• Lead all external communications and messaging across the organization
• Drive a proactive, aggressive media strategy that places MRC at the center of national conversations
• Own the MRC brand in all external communications, including print and digital presentation
• Leverage and expand relationships with TV producers, bookers, and radio hosts
• Anticipate news cycles and insert MRC into the story before competitors do
• Prep and position MRC leadership as go-to voices for media commentary
• Lead a team spanning PR, social media, graphic design, and interns (8+ staff total)
• Align teams around clear priorities tied to media impact and audience growth
• Conduct periodic media training for new spokespeople and refresher training for veterans
• Coordinate with research and editorial teams to time report releases for maximum media pickup
• Build coordinated campaigns that extend the life of each story across platforms
• Turn data into must-cover narratives
• Oversee strategy across Facebook, X, and Instagram
• Use data and instinct to continuously refine messaging and amplify reach
• Ability to travel, up to 10%
• 5–10+ years of experience in PR, political communications, media relations, or a fast-paced newsroom environment
• A proven track record of booking TV and radio hits; you know producers, and they know you
• Excellent writing and messaging skills, with the ability to move fast without sacrificing clarity
• Demonstrated ability to generate consistent, high-volume earned media
• Experience leading teams and delivering results under pressure and on deadline
• Proven track record of influencing stakeholders across multiple departments to achieve organizational objectives
• Strong coaching and mentoring capabilities with experience developing team members' skills and building high-performing teams
• Comfort operating in a high-stakes, high-visibility environment
Personality Profile
• Strong instincts for what makes news and how to force it
• Competitive, driven, and results-obsessed
• Energized by the daily news cycle and breaking through it
• Able to think strategically but execute immediately
• Aligned with MRC’s mission to hold the media accountable
Performance & Success Metrics
• Ensure MRC’s research consistently breaks through into top-tier broadcast and digital outlets
• Secure high-frequency placements across cable news, talk radio, podcasts, and major digital platforms
• Set a fast pace, enforce accountability, and build a culture focused on output and results, not process
• Drive engagement, growth, and virality, not just posting volume