Associate Director, Media Relations, Health

MILKEN INSTITUTE•Washington, DC

1d•$90,000 - $100,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Milken Institute is seeking an Associate Director, Media Relations to support strategic media relations efforts highlighting the Institute, particularly its Health portfolio, including research, programs, and events. The role will also help amplify the Institute’s reputation as a leading source of expertise and analysis across health, finance, and philanthropy, and as a convener of public- and private-sector leaders. The ideal candidate has a strong background and proven record of developing and landing high-impact stories, particularly in health, across national, local, trade, and new media. The candidate should have strong media relationships and be able to develop new ones, work collaboratively, take initiative, and independently manage projects from start to finish. Excellent writing and communications skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask and meet deadlines are critical. The position reports to the Senior Director of Communications and is part of an integrated marketing and communications department. It follows a hybrid schedule: three days per week in the office (Tuesday through Thursday) and two days remotely. The schedule may change at the Institute’s discretion. Occasional travel to other offices or event venues is required, as is occasional work outside traditional hours. The role also involves regular virtual interaction with staff in other locations in the United States and around the world.

Requirements

7–10 years of experience in media relations, corporate communications, or public relations, with an emphasis on work in the health sector.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
Strong writing and communications skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask and meet deadlines.
Ability to take initiative, work as a team player, and manage projects independently from start to finish.
Eligible and authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available.
Submit a resume and cover letter; applications without both will be rejected.

Nice To Haves

Agency experience.
Strong background supporting media relations efforts in health.
Ability to work with principal stakeholders; experience working with researchers is a plus.
Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with journalists and media outlets.
Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
A proactive, results-oriented approach and deep understanding of the media landscape.
A drive to continually seek fresh story angles and opportunities to tell the Milken Institute’s stories.
A successful record of securing impactful coverage from top-tier outlets across print, online, broadcast, podcasts, video, and social content.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate tactical proficiency in health media relations, including creating and driving a strategic communications plan.
Read and analyze research and reports from Milken Institute experts to develop compelling pitches that resonate with media and their audiences.
Proactively draft and pitch compelling stories to new and consumer audiences.
Respond to inbound media requests and manage them appropriately throughout the organization.
Lead and support development of strategic media materials, including press releases, op-eds, key messages, media lists, and targeted pitches.
Collaborate with internal teams to identify innovative story ideas that elevate the Milken Institute, its experts, and its research.
Support press operations and media efforts for Institute events, including the Milken Institute Global Conference.
Provide strategic insight to key workstreams to enhance visibility and reputation.
Build and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, and creators at key media outlets, serving as a primary contact for media inquiries and requests.
Keep up with changes in the earned media landscape and lead the media team’s efforts to stay informed.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Health care plan (medical, dental, and vision).
403(b) retirement plan with a 5% match.
Life insurance (basic, voluntary, and AD&D).
Paid time off, including personal, vacation, sick, and public holidays.
Family leave, including maternity and paternity leave.
Fertility support.
Short-term and long-term disability.
Flexible spending accounts.
Pet insurance discount.
Training and development, including LinkedIn Learning with over 15,000 self-guided classes.
Annual mentor program.
Wellness resources, including an Employee Assistance Program and CALM app membership.