Media Relations Manager

Cato Institute

Media Relations Manager driving national media engagement for Cato Institute's policy initiatives. Managing relationships with journalists and fostering high-impact media placements in a hybrid role.

Posted 5/19/2026full-timeWashington • District of Columbia, Washington • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $75,000 - $120,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop and execute proactive media outreach strategies to elevate Cato scholars, research, events, and institutional priorities
Build and maintain relationships with national, regional, trade, and broadcast journalists
Identify timely news hooks and rapidly respond to breaking news cycles with expert commentary and media opportunities
Draft and distribute media pitches, expert advisories, statements, press releases, and talking points
Coordinate interviews, media appearances, editorial board meetings, and reporter briefings
Support opinion media strategy, including op-ed placement opportunities and commentary outreach
Collaborate with internal teams to align media efforts with broader organizational campaigns and priorities
Monitor media coverage, track trends, and identify emerging opportunities across policy areas
Assist scholars with media preparation, messaging development, and interview coaching
Maintain accurate records of outreach, placements, and journalist engagement using media databases and tracking tools
Represent Cato at media events, conferences, and networking opportunities as needed
Contribute to reporting on media outcomes, coverage metrics, and strategic impact

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, political science, or related field
3–6+ years of experience in media relations, public affairs, journalism, communications, or related field
Strong understanding of the US media landscape and news cycle dynamics
Experience working with media monitoring and CRM tools such as Meltwater, Muck Rack, or similar platforms preferred
Interest in public policy, economics, civil liberties, foreign policy, or related issue areas preferred
A strong understanding of, and alignment with, libertarian or classical liberal principles preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

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

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

media outreach strategiesmedia pitchesexpert commentarymessaging developmentinterview coachingreporting on media outcomescoverage metricsstrategic impact

Soft Skills

relationship buildingcollaborationcommunicationorganizational skillsproactive approach