The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) is a nonpartisan research and policy institute that advances federal and state policies to help build a nation where everyone — regardless of income, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, ZIP code, immigration status, or disability status — has the resources they need to thrive and share in the nation’s prosperity.

CBPP combines rigorous research and analysis, strategic communications, and effective advocacy to shape debates, affect policy, and inform effective implementation both nationally and in states. It works closely with a broad set of national, state, and community organizations to design and advance policies that promote economic justice; improve health; broaden opportunity in areas like housing, health care, employment, and education; and lower structural barriers for people of color and others in communities that continue to face systemic barriers to opportunity. CBPP promotes policies that will build a more equitable nation and fair tax policies that can support these gains over the long term. CBPP also shows the harmful impacts of policies and proposals that would deepen poverty, widen disparities, and worsen health outcomes.

The Manager or Senior Manager for Media Relations position offers an opportunity for a talented communications professional to work in a dynamic, fast-moving environment as part of CBPP’s Communications team to help CBPP advance its policy goals. Through substantial media relations expertise and knowledge of CBPP’s issues, they will develop and execute media strategy for cross-cutting policy priorities. This includes working independently to respond to a rapidly shifting media and policy landscape while reporting out and up on developments. This position will work closely and collaboratively with the Director for Media Relations and other members of the press team.

Responsibilities

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• Develop communications strategies across a range of issues that maximize the impact of CBPP’s perspective and analysis in the public debate and help advance CBPP’s short- and long-term policy objectives.
• Monitor press coverage and social media for emerging developments or breaking news. Collaborate with communications, policy, government affairs, and other colleagues to develop and coordinate communications strategies for rapid response opportunities.
• Develop creative ideas for proactive pitching and press outreach to secure coverage of priority issues, including developing and executing strategies for engaging with podcast producers and hosts and other non-traditional media.
• Create and execute plans for the release of new CBPP content, including reports, blog posts, statements, commentaries, and other products and support press engagement around CBPP-hosted events.
• Build and maintain media relationships to position CBPP as a go-to resource on our issues.
• Field media inquiries and provide guidance and support to CBPP spokespeople in developing effective responses and conducting effective interviews.
• Draft communications materials, including communications plans, press releases, statements, talking points, pitches, and email content.
• Work in close coordination with media relations leadership, the Communications team as a whole, and colleagues across departments to align communications strategies and report out and up on key developments.
• Work collaboratively with communications colleagues from partner organizations on joint communications strategies, events, and messaging.
• Contribute to and participate in CBPP’s equity and inclusion work and community-building efforts.
• Perform other job-related duties as needed to help drive to our vision, fulfill our mission, and support our organization’s values.
• The Senior Manager for Media Relations will be expected to perform the responsibilities above with more autonomy and will take the lead in making decisions about their work, products, and functional work.

Qualifications

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• Manager for Media Relations: Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years of professional experience in Communications or a related field, including three years of substantial experience in media outreach.
• Senior Manager for Media Relations: Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of seven years of experience in Communications or related field, including five years of substantial experience in media outreach.
• Strong experience with and knowledge of economic security and health policy issues; passion for following the news and policy debates.
• Ability to balance multiple responsibilities and deadlines and thrive in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to foster relationships across teams; ability to share and receive feedback constructively.
• Enthusiasm for and commitment to collaborating with colleagues and contributing to an equitable and inclusive team and organizational culture.
• An understanding of structural racism and other systemic inequities and a commitment to advancing equity, inclusion, and justice through CBPP’s communications work.
• Commitment to CBPP’s work to expand opportunity for low- and moderate-income families and build a stronger, more equitable nation.
• Existing reporter relationships; relationships with reporters who cover CBPP issues, columnists, TV producers, and podcast producers highly desired.

This position reports to the Director for Media Relations.

Terms of Employment: full-time, exempt; two-year term.

Bargaining Unit Status: This is a bargaining unit position.

Compensation: Salary for Manager for Media Relations starts at $70,000 annually and goes up to $85,000; the Senior Manager for Media Relations starts at $85,000 and goes up to $115,000. Pay is based on a number of factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, experience and internal pay equity. CBPP offers excellent benefits (including health insurance, vision and dental coverage, life and long-term disability insurance, retirement, MERP, and DCAP) and generous vacation, sick leave, and holiday schedules.

Please upload a cover letter and resume. In your cover letter, please include a discussion of what draws you to CBPP's mission and how your media experience relates to CBPPs work.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter here.

The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and welcomes diversity in the workplace and strongly encourages all qualified persons to apply regardless of race, color, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, credit information, pregnancy or parental status, family responsibilities, personal appearance, creed, military or veteran status, religion, ancestry or national origin, union activities, disability, or other status protected by applicable law.