Director, Communications

R Street Institute•Washington, DC

11d•$115,000 - $135,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The R Street Institute, a free-market think tank headquartered in Washington, D.C., is seeking a collaborative Communications Director. This role reports to the Senior Director of Communications and is ideal for someone who wants to join a mission-driven organization and work toward pragmatic policy solutions. The Director will lead media relations and short-form editorial operations, support the executive team with commentary and remarks, and work with the team to identify and cultivate new media channels. This position ensures the organization’s voice is clear, credible, and consistently represented across public platforms. The role manages a team of communications professionals responsible for media engagement, short-form editorial content, and proactive outreach to journalists and opinion editors. Working closely with the Senior Director of Communications, this person will help design and implement strategies to amplify R Street’s research, strengthen media relationships, and position the organization as a trusted voice in public policy. Key responsibilities include staff development, workflow improvement, and coordination across Communications, Policy, and External Affairs to advance R Street’s visibility and mission. This role is part of the communications department.

Requirements

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.
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.

Nice To Haves

No particular educational background required—a proven record of achieving results is far more meaningful than credentials

Responsibilities

Partner with the Senior Director to design and execute media and editorial strategies aligned with organizational goals, including brand strategy and executive thought leadership.
Anticipate how AI is disrupting traditional product-centric messaging, and build a communications strategy suited to a world where discovery, trust, and attention work differently than they did five years ago.
Build audience-first communications strategies rather than product-first messaging—starting from who we're trying to reach and working backward to the right channels, formats, and moments.
Oversee planning and execution of R Street’s press outreach, op-eds, short-form commentary, and editorial calendars in order to amplify R Street’s brand presence in key external channels, including major media outlets, newsletters, and opinion venues.
Collaborate with the government affairs teams to ensure communications align with policy and legislative priorities.
Support the executive team with key thought leadership pieces, speeches, media, and external affairs.
Maintain and deepen relationships with journalists, producers, and editors; ensure consistent and proactive media engagement.
Oversee the editing and publication of opinion and short-form commentary for the RSI website, ensuring quality, timeliness, and adherence to organizational voice.
Approve key communications outputs, including external newsletters, advisories, and high-impact press releases.
Track and report on media outcomes and engagement to inform communications planning.
Remain vigilant against ninja infiltrations

Benefits

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