Communications & Media Coordinator

Middle East Institute; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off (PTO) including vacation

403(b) retirement plan with employer)

Life and disability insurance

Employee assistance program (EAP)

Job summary

The Middle East Institute is a Washington, DC-based think tank seeking a Communications and Media Coordinator to manage day-to-day media relations, content production, and digital amplification across MEI platforms. You will be the primary media contact, coordinating with senior leadership and handling events publicity and strategy.

The role requires strong writing, editing, and project management skills, familiarity with MENA affairs, and the ability to work in a fast-paced news environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 1-3 years of relevant professional experience in media relations, communications, journalism, or digital content production.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong editorial judgment, with the ability to distill information into clear narratives.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with MENA regional affairs.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary point of contact for media inquiries and interview requests.
• Track and log MEI and MEI fellow media mentions across print, broadcast, and online outlets.
• Compile regular media and social media analytics reports for senior leadership.
• Produce a daily press roundup summarizing relevant news and commentary on the MENA region.
• Monitor breaking news for opportunities relevant to MEI's experts and research.
• Develop and execute proactive rapid response communications with senior staff and experts.
• Pitch and place op-eds with media outlets on behalf of MEI scholars.
• Support the Senior Director in developing a rollout strategy for MEI products and publications.
• Create web and digital content to amplify MEI's experts.
• Oversee social media strategy and digital amplification of MEI output.
• Maintain website updates related to communications and events content.
• Draft opening remarks, talking points, and other materials for MEI leadership.
• Write and produce institutional collateral, newsletters, press releases, announcements.
• Support the Senior Director for Communications and Events on broader strategy.
• Develop publicity around MEI events and convenings.
• Provide event photography and A/V support as needed.
• Support podcast production and editing.
• Build and manage campaigns and contact lists in Salesforce.
• Maintain records and procedures for communications activities.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal comms

Editorial judgment

Multitasking / time management

MENA regional affairs familiarity

Ability to manage multiple projects

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Political Science, International Affairs, or related field

Tools

Salesforce / CRM

Adobe Suite

Media monitoring tools

Photography / A/V support

Podcast production

Job description

Founded in 1946, the Middle East Institute is the oldest Washington-based institution dedicated solely to the study of the Middle East. It is a non-partisan think tank providing expert policy analysis, educational and professional development services, and a hub for engaging with the region's arts and culture.

Location: Washington, DC (On-Site)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Compensation: $55,000 - $60,000

Position Summary

The Middle East Institute is seeking a proactive, detail-oriented Communications and Media Coordinator to oversee day-to-day media relations and content production for the Institute. This individual will serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries, with support from the Senior Director, while managing the rollout of MEI products and publications across all digital platforms, including the website and social media. The Coordinator will play a central role in publicizing organizational events and securing strategic media placement and digital amplification for MEI's events and policy products. This position requires a versatile communicator who is comfortable working across written, visual, and digital formats, and who can respond quickly and effectively in a fast-moving news environment relevant to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Media Relations & Tracking

• Serve as a primary point of contact for media inquiries and interview requests.
• Track and log MEI and MEI fellow media mentions across print, broadcast, and online outlets.
• Compile regular media and social media analytics reports for senior leadership, tracking reach, engagement, and placement trends.
• Produce a daily press roundup summarizing relevant news, analysis, and commentary on the MENA region.
• Monitor breaking news for opportunities relevant to MEI's experts and research.
• Develop and execute proactive rapid response communications in coordination with senior staff and subject matter experts.
• Pitch and place op-eds with media outlets on behalf of MEI scholars.

Digital Product Rollout & Content Amplification

• Support the Senior Director in developing a strategy for the rollout of MEI products and publications, including reports, briefs, and scholar commentary.
• Create web and digital media content that amplifies the work of MEI's experts and research.
• Oversee social media strategy and ensure consistent digital amplification of the Institute's output.
• Manage the digital content calendar around major publications, events, and holidays.
• Maintain website updates related to communications and events content.

Organizational & Executive Writing

• Draft opening remarks, talking points, and other written materials for MEI leadership.
• Write and produce institutional collateral, newsletters, press releases, and announcements.
• Support the Senior Director for Communications and Events on broader communications strategy.

Event & Publicity Support

• Develop and coordinate publicity efforts around MEI events and convenings.
• Provide event photography and A/V support as needed.
• Support podcast production and editing.

General Responsibilities

• Build and manage campaigns and contact lists in Salesforce to support outreach and distribution.
• Maintain accurate records, documentation, and operational procedures related to communications activities.
• Identify opportunities to improve communications efficiency and impact.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Political Science, International Affairs, or a related field.
• 1-3 years of relevant professional experience in media relations, communications, journalism, or digital content production.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong editorial judgment, with the ability to distill a wide range of information into clear, compelling narratives for varied audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with MENA regional affairs and current events.

Preferred

• Experience with media monitoring tools, Salesforce, or similar CRM platforms.
• Experience tracking media coverage and compiling analytics reports.
• Experience with photography, A/V event support, or podcast production.
• Experience with Adobe Suite, or other video/audio editing platforms.
• Prior experience supporting think tanks, nonprofits, or policy-focused organizations.

We offer a competitive range of benefits to support the well-being and professional growth of our team members, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions
• Life and disability insurance
• Employee assistance program (EAP)

Disclaimer:
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, or skills required. Duties may be subject to change based on organizational needs.

The pay range for this role is:

55,000 - 60,000 USD per year (Washington, DC)