Media Relations Assistant/Associate, Domestic Policy

The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) is seeking a full-time, in-person media relations assistant or associate to promote AEI scholars’ work in domestic policy (including the research of AEI’s Survey Center on American Life and poverty, housing, technology, and energy and environmental policy studies). The anticipated start date for this position is as soon as possible.

The media relations assistant or associate reports to the director of media relations. Duties include:

• Promoting the work of AEI’s Domestic Policy scholars to selected media;
• Integrating the work of Domestic Policy scholars into the national conversation;
• Building relationships with scholars in assigned areas and with select media;
• Serving as the primary point of contact for media requests related to education, poverty, housing, technology, and energy and environmental policy;
• Arranging media briefings;
• Drafting pitches and releases;
• Distilling complex policy issues into shorter formats;
• Promoting and facilitating media coverage of conferences and events;
• Tracking metrics; and
• Working with the communications team on special projects.

This position requires excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to translate complex policy material into clear and straightforward prose. Candidates must have a keen interest in policy and be able to handle multiple tasks in a frequently busy and demanding environment. Experience with deadlines and related work experience are preferred. Strong applicants will have existing contacts among print and online journalists, reporters, producers, and editors from national news bureaus, including TV and radio networks and cable news. The ideal candidate must be able to think strategically and plan comprehensive media outreach. A bachelor’s degree in history, English, or political science is preferred.

We offer a stimulating and harmonious work environment and excellent benefits. Qualified applicants should submit an online application complete with a resume, cover letter, and 500-word writing sample on any topic.

• Serve as the media point of contact for AEI’s scholars who specialize in domestic policy—which encompasses the research of AEI’s Survey Center on American Life and poverty, housing, technology, and energy and environmental policy studies.
• Promote the work of AEI’s Domestic Policy scholars to elite and specialized members of the media (including print and online beat reporters, columnists, wire service reporters and editors, reporters and editors working for specialized trade publications, TV and radio hosts, correspondents, producers, and selected foreign media).
• Integrate AEI scholars and their work into the national conversation by (1) monitoring current events and news coverage in assigned policy areas, (2) pitching scholars’ work to appropriate reporters and broadcast journalists, (3) coordinating the resulting interviews, and (4) keeping records of all print, television, radio, and online coverage of the scholars.
• Synthesize scholars’ work, which often covers complex policy issues, into shorter formats that the media can easily digest.
• Build relationships with all AEI Domestic Policy scholars and identify publicity goals for their work.
• Arrange regular briefings between AEI scholars and journalists.
• Draft press pitches and press releases about AEI’s Domestic Policy scholars and their work.
• When applicable, edit op-eds and other commentary, and submit them on scholars’ behalf.
• Promote and facilitate media coverage of AEI Domestic Policy events. Arrange TV and radio interviews of AEI Domestic Policy scholars.
• Plan and execute major promotional efforts for special publications and projects by coordinating and working with other members of the communications team.

Physical requirements and working conditions at AEI:

• The employee is regularly expected to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard. This job requires close vision abilities due to computer work.
• The employee must be able to lift up to 30 pounds at times.
• The employee must be able to work in a confined area.
• Moderate noise (e.g., from computers, phone, printers, and light traffic) is expected.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities associated with this position.

• The ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with AEI scholars and with well-known and important members of the media
• A bachelor’s degree in history, English, or political science (preferred)
• Experience working in a Washington, DC, newsroom or press office (a plus)
• A special interest or focus in one or more of the following areas: American politics and political culture, poverty, housing, technology, and energy and environmental policy (a plus)
• Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to work well in a team environment (required)
• An interest in current events and major policy debates (required)
• An understanding of news media needs and processes and what defines news (required)
• An interest in and knowledge of the legislative process (required)
• The ability to assertively, creatively, and confidently pitch AEI scholars’ work to the media
• The ability to think strategically and plan comprehensive media and marketing campaigns (required)
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, and Excel (required)
• Experience working with Salesforce and familiarity with AP style (pluses)
• Existing contacts with print and online journalists, reporters, producers, and editors from national news bureaus, including TV and radio networks and cable news (a plus)

Benefits

AEI offers generous benefits, including 18 days of paid leave (15 days of paid annual leave and 3 personal/floating holidays); 12 days of paid sick leave; paid family leave; medical and dental coverage, in addition to a health savings account; medical and dependent care FSA; a tuition assistance program of up to $5,200; life and disability insurance at no cost to employees; and a 403b retirement plan with a 12% contribution from AEI, among other benefits. For more information, you can see a full summary of our benefits here.

Compensation is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: scope and responsibilities of the position; a candidate's full-time, applicable work experience; key skills and qualifications; as well as internal and external market considerations. The salary range for this full-time, exempt position is $50,000 - $65,000. Salary is just one component of AEI’s total compensation package for employees.