Director, Policy Communications (Economic Policy-Health)

Bipartisan Policy Center; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 160,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Director of Policy Communications to lead strategic media efforts in health and economic policy. This pivotal role involves enhancing the organization's media presence, developing compelling content, and fostering relationships with key media outlets. The ideal candidate will bring over a decade of experience in media relations, showcasing strong writing and strategic planning skills. Join a forward-thinking nonprofit dedicated to fostering bipartisan dialogue and shaping impactful policy solutions. This position offers a hybrid work environment, competitive salary, and generous benefits, making it an exciting opportunity for those passionate about policy communications.

Benefits

Comprehensive Health Insurance

403(b) Matching Contributions

Education Benefits

Professional Development Expenses

Metro Benefits

Life Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Work/Life Balance

Vacation Days

Qualifications

• 10-15 years of experience in media relations and communications.
• Strong writing and verbal skills are essential.
• Experience in health and economic policy communications.

Responsibilities

• Engage in strategic planning to increase public awareness of BPC.
• Develop and review media-related materials for designated projects.
• Cultivate relationships with reporters and journalists.

Skills

Media Relations

Strategic Planning

Writing Skills

Project Management

Interpersonal Skills

Crisis Communication

Education

BA, BS in Journalism or Communications

Political Science Degree

Job description

Founded in 2007 by former Senate Majority Leaders Howard Baker, Tom Daschle, Bob Dole, and George Mitchell, the Bipartisan Policy Center is a leading nonprofit organization that drives principled solutions through rigorous analysis, reasoned negotiation, and respectful dialogue. By bringing together Republicans and Democrats—and providing them with the space, policy insights, and evidence-based research needed to negotiate in good faith—BPC helps turn legislators’ best ideas into passable, durable laws.

The Director, Policy Communications (Health and Economic Policy) supports activities for some of BPC’s policy areas and supports overall communications. The Director, Policy Communications (Health and Economic Policy) will play a leadership role in BPC’s press and public relations efforts.

Responsibilities:

• Along with the Senior Vice President, Communications, Director/Senior Director, Policy Communications and other members of senior leadership, engage in strategic planning to increase public awareness of BPC and engage in key political and policy stories.
• Support and grow BPC’s media presence, generating positive media coverage for the organization, its policy projects, senior staff, and fellows.
• Serve as the main communications liaison for select BPC project teams (Health and Economic Policy) and issues:
  • Within designated projects, develop and review media-related materials, including press releases, statements, op-eds, letters to the editor, media advisories, event invitations, and blog posts; secure placement of op-eds and letters to the editor.
  • Within designated projects, cultivate relationships, proactively pitch, and work closely with reporters, journalists, producers, and editors to raise the profile of BPC’s issue area experts.
  • Within designated projects, work with BPC’s digital media team to integrate digital strategies into media relations efforts.
  • Within designated projects, work with BPC’s events team to create compelling content that attracts participation from and coverage by top-tier media outlets.
• Respond to media inquiries from top-tier national media outlets.
• Expand BPC’s presence in non-traditional media channels (association channels, podcasts, trade media).
• Develop communications strategy for cross-policy efforts and short-term or quick reaction efforts, including recommendations for places BPC might have a role/add value outside of current scope.
• Collaborate with health and economic policy experts to review and refine content (explainers, blogs, newsletters, reports, and fact sheets), ensuring they are tailored to the intended audience and effectively convey policy recommendations.
• Coordinate with the broader communications team to ensure consistent messaging across all BPC programs.
• Oversee adherence to organization’s style guide and communications menu.
• Advise the Development team on communications issues related to health and economic policy.

Qualifications:

• BA, BS in journalism, communications, PR, government, political science or a related field.
• 10-15 years of direct experience in media relations and communications on economic and health policy – campaign, Capitol Hill, and/or federal agency communications experience a plus.
• Strong writing and verbal skills required.
• Significant experience in health, fiscal, tax, or financial security policy communications.
• An ability to work under tight deadlines and juggle multiple projects.
• A demonstrated innovative and proactive approach to growing media coverage.
• Experience working with top-tier national media operations and news organizations.
• Experience successfully pitching broadcast, radio, print, and digital outlets.
• Track record of successfully placing opinion content in national outlets a plus.
• Interpersonal skills and ability to work well in a team and independently. Demonstrated ability to work under pressure.
• Strong project management skills and high attention to detail.
• Experience supporting and managing high-level principals.

BPC offers a highly competitive salary and provides generous benefits. Individuals interested in this position should send a resume, cover letter, and writing sample in one document. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. BPC does not sponsor employment visas.

BPC is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce.

Work Schedule:

The work/life balance of employees is a priority for the Bipartisan Policy Center. As a result, BPC is currently operating on a hybrid schedule. Employees at BPC are currently coming into the office three times a week. Exact time and schedules will be determined between an employee and their manager.

BPC offers comprehensive health insurance benefits with a choice of open access HMO, POS, or PPO plan. Additional benefits include 403(b) matching contributions of up to 7% of salary in addition to a non-elective contribution of 2% of salary (both after 90 days of employment); 15 vacation days, 2 personal days, 15 sick days, and 12 holidays per year; education benefits up to $5,250 per year after one year of employment; $2,000 for professional development expenses after six months of employment; Metro benefits of up to $130 per month; Company provided life insurance; and dental and vision insurance coverage with a Flexible Spending Plan.

We reasonably believe that the base salary range for this position is $160,000 – $180,000. At BPC, a wide range of factors are considered when making compensation decisions including and not limited to skill set, experience, training, education, knowledge, and other business and organizational needs.