The Washington Institute For Near East Policy
Media Relations Associate - DC
The Washington Institute For Near East Policy, Baltimore, Maryland, United States, 21276
The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, an independent and nonpartisan research organization on the Middle East, is seeking a skilled and energetic media relations associate to manage our successful outreach program to the news media. The Institute’s scholars were quoted more than 3,600 times in 2025 by top news outlets around the globe.
Whether responding to reporters’ requests or promoting the Institute’s subject‑matter experts, the media relations associate is responsible for ensuring a smooth and effective working relationship with the media. Among other duties, the media relations associate sets up media appearances at the Institute’s office and in external studios; pitches reporters and editors on Institute research, studies, briefings, and other events; helps place Institute fellows’ op‑eds and other pieces in outside publications; drafts press releases; coordinates the rollout of major research products and other initiatives; maintains a database of media contacts; monitors press citations; looks for innovative ways to adapt to today’s changing media landscape and reach out to the media writ large, including new media; and updates the press section of the Institute’s website. The media relations associate must stay abreast of developments in the Middle East and the news media. The media relations associate works with the director of communications and the rest of the communications team, as well as the Institute’s fellows and other staffers.
The media relations associate will also serve as co‑leader of the Institute’s LINK program, which creates events to help young professionals better understand the Middle East and advance their careers.
The Institute is seeking an enthusiastic professional with a passion for public affairs who is cool on deadline and excels at juggling the demands of a busy media‑relations operation. Candidates should have a college degree and should be able to write with authority and pitch with poise. We prefer candidates with previous experience working with the media and at least some familiarity with the Middle East.
Responsibilities
Responding to media requests for Institute experts;
Conducting outreach to news organizations, including pitching experts and research;
Coordinating media appearances at the Institute office and in news bureaus;
Working with Institute experts to polish and place their op‑eds;
Drafting press releases;
Helping roll out major Institute research products and other initiatives;
Maintaining and updating a database of existing and new media contacts;
Monitoring and reporting citations;
Updating the press section of the Institute website;
Helping train Institute experts to make broadcast appearances;
Performing other duties as assigned, including general media‑related research, inquiries about paid advertising, administrative work, event coordination, and the like.
Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field;
A familiarity with the news media;
Superb oral and written communication skills;
The ability to multitask, often under tight time constraints;
An interest in the Middle East and U.S. foreign policy;
An advanced degree related to the media or U.S. foreign affairs, a facility with one or more regional languages, and time living in the Middle East are pluses but not required.
The Washington Institute is an equal opportunity employer.
Benefits: The Washington Institute offers its full‑time employees a generous benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance; life and disability insurance; generous paid time off; and a retirement savings program.
To best protect our workforce and their families, The Washington Institute requires that all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID‑19. This includes keeping up to date on any recommended booster shots. If hired, you will be asked to confirm that you have complied with this policy or to advise if you need to discuss a potential accommodation.
Salary Range: $60,000 – $100,000
Learn more about us at www.washingtoninstitute.org.
To Apply Please submit your resume, cover letter, and preferred salary range for consideration to jobs@washingtoninstitute.org.
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Whether responding to reporters’ requests or promoting the Institute’s subject‑matter experts, the media relations associate is responsible for ensuring a smooth and effective working relationship with the media. Among other duties, the media relations associate sets up media appearances at the Institute’s office and in external studios; pitches reporters and editors on Institute research, studies, briefings, and other events; helps place Institute fellows’ op‑eds and other pieces in outside publications; drafts press releases; coordinates the rollout of major research products and other initiatives; maintains a database of media contacts; monitors press citations; looks for innovative ways to adapt to today’s changing media landscape and reach out to the media writ large, including new media; and updates the press section of the Institute’s website. The media relations associate must stay abreast of developments in the Middle East and the news media. The media relations associate works with the director of communications and the rest of the communications team, as well as the Institute’s fellows and other staffers.
The media relations associate will also serve as co‑leader of the Institute’s LINK program, which creates events to help young professionals better understand the Middle East and advance their careers.
The Institute is seeking an enthusiastic professional with a passion for public affairs who is cool on deadline and excels at juggling the demands of a busy media‑relations operation. Candidates should have a college degree and should be able to write with authority and pitch with poise. We prefer candidates with previous experience working with the media and at least some familiarity with the Middle East.
Responsibilities
Responding to media requests for Institute experts;
Conducting outreach to news organizations, including pitching experts and research;
Coordinating media appearances at the Institute office and in news bureaus;
Working with Institute experts to polish and place their op‑eds;
Drafting press releases;
Helping roll out major Institute research products and other initiatives;
Maintaining and updating a database of existing and new media contacts;
Monitoring and reporting citations;
Updating the press section of the Institute website;
Helping train Institute experts to make broadcast appearances;
Performing other duties as assigned, including general media‑related research, inquiries about paid advertising, administrative work, event coordination, and the like.
Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field;
A familiarity with the news media;
Superb oral and written communication skills;
The ability to multitask, often under tight time constraints;
An interest in the Middle East and U.S. foreign policy;
An advanced degree related to the media or U.S. foreign affairs, a facility with one or more regional languages, and time living in the Middle East are pluses but not required.
The Washington Institute is an equal opportunity employer.
Benefits: The Washington Institute offers its full‑time employees a generous benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance; life and disability insurance; generous paid time off; and a retirement savings program.
To best protect our workforce and their families, The Washington Institute requires that all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID‑19. This includes keeping up to date on any recommended booster shots. If hired, you will be asked to confirm that you have complied with this policy or to advise if you need to discuss a potential accommodation.
Salary Range: $60,000 – $100,000
Learn more about us at www.washingtoninstitute.org.
To Apply Please submit your resume, cover letter, and preferred salary range for consideration to jobs@washingtoninstitute.org.
#J-18808-Ljbffr