Logo of Huzzle

Home

Matches

Explore

Manage

Senior Director for Communications and Public Affairs

image

The Brookings Institution

2mo ago

  • Job
    Full-time
    Expert Level
  • Marketing
  • Washington, DC

AI generated summary

  • You need a bachelor’s degree and 10+ years in communications, media relations, or public policy. Strong writing, strategic thinking, and relationship-building skills are essential.
  • You will strategize and execute media relations, foster government partnerships, and engage with stakeholders to enhance visibility and influence public policy effectively.

Requirements

  • Education/Experience Requirements:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Political Science, Public Policy, or a related field. A minimum of ten years of professional work experience in media relations, government affairs, and strategic communications required. Proven track record in developing and executing strategic communications plans and partnerships to inform public policy outcomes. Extensive experience in providing guidance and support to scholars, staff, and leadership in their interactions with public officials Experience working with media in a fast-paced, policy or media environment preferred. Communications experience in a government setting preferred. Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
  • Knowledge/Skill Requirements:
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to tailor messages to diverse audiences. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with media members and government stakeholders. Proficient in media monitoring tools and reporting techniques. Strategic thinker with the ability to lead overall communication strategy and goals. Detail-oriented, organized, and capable of managing multiple tasks simultaneously. Collaborative mindset with experience working across teams to achieve common objectives. Strong understanding of public policy issues and the legislative and regulatory processes at the federal, state, and global levels. Commitment to nonpartisanship, scholar independence, civil debate, and inclusive policymaking.

Responsibilities

  • The Senior Director for Communications and Public Affairs (hereinafter “Senior Director”) at the Brookings Institution will oversee a comprehensive portfolio that includes strategic communications, media relations, government affairs, and strategic partnerships. This role is crucial in enhancing Brookings' visibility and impact across media, government bodies, and key external stakeholders. The Senior Director will manage a team that ensures cohesive strategies that align with Brookings' mission and objectives. This position reports to the Vice President for Communications and Public Affairs and collaborates closely with senior leadership to advance the institution's public policy impact and external engagement, while safeguarding its reputation for quality and independence.
  • Media Relations and Communications Strategy (40%):
  • Develop and implement media engagement strategies to elevate Brookings' visibility in key policy areas.
  • Cultivate and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, and media outlets to secure coverage of Brookings research and experts. Serve as institution spokesperson.
  • Collaborate with internal teams to identify media opportunities, coordinate interviews, briefings, and events.
  • Create press releases, media pitches, and materials to communicate Brookings' research effectively.
  • Oversee media monitoring, reporting, and analysis to assess the impact of communications efforts.
  • Work closely with the Vice President for Communications to implement media strategies aligning with the President's priorities.
  • Oversee direct reports, including Senior Media Relations Manager, Senior Communications Manager, and more.
  • Prepare the President for media engagements, ensuring key messaging alignment.
  • Facilitate media interactions for the President, acting as a liaison to ensure seamless coordination with media.
  • Develop and implement proactive strategies and response protocols for brand risk mitigation and crisis communications.
  • Manage relationships with external media trainers and media monitoring vendors.
  • Maintain oversight and mentor other members of the Central Communications teams to cultivate success.
  • Facilitate and schedule media training sessions for staff as needed.
  • Lead impact storytelling opportunities for Brookings’ strategy, writing and internal communications.
  • Government Relations and Policy Engagement (30%):
  • Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to foster productive relationships between scholars and policymakers and government officials at all levels.
  • In conjunction with the research programs and the Office of General Counsel (as appropriate), monitor legislative and regulatory developments relevant to Brookings' mission and research areas.
  • Provide timely analysis to inform Brookings' initiatives.
  • Serve as a trusted liaison between Brookings and government stakeholders, disseminating and advocating for Brookings’ evidence-based work to inform solutions to pressing policy challenges.
  • Collaborate with Brookings scholars to support their research and recommendations effectively contribute to public discourse and policy formulation.
  • Prepare scholars to brief members of Congress, deliver testimony to government committees and commissions, and provide educational briefings to congressional staffers.
  • Work with internal, cross-functional teams to integrate government affairs priorities into overall organizational objectives.
  • Advise and assist in responding to Congress and other governmental inquiries reflecting Brookings' mission and values.
  • Partnerships and External Stakeholder Engagement (30%):
  • Identify and cultivate partnerships with key external policy stakeholders.
  • Oversee review partnership and co-branding requests from research programs in collaboration with the Office of General Counsel and the Office of Development.
  • Provide strategic advice to programs and staff on the development and management of partnerships in alignment with Brookings’ policies and institutional priorities.
  • Support the Vice President and other teams in developing guidance and strategies in areas including, among others intellectual property, branding, and donor recognition.

FAQs

What is the role of the Senior Director for Communications and Public Affairs at the Brookings Institution?

The Senior Director will oversee strategic communications, media relations, government affairs, and strategic partnerships, enhancing Brookings' visibility and impact. This position involves managing a team to ensure cohesive strategies that align with Brookings' mission, while collaborating closely with senior leadership on public policy impact and external engagement.

What are the primary responsibilities of this position?

Responsibilities include developing media engagement strategies, cultivating relationships with journalists, overseeing government relations and policy engagement, and identifying partnerships with external stakeholders. The Senior Director also prepares scholars for interactions with government officials and advises on communication strategies.

What qualifications are required for this role?

Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Political Science, Public Policy, or a related field, along with a minimum of ten years of experience in media relations, government affairs, and strategic communications. A proven track record in developing strategic communication plans and partnerships is also essential.

What skills are necessary for success in this role?

Essential skills include excellent written and verbal communication, relationship-building with media and government stakeholders, proficiency in media monitoring tools, strategic thinking, attention to detail, and a strong understanding of public policy issues and legislative processes.

Is previous experience in a government setting preferred?

Yes, communications experience in a government setting is preferred, as well as experience working in fast-paced policy or media environments.

What type of work environment does Brookings offer for this position?

Brookings offers a hybrid work environment, allowing for regular in-person presence at the Washington, DC office with the option for at least two days of remote work each week.

What kind of benefits does Brookings provide?

Brookings provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision benefits, generous time off, and workplace flexibility, among other unique offerings.

What qualities or values does Brookings prioritize in its employees?

Brookings values collegiality, respect, inclusion, diversity, and community. It seeks candidates who are committed to nonpartisanship, scholar independence, civil debate, and inclusive policymaking.

How should applicants submit their applications?

Applicants are required to submit a cover letter and resume as one document. If a candidate has applied to more than one Brookings job opening, they should include a position-specific cover letter as a separate attachment.

Will a background investigation be required for employment?

Yes, successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment at the Brookings Institution.

Does Brookings have a commitment to diversity and inclusion?

Yes, Brookings welcomes and celebrates diversity in all its forms and is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace, encouraging applications from individuals of various backgrounds.

The Brookings Institution

Consulting
Industry
201-500
Employees
1916
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

For over 100 years, Brookings experts have conducted high-quality, independent research and produced innovative policy solutions for the nation and world. Brookings is proud to be consistently ranked as the most influential, most quoted and most trusted think tank.