Director, Communications

R Street Institute

Communications Director at R Street Institute managing media relations and editorial operations. Designing and implementing strategies to amplify R Street's research and strengthen media partnerships.

Posted 7/29/2026full-timeWashington, D.C. • Washington • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $115,000 - $135,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in media relations, editorial operations, and strategic communication to enhance organizational visibility and influence in public policy. Proven ability to lead teams, cultivate media relationships, and produce impactful content aligned with organizational goals.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Media RelationsTeam LeadershipStrategic CommunicationContent DevelopmentRelationship Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Editorial OperationsContent AccuracyMedia EngagementProactive OutreachWorkflow Improvement

Soft Skills

Attention to DetailDecision-MakingSense of HumorDesire to Grow

Industry Keywords

Public PolicyMedia ChannelsCommunications ProfessionalsNew Media InfluencersOrganizational Goals

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Leading media relations and short-form editorial operations for the organization.
Supporting an executive team member on commentary or remarks for an event.
Working with the team to identify and cultivate new media channels.
Ensuring that the organization’s voice is clear, credible, and consistently represented across public platforms.
Managing a team of communications professionals responsible for media engagement, short-form editorial content, and proactive outreach to journalists and opinion editors.
Helping to design and implement strategies that amplify R Street’s research, strengthen relationships with media partners, and position the organization as a trusted voice in public policy conversations.
Playing a key role in staff development, workflow improvement, and coordination across Communications, Policy, and External Affairs functions to advance R Street’s visibility and mission.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Strong relationships with journalists, editors, new media influencers, and other communications professionals.
The ability to lead and manage multiple communications departments and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
A good writer who has excellent attention to detail to ensure media content is accurate, timely, and impactful
Sound decision-making ability in a fast-paced media and organizational environment.
No particular educational background required—a proven record of achieving results is far more meaningful than credentials
Support for R Street’s passion for free markets and limited, effective government
A sense of humor and a desire to grow within a multifaceted organization

Benefits

Comp & perks

Unlimited paid time off, including all federal holidays, the day after Thanksgiving, and two weeks holiday closure in December
Alternating Fridays off
A health insurance option entirely paid by the employer (even for families)
Dental and vision insurance
401(k) contributions with up to a 4 percent match
HSA employer contribution match
Quarterly wellness reimbursement
Mobile equipment/mobile plan reimbursement
Home internet subsidy
Annual educational and professional development reimbursement
A choice between child care assistance, pet care assistance, and student loan repayment assistance