Media Relations Manager

Cato Institute•Washington, DC

21h•$75,000 - $120,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Cato Institute seeks a strategic, proactive, and highly organized Media Relations Manager to help drive national media engagement for one of the world’s 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. The 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. This is a hybrid position in Washington, DC. The salary range for this role is $75,000 - $120,000 per year. Compensation is based on the successful candidate's educational background, experience, and skills. About Cato The 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. Founded in 1977, Cato owes its name to Cato’s 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 today’s 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.? The Cato Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, political science, or related field
3–6+ years of experience in media relations, public affairs, journalism, communications, or related field
Strong understanding of the US media landscape and news cycle dynamics
Experience working with media monitoring and CRM tools such as Meltwater, Muck Rack, or similar platforms preferred
Interest in public policy, economics, civil liberties, foreign policy, or related issue areas preferred
A strong understanding of, and alignment with, libertarian or classical liberal principles preferred
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
Proven ability to pitch and secure earned media placements
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Professionalism and confidence working with senior scholars, journalists, and institutional leadership
Strong news judgment and ability to identify compelling story angles
Comfortable operating in a rapid-response environment
Collaborative mindset with the ability to work across departments
Self-starter who can independently manage projects and relationships
Experience supporting high-profile media campaigns or policy communications initiatives

Nice To Haves

Experience working with media monitoring and CRM tools such as Meltwater, Muck Rack, or similar platforms
Interest in public policy, economics, civil liberties, foreign policy, or related issue areas
A strong understanding of, and alignment with, libertarian or classical liberal principles

Responsibilities

Develop and execute proactive media outreach strategies to elevate Cato scholars, research, events, and institutional priorities
Build and maintain relationships with national, regional, trade, and broadcast journalists
Identify timely news hooks and rapidly respond to breaking news cycles with expert commentary and media opportunities
Draft and distribute media pitches, expert advisories, statements, press releases, and talking points
Coordinate interviews, media appearances, editorial board meetings, and reporter briefings
Support opinion media strategy, including op-ed placement opportunities and commentary outreach
Collaborate with internal teams to align media efforts with broader organizational campaigns and priorities
Monitor media coverage, track trends, and identify emerging opportunities across policy areas
Assist scholars with media preparation, messaging development, and interview coaching
Maintain accurate records of outreach, placements, and journalist engagement using media databases and tracking tools
Represent Cato at media events, conferences, and networking opportunities as needed
Contribute to reporting on media outcomes, coverage metrics, and strategic impact