Strategic Media & Digital Content 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

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.