Media Relations & Communications Lead

Content Creators; Washington, Northern (District of Columbia, KY); Hybrid; USD 74,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Group medical insurance

Disability insurance

Retirement benefits

Health-reimbursement accounts

Paid family leave

Job summary

Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press is seeking a Media and Public Relations Manager to shape and execute strategies that promote the organization in media and among journalists. You will work at the intersection of media law and journalism, guiding reactive and proactive outreach with leadership alignment.

The role requires securing top-tier coverage, managing relationships with reporters, and coordinating with Legal and Policy teams to advance the organization’s mission and visibility.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of communications/media relations experience.
• Proven success securing coverage and managing relationships with top-tier, trade, and local media.
• Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills with rigorous attention to accuracy.
• Ability to engage and influence senior leadership, with strong presentation skills.
• Familiarity with media research databases (e.g., MuckRack, Cision).
• Comfort working with executive leaders and legal experts, including preparing spokespeople for public appearances.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute media strategy to maximize visibility among core audiences.
• Manage incoming media requests and coordinate with internal staff.
• Proactively pitch newsworthy content to secure coverage for the organization.
• Monitor media environment and respond rapidly to breaking news with leadership coordination.
• Draft and distribute press releases and statements; prepare spokespeople for interviews.
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists across beats.
• Collaborate with legal and program teams on summaries, briefs, and visuals.
• Plan communications for major initiatives, events, and research reports.

Skills

Press freedom advocacy

Media relations

News judgment

Project management

Writing & editing

Executive communications

Stakeholder collaboration

Crisis communications

Media research databases

Influencing leadership

Job description

Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press is seeking a Media and Public Relations Manager to shape and execute strategies that promote the organization in media and among journalists. You will work at the intersection of media law and journalism, guiding reactive and proactive outreach with leadership alignment.

The role requires securing top-tier coverage, managing relationships with reporters, and coordinating with Legal and Policy teams to advance the organization’s mission and visibility.