Media Relations Team (Multiple Roles)

Position Summary:

Democracy Forward is hiring for multiple positions on its Media Relations team to carry out its mission to promote pro-democracy and progressive policies and ideals through comprehensive media relations strategies. Members of the Media Relations team will elevate the work of Democracy Forward by securing high-profile media coverage, developing and maintaining relationships with reporters, managing large-scale media outreach campaigns, and responding quickly to emerging events. 

This is an opportunity for multiple roles that could include:

• Media Relations Director
• Press Secretary
• Deputy Press Secretary
• Media Relations Associate

These are full-time positions based in Washington, DC and the candidates are required to be in the office an average of 2 days per week.

Each role requires different levels of experience and responsibilities, but all candidates should be passionate about advancing Democracy Forward’s mission. The ideal candidates will have experience with one or more of the following:

Key Responsibilities (for all positions):

• Develop and maintain relationships with key journalists, reporters, and media outlets.
• Manage and expand media lists to ensure accurate and up-to-date contact information.
• Pitch media outlets and journalists to secure press coverage and story placements.
• Collaborate with the Communications team to draft and distribute press materials, including press releases, media advisories, and pitch emails.
• Track media coverage and report on PR metrics, media mentions, and performance.
• Work with cross-functional teams to align media outreach with broader organizational goals.
• Provide general support, to include staffing senior leaders, as needed.

Additional Responsibilities for Media Relations Director and Press Secretary:

• Lead the development and execution of comprehensive media relations strategies to enhance the organization’s visibility, including proactive pitching and robust reporter engagement. 
• Help manage the Media Relations team alongside the Chief Public Affairs and Policy Officer, providing guidance, mentorship, and oversight.
• Develop and organize media events, press conferences, and other media-facing activities.
• Develop and implement media strategies for crisis communication and reputational management.
• Serve as the media liaison for senior executives and key stakeholders, preparing them for media interviews and speaking engagements.
• Oversee media monitoring, measurement, and reporting to assess the effectiveness of media campaigns.
• Collaborate with the other teams at Democracy Forward to ensure alignment on key messages, campaigns, and broader organizational initiatives.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications (for all positions):

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field.
• 2+ years of experience in media relations or communications (for junior and mid-level roles).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to multitask and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Basic understanding of media tracking tools.
• Attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Well-developed collaborative and interpersonal skills including demonstrated self-awareness, commitment to diversity and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds. 
• Commitment to workplace inclusion and ability to contribute affirmatively to a just and equitable workplace culture. 

Additional Qualifications for Media Relations Director and Press Secretary: 

• 5+ years experience in media relations
• Proven ability to lead a media team and develop strategic media outreach campaigns.
• Strong media relationships across various industries and a history of securing significant media coverage.
• In-depth understanding of media trends, analytics, and measurement tools.
• Ability to navigate complex, high-stakes media situations and provide sound counsel to senior executives.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Ability to monitor, assess, and respond to emerging issues and communications opportunities in live-time. 

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

• This role may require occasional travel for team retreats, conferences, or organizational meetings.
• This role may involve sitting for extended periods and working on a computer. Reasonable accommodations will be provided as needed.

The salary range for these positions are $60,000-$160,000 plus excellent benefits. Compensation is commensurate with experience. 

Democracy Forward is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals. We strongly encourage people of color; lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex people; women; people with disabilities; and veterans to apply. Please note that all lawyer positions require a law degree and active membership in the bar of a state or the District of Columbia. 

Not sure you meet all of our qualifications? Research shows that men apply for jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria. Yet women and other people who are systematically marginalized tend to only apply if they meet every requirement.  If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Whether you are new to mission-based legal and policy work, returning to work after a gap in employment, or simply looking to transition or take the next step in your career path, we welcome the opportunity to have you on our radar.  Please include in your cover letter the nature of your interest in legal and policy work promoting democracy and progress and what you hope to bring to our team and the role for which you are applying.