divh2Media Relations Manager/h2pThe Cato Institute seeks a strategic, proactive, and highly organized Media Relations Manager to help drive national media engagement for one of the worlds leading public policy organizations. This role is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with journalists, securing high-impact media placements, managing rapid-response communications, and positioning Cato scholars as trusted experts across breaking news and long-term policy conversations./ppThe ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced news environment, understands the modern media landscape, and can balance strategic planning with day-to-day execution. This position reports to the Associate Director of Media Relations and works closely with scholars, Public Affairs, Government Affairs, Publications, Digital, and external media partners./ppThis is a hybrid position in Washington, DC./ppThe salary range for this role is $75,000 - $120,000 per year. Compensation is based on the successful candidates educational background, experience, and skills./ppThe 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./ppFounded in 1977, Cato owes its name to Catos 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 todays 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 an indispensable framework for the future./ppThe Cato Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer./ph3Responsibilities:/h3ulliDevelop and execute proactive media outreach strategies to elevate Cato scholars, research, events, and institutional priorities/liliBuild and maintain relationships with national, regional, trade, and broadcast journalists/liliIdentify timely news hooks and rapidly respond to breaking news cycles with expert commentary and media opportunities/liliDraft and distribute media pitches, expert advisories, statements, press releases, and talking points/liliCoordinate interviews, media appearances, editorial board meetings, and reporter briefings/liliSupport opinion media strategy, including op-ed placement opportunities and commentary outreach/liliCollaborate with internal teams to align media efforts with broader organizational campaigns and priorities/liliMonitor media coverage, track trends, and identify emerging opportunities across policy areas/liliAssist scholars with media preparation, messaging development, and interview coaching/liliMaintain accurate records of outreach, placements, and journalist engagement using media databases and tracking tools/liliRepresent Cato at media events, conferences, and networking opportunities as needed/liliContribute to reporting on media outcomes, coverage metrics, and strategic impact/li/ulh3Requirements:/h3pstrongEducation/ Experience/strong/pulliBachelors degree in communications, journalism, public relations, political science, or related field/lili36+ years of experience in media relations, public affairs, journalism, communications, or related field/liliStrong understanding of the US media landscape and news cycle dynamics/liliExperience working with media monitoring and CRM tools such as Meltwater, Muck Rack, or similar platforms preferred/liliInterest in public policy, economics, civil liberties, foreign policy, or related issue areas preferred/liliA strong understanding of, and alignment with, libertarian or classical liberal principles preferred/li/ulpstrongSkills/strong/pulliExceptional written and verbal communication skills/liliProven ability to pitch and secure earned media placements/liliAbility to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment/liliStrong organizational skills and attention to detail/liliProfessionalism and confidence working with senior scholars, journalists, and institutional leadership/liliStrong news judgment and ability to identify compelling story angles/liliComfortable operating in a rapid-response environment/liliCollaborative mindset with the ability to work across departments/liliSelf-starter who can independently manage projects and relationships/liliExperience supporting high-profile media campaigns or policy communications initiatives/li/ulpstrongBenefits/strong/ppAll Cato employees are provided with:/pulliMedical, dental, and vision insurance/liliEmployer contribution to a Health Savings Account (HSA)/liliGenerous vacation and sick days/liliPaid parental leave/liliEmployer-provided life and disability insurance/lili401(k) employer match/liliTransit/ Parking benefits/liliPet discount plan/lipApplicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. This position does not offer visa sponsorship./p/ul/div