Communications Manager
Washington, DC | Communications | Full-time
Opportunity
Defense Priorities (DEFP) is seeking a communications manager to join our communications team. In this position, you will play a key role in promoting our organization by identifying earned media opportunities; developing creative pitches and approaches for reporters; coordinating media outreach; and pursuing opportunities to promote DEFP’s people and ideas.
This candidate will help refine and implement DEFP’s media outreach strategy and lead the day-to-day execution of earned and paid media efforts in support of our mission, managing external communication with key media outlets.
The ideal candidate is an entrepreneurial media relations professional who is detail-oriented, thorough, organized, and able to develop and implement innovative, effective approaches to expand DEFP’s impact on the national conversation about U.S. foreign policy.
Responsibilities
- Develop and drive a strategic communications plan from conception to implementation
- Research, establish, and develop relationships with key journalists, editors, producers, bookers, and media outlets
- Earn media opportunities (planned and unplanned/rapid-response) for DEFP’s experts and analysis
- Ensure all messaging aligns with DEFP policy positions
- Analyze the news cycle, recognize strong news hooks, and develop creative pitch ideas to secure high-value media placements
- Refine policy briefing book of key arguments and messaging guidance for our network of aligned experts and scholars on key issues
- Develop content for press releases, website, emails, newsletters, and any other distribution channels; ensure adherence to DEFP style guide
- Brainstorm and collaborate with communications team for new ideas and strategies to expand our reach and influence
- Track all major programmatic activity for dynamic media activity reports
- Develop strategies for current and existing products, launches, and promotions
Qualifications
- 3+ years of experience in communications, media relations, or related field
- Excellent media relations skills with proven experience developing a media relations strategy, pitching content, and securing major media placements
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment to drive strategy implementation
- Detail oriented with strong organizational skills and a strong sense of urgency
- Ability to multitask, monitor ongoing projects, work under pressure, and manage time effectively
- Ability to take initiative and innovate new strategies by thinking outside-the-box
Additional information
DEFP is headquartered in Washington, DC, but we will consider applicants from other areas who are able to work remotely. The position offers comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits; a 401(k) retirement plan; and flexible PTO (paid time off).
We look for the following qualities in candidates: Integrity, intelligence, innovative/creative thinking, flexibility/adaptability, curiosity, strong story-telling capability, strong work ethic, passion, and positive energy.
Candidates who meet the requirements are encouraged to send a resume, cover letter, and writing samples through the application below. If you have additional questions, please email jobs@defensepriorities.org.