Media Relations Assistant, Social, Cultural, and Constitutional Studies

The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) seeks a full-time, in-person media relations assistant to promote AEI scholars’ work on social, cultural, and constitutional policy. The anticipated start date for this position is as soon as possible.

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

• Promote AEI’s Social, Cultural, and Constitutional Studies scholars to the media.
• Integrate scholars’ work into the national conversation.
• Build relationships with assigned scholars and selected media outlets.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for media requests.
• Arrange media briefings.
• Draft media pitches and press releases.
• Distill complex policy issues into shorter formats.
• Promote and facilitate media coverage of conferences and events.
• Track metrics.
• Work 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 political science, history, or English is preferred.

Qualified candidates should submit a resume, cover letter demonstrating their interest in AEI’s mission, academic transcript, and 500-word writing sample on any topic.

• Serve as the media point of contact for AEI’s Social, Cultural, and Constitutional Studies department, led by Yuval Levin.
• Promote scholars’ work to elite and specialized media—including print and online beat reporters, columnists, wire service reporters and editors, reporters and editors for specialized trade publications, TV and radio hosts, correspondents, and producers.
• Integrate AEI scholars into the national conversation by monitoring news coverage of politics, public opinion, cultural issues, Congress, and the Supreme Court. Pitch scholars and their work to appropriate media outlets.
• Synthesize scholars’ work on complex policy issues into shorter formats that can be disseminated to media outlets and on social media.
• Build relationships with all AEI’s scholars, and identify publicity goals for their work.
• Arrange regular briefings between AEI scholars and journalists.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for media requests for assigned AEI scholars.
• Edit op-eds and other commentary, and submit them on scholars’ behalf.
• Track all media coverage of AEI scholars and their work in political, social, cultural, and constitutional studies.
• Plan and execute major promotions for special publications and projects (produced by scholars in assigned areas) by coordinating and working with other members of the communications team (including the Design, Digital Strategy, and Video departments).

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-up vision for computer work.
  
• The employee must be able to lift up to 30 pounds.
  
• The employee must be able to work in a confined area.
  
• Moderate noise (e.g., from computers, phones, 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.

• A bachelor’s degree in political science, history, English, or a related field is required. Experience working in a Washington, DC, newsroom or press office is a plus, as is a special interest or focus in political, cultural, and legal issues.
• Candidates should have 0–2 years of previous applicable full-time work experience; previous internship experience is strongly preferred.
• Candidates should be able to establish and maintain effective relationships with AEI scholars and important members of the national media.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to work well on a team are required.
• An interest in current events and major policy debates is required.
• A keen sense of the news cycle and an interest in the legislative process are required.
• Candidates must be assertive, creative, and confident in pitching AEI scholars and their work to the media.
• Candidates must be able to think strategically and plan comprehensive media and marketing campaigns.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, and Word) is required. Experience with Salesforce and familiarity with AP style are pluses.
• Existing contacts with print and online journalists, reporters, producers, and editors from national news bureaus, including TV and radio networks and cable news, are a plus.

Benefits

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

Compensation is based on a number of factors, including the position’s scope and responsibilities; a candidate’s full-time, applicable work experience; key skills and qualifications; and internal and external market considerations. The salary range for this full-time, exempt position is $50,000–$54,000. Salary is just one component of AEI’s total compensation package for employees.