Media Relations Manager (2-year term)

The Position

The National Women’s Law Center is seeking a creative, organized, and detail-oriented media relations manager for a two-year term position leading press work advocating for gender justice, with a particular focus on women at work and workplace justice. We are looking for a storytelling expert and an energetic team player, someone adept at juggling multiple deadlines and who stays poised in rapid response moments.

The media relations manager should have excellent news judgment and a deep understanding of the rapidly changing media landscape. This person will handle incoming press inquiries and actively engage in media pitching and outreach. The person will also work with our program experts to help develop messaging on issues related, but not limited, to: income security for women, advancing equal pay and protecting economic opportunities for women; protecting the rights of pregnant workers; preventing and remedying workplace harassment; and defending and enforcing civil rights protections and laws that promote nondiscrimination and gender and racial equity in the workplace.

This media relations manager will be joining a press team with an impressive track record of securing high-level press coverage because of its ability to come up with proactive press plans and sharp news hooks for reporters. The right candidate for this role needs to be able to respond quickly, accurately, and thoughtfully to reporters’ needs and tight deadlines, and work collaboratively within team NWLC.

This is a full-time exempt position of 37.5 hours per week.

The Organization

The National Women’s Law Center (NWLC) fights for gender justice — in the courts, in public policy, and in our society — working across the issues that are central to the lives of women and girls.

We use the law in all its forms to change culture and drive solutions to the gender inequity that shapes our society and to break down the barriers that harm all of us — especially women of color, LGBTQIA+ people, and low-income women and families.

For 50 years, we have been on the leading edge of every major legal and policy victory for women, and we need you with us to continue this fight. Find out more at NWLC.org.

Responsibilities

• Develop a press strategy for issues related to their portfolio. Serve as a frontline responder for incoming press requests and connect reporters with relevant staff experts.
• Draft and edit reactive press statements, proactive press releases, media alerts, op-eds and blog posts to support media narratives and organizational storytelling.
• Manage background and prep materials for staffers ahead of interviews, as needed.
• Actively update and manage all media lists and identify new reporters and producers to add to those lists.
• Proactively identify new audiences and the outlets they read and identify new angles for NWLC stories.
• Stay on top of news trends, pop culture moments, and other cultural narratives to tie in NWLC’s issues and garner additional coverage.
• Work closely with the other press team members, the campaigns team and the content team to support overall communications strategy and amplify earned media placements across all available channels.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess:

• At least two years of professional experience in media relations, press outreach or strategic communications.
• Excellent writing, organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to think on your feet and work in breaking news environments.
• Experience working both collaboratively and independently.
• A strong understanding of both the media landscape and press outreach strategies, along with an interest in emerging news outlets and platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to be self-directed, work well with competing priorities, and meet deadlines.

Additional preferred skills and knowledge:

• At least three years of professional experience in media relations, press outreach, or strategic communications.
• Experience in pitching experts to network and cable news shows
• Familiarity with congressional/Capitol Hill procedures.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience working with media management systems such as Meltwater or Cision.
• Demonstrated commitment to, and passion for, racial and gender justice.

Key Relations

The media relations manager will report directly to the senior director of media relations and storytelling and will be centered on the communications team. Additionally, this role with work closely with the Center’s program areas tied to the issue areas in their portfolio.

Compensation & Benefits

A salary within the range of $90,696-$106,175, consistent with the NWLC’s compensation framework. The successful candidate’s salary within this range will be determined by the number years of relevant experience they bring to the role.

The Center offers a comprehensive benefits package, and four weeks of annual vacation.

NWLC is a non-profit organization whose headquarters and staff are based in Washington, D.C. at 1350 Eye Street NW. This role is based in D.C. and will be eligible for some telework while also being expected to work in person on a regular basis. The successful candidate will need to live in, or relocate to, the DMV area (broadly defined as DC, Maryland or Virginia).

The first 90 days of employment will be considered a probationary period.

Classification

NWLC recognizes a staff bargaining unit, NWLC United, affiliated with the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union/IFPTE Local 70, a union for non-profit workers. This position is included in NWLC’s bargaining unit. Specific employment terms are subject to collective bargaining.

How to Apply

To apply, please forward a resume, a writing sample (a statement, release, news article, OpEd, etc.) and a cover letter outlining how your professional background is a good fit for this position. Resumes should include exact start and end dates (month and year) of employment and education. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Applicants will be contacted if selected for an interview. We kindly request that interested parties refrain from calling, emailing, or visiting NWLC’s offices to express interest or check on the status of their application.

The National Women’s Law Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek applications from people with disabilities; people of all genders, gender identities and sexual orientations; people of color; and veterans. 

At NWLC, our diversity is our strength, and the variety of lived experiences that connect our teammates to the mission of gender justice is our superpower. We know that members of marginalized groups tend to apply for positions only if they believe they are a 100% match for the role. If you are passionate about NWLC’s mission and think you can be successful in this role, please apply. We’d appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

Reasonable Accommodations

If you require reasonable accommodations during any part of the hiring process, please email jnapolitano@nwlc.org.