Press Secretary (Washington, D.C.)

Press Secretary

The Century Foundation (TCF) is seeking a relentless, media-obsessed Press Secretary to drive aggressive and strategic earned media for one of the nation's premier progressive think tanks. This is a role for someone who loves the chasewho lives to work with reporters, break through crowded news cycles, and land the story. Reporting to the Vice President of Communications, the Press Secretary will serve as the primary media point of contact for TCF, generating high-impact coverage for our research, experts, and campaigns across domestic policy.
The Press Secretary will own day-to-day press outreachpitching local, regional and national reporters and producers, including "new media" (e.g. podcasts, Youtube shows, Substack writers); cultivating and deepening relationships across print, broadcast, and digital outlets; and turning TCF's research into stories that shape the debate. The ideal candidate is a proactive, creative, and tenacious pitcher who has a strong network of media relationships and a sharp instinct for what makes news.
Responsibilities include:
Develop and drive an aggressive, proactive earned media strategy. Execute relentless pitching strategies to land high-profile coverage of TCF's research, experts, and campaigns on national TV, radio, and podcasts and in top-tier print, digital, and new media outlets. Own day-to-day press outreach, identify story opportunities, chase placements, and follow up until the story lands.
Write sharp, persuasive press materials. Draft and edit press releases, media advisories, pitches, op-eds, letters to the editor, editorial board memos, talking points, and messaging that cut through the noise.
Win the news cycle through rapid response. Monitor breaking news, spot openings, and move fast to develop messaging and place experts and statements while the story is hot.
Build and deepen reporter relationships. Cultivate and maintain strong, trusting relationships with journalists, editors, and producers across TCF's issue areas, and continually expand TCF's network of media contacts.
Serve as a media point of contact. Field and coordinate interview requests, prep TCF experts for appearances, and sharpen TCF's message across policy areas.
Maintain media relations infrastructure. Develop and continually update press lists across TCF's issue areas; track and report on coverage and pitch outcomes; and compile clips.
Support strategic outreach. As needed, help coordinate with partners, stakeholders, and alliesand support outreach to congressional and administration audiences.
Desired skills and qualifications include:
At least five years of experience in media relations, press, strategic communications, journalism, progressive politics, advocacy, or a related field.
A demonstrated track record of securing high-profile print, radio, podcast, and TV coverageand a genuine love of the pitch and the chase.
Experience positioning principals or senior leaders as media-facing thought leaders, including landing executives in high-profile interviews, profiles, broadcast hits, and op-ed placements.
A strong, current network of national media contacts, including D.C.- and New Yorkbased reporters and producers, and a talent for building new relationships fast.
Exceptional, fast writing and editing skills, with the ability to make complex policy clear, sharp, and newsworthy.
Comfort and poise prepping experts for high-stakes interviews.
A proactive, tenacious, and creative temperamentsomeone self-motivated who thrives in a fast-paced, rapid-response environment and doesn't take no for an answer.
Sound news judgment, political acuity, and an instinct for what reporters want and what will break through.
Contacts on Capitol Hill or experience in a legislative, campaign, or advocacy environment a plus.
A commitment to TCF's mission and to advancing bold, progressive policy change.
Compensation and Benefits
TCF offers a competitive compensation package, with a salary range determined by years of experience, skills, and abilities. Each candidate's placement within the range will be based on these factors while ensuring alignment with our commitment to equitable internal pay practices. TCF is a unionized workplace and is represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA1180). This is a union position.
This is a hybrid work position to be based in Washington, D.C..TCF's benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, and an employer-funded health reimbursement account (HRA). This benefit package is in addition to generous vacation, sick, and personal days, an employer matching 403(b) plan, and up to fourteen weeks parental leave.
The salary range for this position is $95,000$105,000.