadcast appearances
• Performing other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
• Familiarity with the Middle East
• Familiarity with the news media
• Superb oral and written skills
• Ability to multitask, often under tight time constraints
• Experience in media relations, understanding of regional languages, experience living in the Middle East are pluses

The Washington Institute is an equal opportunity employer.

Benefits

The Washington Institute offers its full-time employees a generous benefits package, including health, dental and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, generous paid time off, and a retirement savings program.

Learn more about us at www.washingtoninstitute.org.

To Apply

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements for consideration via email.