Jobs at EPI

Media Relations Manager

The Economic Policy Institute (EPI), the nation’s leading progressive economic think tank, is seeking an experienced Media Relations Manager to join our organization and advance our mission of raising the economic status of low- and middle-income Americans and securing shared prosperity.

The Media Relations Manager directs EPI’s media relations with the goal of increased public awareness of the Institute’s research and the Institute itself. He/she is responsible for designing and implementing media strategies for print, broadcast, electronic, and social media, developing media contacts for the organization, fielding media inquiries and pitching story ideas to reporters and producers. The Media Relations Manager also writes or oversees the writing of press releases, op-eds, blog posts, press advisories, fact sheets and other materials used for public dissemination.

The ideal candidate would possess:

  • Excellent communication skills in both oral and written presentations for diverse audiences.
  • Proficient management and organizational skills.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with journalists, research community, staff, government officials, funders, sponsors, and key constituents.  Relationships with journalists a strong plus.
  • Ability to respond quickly to breaking news.
  • Leadership skills to motivate and guide staff to achieve organizational goals.
  • Ability to build internal and external consensus around positions and public statements.
  • Knowledge of social media platforms.

Key responsibilities include:

  • In consultation with the Communications Director, President, Vice President, and Senior Staff, develops media relations strategies for the Institute and its research. Develops and implements all inclusive strategies (print, broadcast, electronic and social media) for individual research reports, EPI events and other activities, and for shaping organizational image.
  • Develops media contacts for the Institute and its scholars. Schedules print, broadcast and electronic media interviews for economists. Fulfills journalist and general public requests for information.
  • Pitches story ideas based on EPI research to journalists, editors and producers, print, broadcast and electronic.
  • Writes and edits press releases, press advisories, op-eds, talking points, blog posts, and other organizational materials as needed.
  • Provides media training and advice for staff economists and research associates. Prepares economists and experts for media appearances.
  • Responsible for keeping Communications Director up to date on major developments affecting EPI image among media, opinion makers, and the general public.
  • Plans and arranges press conferences.
  • Supervises media relations staff.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Further skills and qualifications

Requirements

  • B.A.
  • Knowledge in communications, journalism, media relations and social media, current political trends, Washington political and media society, economics/social/labor policy issues.
  • 5 – 10 years of experience in media relations.
  • Proficient in Windows-based software.
  • Must be able to work overtime with little notice due to breaking news or compelling deadline.

To apply
To apply for this position, please send cover letter and resume via email to: communications-jobs@epi.org. Please indicate that you are interested in the Media Relations Manager position. They can also be mailed to Human Resources Department, Economic Policy Institute, 1333 H St. NW, Suite 300 East; Washington, DC 20005, or faxed to 202-775-0819. No phone calls please.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Pay commensurate with experience. EPI offers an excellent benefit package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Economist

The Economic Policy Institute seeks to fill a Ph.D. level economist position in 2013. Candidates must have a demonstrated interest in labor policy, wages, living standards, macroeconomic performance, regulation, health policy, immigration, public finance, taxation, public investment, retirement, or other domestic policy topics.

All candidates must have a demonstrated ability to translate research findings into policy proposals aimed at improving the living standards of low and moderate-income households. Candidates must also have an aptitude for communicating their research and its policy implications, in writing and in speech, to the media (including print and broadcast), public-interest organizations, the academic community, policymakers, and others active in formulating public policy. A Ph.D. in economics or a related field is required. Both new and experienced Ph.D.’s are welcome to apply.

Application Instructions

Qualified applicants should submit a letter of interest that includes a comment on why you would like to work at EPI. Also submit a curriculum vitae, a writing sample, and three references.

Submit to: researchjob@epi.org. No phone calls please.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Pay commensurate with experience. The Economic Policy Institute offers an excellent benefit package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minority candidates are encouraged to apply.