Manager, Media Relations

Arnold Ventures•Houston, WA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Arnold Ventures (AV) is a philanthropy that supports research to understand the root causes of America’s most persistent and pressing problems, as well as evidence-based solutions to address them. By focusing on systemic change, AV is working to improve the lives of American families, strengthen their communities, and promote their economic opportunity. The Communications team seeks to be an accelerant for AV’s philanthropic and policy mission. We work to strengthen AV’s brand and reputation, inform the public debate, and advance AV’s policy and advocacy goals. The Manager, Media Relations will lead media engagement and media intelligence to advance AV’s mission, brand, and policy and advocacy priorities. This role blends traditional media relations with news and narrative monitoring to help AV both anticipate and shape the public conversation. The Manager will be responsible for building and maintaining relationships with key press outlets, generating positive earned coverage of AV and its policy priorities, and co-leading daily media monitoring across several policy areas. The Manager will also serve as an on-the-record spokesperson for AV. This role requires excellent judgment, exceptional writing and analytical skills, and the ability to stay calm and decisive in a fast-moving and high-pressure environment. The ideal candidate is highly collaborative, deeply curious, and able to move seamlessly between strategy, execution, and analysis. The Manager will report to the Director, Public Relations and will be based in AV’s Houston, TX or Washington, D.C. office.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, political science, or related field, or equivalent experience
At least 4 years of experience in media relations, public affairs, political/policy communications, or a related field; experience in journalism or working with members of the press is strongly preferred
High tolerance for ambiguity and comfort working in a dynamic, initiative-based environment with shifting priorities and cross-team collaboration
Exceptional writing, editing, and analytical skills
Strong project management and organizational capabilities
Experience with media and social monitoring tools
Proficient in using AI tools

Responsibilities

Develop and execute proactive media relations strategies to support AV’s mission, brand, and policy and advocacy priorities
Build and maintain strong relationships with key press outlets, including national and regional reporters and editors
Serve as an on-the record spokesperson and point of contact for media inquiries and interview requests
Design preparation materials for and support members of the AV Board, leadership team, and subject matter experts in media inquiries and interviews
Draft statements, press releases, media advisories, and responses to media inquiries
Plan and execute strategic press briefings and events
Support rapid response and issue management
Lead daily and real-time monitoring of news and social media
Distill complex coverage into executive-level briefings
Manage monitoring tools, alerts, and dashboards
Map reporters, press outlets, and other key voices aligned with AV’s policy and advocacy priorities

Benefits

100% paid employee premiums for medical, dental, vision, basic life, and short- and long-term disability insurance
20 days of paid time off
16 paid holidays (including a winter break from December 24 to January 1)
A hybrid policy that includes four days in office and one flexible day for remote work
A summer schedule with alternating Fridays off beginning on Memorial Day and ending on Labor Day
Paid parental leave
A 401k retirement savings plan with an employer match, profit-share contribution, and immediate vesting
Pre-tax transit benefits
A professional development stipend
A charitable giving stipend
An employee assistance program
Relocation bonus is available for candidates who will move for a position