Media Relations Manager

Description

The Media Relations Manager will join our strategic media outreach efforts to elevate the visibility, credibility, and influence of the Cato Institute and its scholars across national and international platforms. This individual will serve as a liaison between the organization and the press, cultivating strong relationships with journalists, editors, producers, and opinion leaders across digital, print, radio, and television outlets.

This is a high-impact role ideal for a proactive communicator with a deep understanding of the media landscape, excellent news judgment, and a passion for shaping public narratives that influence policy and public discourse.

This is a hybrid position in Washington, DC. Will report to the Associate Director of Media Relations.  

The projected salary range for this role is $66,000 - $85,000 per year. 

Compensation is based on the successful candidate's educational background, experience, and skills.

About Cato

The Cato Institute is a public policy research organization—a think tank—dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace. Its scholars and analysts conduct independent, nonpartisan research on a wide range of policy issues.

Founded in 1977, Cato owes its name to Cato’s Letters, a series of essays published in 18th-century England that presented a vision of a society free from excessive government power. Those essays inspired the architects of the American Revolution. And the simple, timeless principles of that revolution — individual liberty, limited government, and free markets – turn out to be even more powerful in today’s world of global markets and unprecedented access to information than Jefferson or Madison could have imagined. Social and economic freedom is not just the best policy for a free people; it is the indispensable framework for the future.

Cato Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive media relations strategies aligned with organizational goals and key initiatives.
• Proactively pitch stories, op-eds, expert commentary, and organizational research to targeted outlets and journalists.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with members of the media, including national, regional, and issue-specific reporters.
• Serve as a day-to-day contact for incoming media inquiries and interview requests; coordinate timely responses and expert placement.
• Prepare talking points, media briefs, and messaging guidance for staff and scholars ahead of interviews or public appearances.
• Monitor news cycles to identify rapid-response opportunities that align with the organization’s mission and expertise.
• Track and analyze media coverage and trends; compile and distribute regular reports on media performance and impact.
• Collaborate with internal teams (policy, digital, events, executive office) to integrate media strategy into broader public affairs efforts.
• Manage media engagement around high-profile reports, events, and announcements.
• Assist with crisis communications and reputational risk management when needed.

Requirements

Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Political Science, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in media relations, public affairs, or journalism, preferably in a policy, nonprofit, government, or media environment.
• Strong relationships with reporters and editors at major national and regional outlets.
• Experience working with scholars, experts, or executive spokespeople is strongly preferred.
• Experience in or strong familiarity with libertarian or classical liberal ideas and public policy perspectives.

Skills

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including persuasive pitching and media-facing messaging.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to balance long-term planning and rapid-response opportunities.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines.

Preferred Experience

• Familiarity with media monitoring and PR tools (e.g., Meltwater, Cision, Muck Rack).
• Understanding of the policy, political, and think tank landscape.
• On-the-record or spokesperson experience is a plus.

To Apply:

Please Submit The Following Materials:

• Resume 
• Cover letter 
• Two writing samples (preferably media-related materials such as press releases, op-eds, or pitches) 

Benefits

All Cato employees are provided with:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer contribution to a Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Generous vacation and sick days
• Paid parental leave
• Employer-provided life and disability insurance 
• 401(k) employer match
• Transit/ Parking benefits 
• Pet discount plan