Senior Political Media Strategist

Description:

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that seeks to improve the systems of democracy and justice in the United States. We work to hold our political institutions and laws accountable to the twin American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. Among our core priorities, we fight to protect voting rights, end mass incarceration, strengthen checks and balances, and preserve constitutional protection in the fight against terrorism. Part think tank, part advocacy group, part cutting-edge communications hub, we start with rigorous research. We craft innovative policies. And we fight for them — in Congress and the states, the courts, and in the court of public opinion.     

Position Summary 
The Brennan Center seeks a dynamic and experienced Senior Political Media Strategist to work with our Media & Strategy team in the Communications Department. 

One of the Brennan Center’s primary goals is driving the national conversation around issues of democracy and justice. The Senior Political Media Strategist will identify and create opportunities for commentary that advances Brennan Center ideas, research, and policy recommendations. We’re seeking someone who is an avid consumer of political news and opinion, who thrives on knowing not only what is happening but what the press and pundits are saying about it and where the conversation is headed. In this role, the candidate would monitor the top thought leaders in traditional and social media and create and execute strategies to increase the Brennan Center’s share of the political conversation.  

The Senior Political Media Strategist will also partner with the organization’s experts, attorneys, and researchers to develop messaging and communications plans for select Center issues, reports, litigation, legislative efforts, and other projects. The role requires a keen understanding of the news cycle and what drives press coverage, top-notch writing and editing skills, proven ability to respond quickly to breaking news, experience shaping public debate through media placements, and experience working with the country’s most influential journalists, editors, bookers, and producers.  

Note: Brennan Center employees adhere to a hybrid schedule that is subject to change, with employees currently required to work in the office a minimum of three days per week, on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. While most employees follow this in-person schedule, there may be some positions that require additional in-office days. This position is based in New York City or Washington, D.C. locations.  

Responsibilities  
As a senior member of the Brennan Center’s media relations team, the Senior Political Media Strategist will report to the Director of Media and Strategy and collaborate with program staff. The person is expected to master the organization’s policy positions and messaging on the issues assigned to them. This includes knowledge of Brennan Center publications, research, and positions; trends in news coverage; best practices for messaging; and debates among advocates and in academia.  

When news breaks that relates to Brennan Center work, the Senior Political Media Strategist will ensure that the relevant thought leaders and pundits know as quickly as possible what experts can offer. The role will balance multiple projects, tight deadlines, and changing priorities, all with the goal of helping the Brennan Center shape public opinion and build momentum for our work.  

Specific duties will include:  

• Monitoring and reporting to communications and program staff on what the top thought leaders and commentators are saying about issues related to Brennan Center priorities, both in traditional and social media.  

• Developing and executing media relations strategies to expand the group of thought leaders and commentators who speak with Brennan Center experts and rely on the organization’s ideas and policy recommendations. 

• Responding quickly when news breaks to ensure that top thought leaders and commentators know what Brennan Center experts can offer; evening and weekend hours often necessary. 

• Cultivating and maintaining relationships with key commentators, columnists, anchors, podcast hosts, bookers, producers, podcast hosts, op-ed page editors, and editorial board members.  

• Writing press pitches, op-eds, talking points (for Brennan Center experts, clients, and colleague organizations), media advisories, and press releases. 

• Drafting, editing and placing op-eds; identifying new outlets for Brennan Center op-eds and fostering relationships with those editors. 

• Conducting media trainings for staff as formal workshops and informal feedback. 

• Collaborating with the editorial, digital, creative, and Brennan en español teams to make the most of earned media attention.  

• Representing the Brennan Center's communications interests in coalitions with other organizations and leading multi-partner media work when appropriate. 

• Serving as head of the media team when the media director is out of the office. 

• Managing interns as needed. 

Qualifications  

• A minimum of 5-10 years of experience in media relations (nonprofit, government, campaign (political or policy), or agency preferred). 

• Experience in journalism, publishing, or other communications work outside of media relations a plus. 

• Excellent writing and editing skills (don’t hesitate to send links to op-eds that you’ve drafted).  

• Wide knowledge of political commentators on democracy and justice issues.  

• A deep network of contacts in journalism that includes editors, producers, and bookers.  

• Experience spotting publicity opportunities in breaking news and generating placements.  

• Success developing and executing high priority media strategies for campaigns or projects. 

• Success writing talking points that were used in interviews and picked up by reporters. 

• Experience managing communications efforts that have multiple stakeholders inside and/or outside the organization/company. 

• Ability to work constructively and professionally across multiple issue areas and under deadline pressure.  

The Brennan Center is committed to advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace. We continuously work with our staff to find new ways to increase diversity and to build and cultivate an inclusive and equitable work environment, where everyone can be their true self and feel a strong sense of belonging. As such, we seek to hire employees who have a commitment to and/or experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition, we expect employees to participate/contribute with DEI initiatives or activities with recruitment, retention, and workplace culture.   

Applications:  
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis and decisions will be made as soon as exemplary candidates are identified. To apply, please visit >>THIS LINK<<. Please upload the following application materials: (1) cover letter, (2) resume, (3) URLs to a total of three op-eds or news stories that you placed or reported, with a brief explanation of your role in its placement or production, and (4) contact information for three references. 

Please no phone calls or faxes; it is strongly preferred that you apply on our website. If you have difficulty with the online system, you may send your application by e-mail to: brennancenterjobs@nyu.edu with “Senior Political Media Strategist” in the subject line, after registering in the online system.  

Compensation and Benefits:   
This is a scaled position. The salary range assigned for the scale is $110,000-$120,000 and has been determined based on market competitiveness. Each salary in the scale is determined by the number of years of professional experience after the selected candidate graduated from law school. Additionally, we offer a very robust and competitive array of benefits such as a generous time off program, 401k plan, comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), and wellness and office perks.    
  
In addition, this position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW local 2320.    
  
Note: The Brennan Center is committed to public health and to the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues and visitors. As such, we have adopted a policy requiring all employees working in the New York and Washington, DC offices to be vaccinated against COVID-19, including having a booster, or to meet the legal guidelines for an exemption.