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Manager Media Relations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cato Institute

Media Relations Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

$75K - $120K/yr

Job Type Full-time Description The Cato Institute seeks a strategic, proactive, and highly organized Media Relations Manager to help drive national media engagement for one of the world's leading ...

Fresno State

Media Relations Specialist

Fresno, CA

$5.8K - $8.5K/mo

The Media Relations Specialist organizes and manages press conferences and media events. In addition, the Media Relations Specialist maintains the university's experts list, connects experts with ...

Addison Group

Media Relations Coordinator

Washington, DC · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Media Relations Coordinator Industry: Nonprofit / Communications / Marketing Location: Washington ... Monitor and manage incoming media inquiries and route appropriately * Compile, organize, and ...

Hadassah

Media Relations Associate

New York, NY · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Key responsibilities include building, updating and maintaining media lists; managing the website ... Relations content to the website newsroom. Monitor Hadassah's media coverage through Google Alerts ...

Fannie Mae

Media Relations Director

Washington, DC · On-site +1

The Director will be responsible for setting media relations strategy, overseeing media engagement ... Help identify and manage reputational risk through clear messaging, strong coordination, and ...

Fanniemae

Media Relations Director

Washington, DC · On-site +1

The Director will be responsible for setting media relations strategy, overseeing media engagement ... Help identify and manage reputational risk through clear messaging, strong coordination, and ...

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Manager Media Relations information

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$52.5K

$93.8K

$119.5K

How much do manager media relations jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for manager media relations in the United States is $93,829.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,000.00 and $117,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Manager, Media Relations, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Manager, Media Relations, you need expertise in public relations strategies, media outreach, and a relevant degree such as communications or journalism. Familiarity with media monitoring tools, press release distribution platforms, and CRM systems is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, crisis management, and persuasive communication set outstanding candidates apart. These skills are crucial for effectively managing a company's public image and building positive relationships with media outlets.

How does a Manager of Media Relations typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

A Manager of Media Relations works closely with various departments, such as marketing, executive leadership, and product teams, to ensure consistent messaging and effective communication strategies. They often coordinate with subject matter experts to gather information, align media outreach with broader organizational goals, and prepare spokespeople for interviews. This cross-functional collaboration is essential for developing timely press releases, responding to media inquiries, and managing crisis communication situations. Strong teamwork and communication skills are crucial in this role to build alignment and maintain a positive public image.

What Does a Media Relations Manager Do?

Media relations managers oversee communications between a corporation and the media. Their responsibilities include developing relationships with members of the media, creating and implementing communication plans, and writing or approving press releases. In many companies, the duties of this job include other PR work, such as social media, speeches, brand messaging. Strong interpersonal, marketing and communication skills are all necessary for a successful career as a media relations director. Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, communication, or a related field, and significant experience in media relations.

What is the difference between Manager Media Relations vs Public Relations Specialist?

AspectManager Media RelationsPublic Relations Specialist
CredentialsBachelor's degree in communications, marketing, or related field; experience in media outreachBachelor's degree in communications, public relations, or related field; strong media relations skills
Work EnvironmentCorporate or agency settings, managing media campaignsCorporate, agency, or nonprofit settings, handling media and public image
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large organizations, PR firms, and media agenciesCommon across various industries including corporate, nonprofit, and government
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for media outreach roles, strategic communicationCompared for media interaction and public image management

The main difference is that a Manager Media Relations typically oversees media strategies and manages teams, while a Public Relations Specialist focuses on executing media campaigns and maintaining the organization's public image. Both roles require strong media skills and communication expertise but differ in scope and seniority.

What does a Manager Media Relations do?

A Manager Media Relations is responsible for developing and maintaining positive relationships between an organization and the media. They craft press releases, coordinate interviews, manage media inquiries, and help shape the public image of their company. Their role involves monitoring media coverage, responding to crises, and ensuring consistent messaging across all media platforms. By building strong relationships with journalists and media outlets, they help ensure that the organization's news and stories are presented accurately and positively.
More about Manager Media Relations jobs
What cities are hiring for Manager Media Relations jobs? Cities with the most Manager Media Relations job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Media Relations jobs? The most popular types of Media Relations jobs are:
What states have the most Manager Media Relations jobs? States with the most job openings for Manager Media Relations jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Manager Media Relations jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Manager Media Relations jobs are:
Manager Media Relations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manager Media Relations job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,829 per year, or $45.1 per hour.
Media Relations Manager

Media Relations Manager

Cato Institute

Washington, DC • On-site

$75K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
The Cato Institute seeks a strategic, proactive, and highly organized Media Relations Manager to help drive national media engagement for one of the world's leading public policy organizations. This role is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with journalists, securing high-impact media placements, managing rapid-response communications, and positioning Cato scholars as trusted experts across breaking news and long-term policy conversations.
The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced news environment, understands the modern media landscape, and can balance strategic planning with day-to-day execution. This position reports to the Associate Director of Media Relations and works closely with scholars, Public Affairs, Government Affairs, Publications, Digital, and external media partners.
This is a hybrid position in Washington, DC.
The salary range for this role is $75,000 - $120,000 per year. Compensation is based on the successful candidate's educational background, experience, and skills.
About Cato
The Cato Institute is a public policy research organization - a think tank - dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace. Its scholars and analysts conduct independent, nonpartisan research on a wide range of policy issues.
Founded in 1977, Cato owes its name to Cato's Letters, a series of essays published in 18th-century England that presented a vision of a society free from excessive government power. Those essays inspired the architects of the American Revolution. And the simple, timeless principles of that revolution - individual liberty, limited government, and free markets - turn out to be even more powerful in today's world of global markets and unprecedented access to information than Jefferson or Madison could have imagined. Social and economic freedom is not just the best policy for a free people; it is an indispensable framework for the future.?
The Cato Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Responsibilities:
  • Develop and execute proactive media outreach strategies to elevate Cato scholars, research, events, and institutional priorities
  • Build and maintain relationships with national, regional, trade, and broadcast journalists
  • Identify timely news hooks and rapidly respond to breaking news cycles with expert commentary and media opportunities
  • Draft and distribute media pitches, expert advisories, statements, press releases, and talking points
  • Coordinate interviews, media appearances, editorial board meetings, and reporter briefings
  • Support opinion media strategy, including op-ed placement opportunities and commentary outreach
  • Collaborate with internal teams to align media efforts with broader organizational campaigns and priorities
  • Monitor media coverage, track trends, and identify emerging opportunities across policy areas
  • Assist scholars with media preparation, messaging development, and interview coaching
  • Maintain accurate records of outreach, placements, and journalist engagement using media databases and tracking tools
  • Represent Cato at media events, conferences, and networking opportunities as needed
  • Contribute to reporting on media outcomes, coverage metrics, and strategic impact

Requirements
Education/ Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, political science, or related field
  • 3-6+ years of experience in media relations, public affairs, journalism, communications, or related field
  • Strong understanding of the US media landscape and news cycle dynamics
  • Experience working with media monitoring and CRM tools such as Meltwater, Muck Rack, or similar platforms preferred
  • Interest in public policy, economics, civil liberties, foreign policy, or related issue areas preferred
  • A strong understanding of, and alignment with, libertarian or classical liberal principles preferred

Skills
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
  • Proven ability to pitch and secure earned media placements
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Professionalism and confidence working with senior scholars, journalists, and institutional leadership
  • Strong news judgment and ability to identify compelling story angles
  • Comfortable operating in a rapid-response environment
  • Collaborative mindset with the ability to work across departments
  • Self-starter who can independently manage projects and relationships
  • Experience supporting high-profile media campaigns or policy communications initiatives

Benefits
All Cato employees are provided with:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Employer contribution to a Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Generous vacation and sick days
  • Paid parental leave
  • Employer-provided life and disability insurance
  • 401(k) employer match
  • Transit/ Parking benefits
  • Pet discount plan

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. This position does not offer visa sponsorship.

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