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Media Relations Associate

Publication or Company  Illinois Policy Institute
Illinois Policy Institute
Industry  Non-profit
Job Duration Full Time
Job Location Chicago, IL
Job Requirements Media Relations Associate

The Illinois Policy Institute seeks a Media Relations Associate to join its robust Media Relations operation. This position is based in Chicago, which is the third-largest media market in the U.S. The Media Relations Associate will have the opportunity to work on a full-service, professional media relations operation that regularly places experts in Chicago and national news outlets.

The Media Relations Associate will be responsible for managing and growing the Institute's relationships with Illinois-based and national media, which includes radio, newspaper, TV and online news outlets. This person must be a self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment, knows or can quickly get to know the Illinois media landscape, and who can juggle multiple requests from news outlets at a time. The person who fills this role must be equally passionate about news and liberty. The ideal candidate recognizes that the news never sleeps, and possesses a natural enthusiasm for following all things news, politics and policy – on or off the job.

This position is not a fit for journalism "refugees" who are seeking to exit the news industry in pursuit of a bigger paycheck or a 9-5 desk job. The person who fills this role must have a deep passion and interest in news and in liberty, and must view this position as an opportunity to play a new and exciting role in the news industry, not outside of it. The right candidate will be prepared to work with the same rigor and on the same news schedule as working journalists.

Responsibilities will include:
*Assisting with inbound requests from media
*Conducting research for media requests and pitches
*Developing press releases and other content for media
*Seeking opportunities for Institute policy experts to write opinion pieces and letters to the editor
*Assisting with pitching, booking interviews and developing relationships with the press
*Using basic HTML to update and maintain Institute news on our website
*Tracking, updating, and archiving all media coverage
*Updating, maintaining and seeking opportunities to expand media lists
*Providing media coverage status reports to other departments as needed

The ideal candidate will possess the following attributes:
*1-3+ years related experience
*Bachelor's degree
*Passion for news, passion for politics and passion for free market policy
*Experience working in a journalistic or public relations capacity
*Superior writing, editing and self-editing skills
*Proficiency in AP Style
*Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and operate with a high sense of urgency
*Solid understanding of the news cycle and how to effectively interact with members of the media
*Illinois ties welcome, but not required
*Experience using media monitoring and/or social media platforms
*Eagerness to incorporate social media into the Institute's media relations strategy
*Willingness to travel to build personal relationships with members of the media and represent the Institute at press events or organizational events
About Our Company Vision: The Illinois Policy Institute’s vision is to make Illinois first in economic outlook and job creation and to become a free enterprise leader for the rest of America.

Mission: The Illinois Policy Institute inspires changes in hearts, minds and laws through its mission to promote personal freedom and prosperity in Illinois and America. As a leading independent research and education organization, the Institute generates positive and sustainable policy solutions for citizens and lawmakers that help unleash talent and entrepreneurial ability.

Approach: The Illinois Policy Institute’s approach is to transform liberty principles into marketable policies that become law. The ultimate sign of success is when free market ideas are turned into law and change lives for the better. What does this look like? Individuals and businesses become more prosperous without the fear of government favoritism or interference, families can choose a high quality education for their kids, and citizens respect their government because it is open and transparent to all.