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Media Relations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cato Institute

Media Relations Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

$75K - $120K/yr

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 ...

Corgan

Media Relations Specialist

Dallas, TX · On-site

Corgan is seeking a Media Relations Specialist with 6-8 years of experience to join our team in Dallas and conduct external communications and media engagement for our firm. This role requires ...

Walker Sands

Media Relations Specialist

Seattle, WA · On-site

$2.0K/wk

Our media relations specialists are responsible for developing media lists, conceptualizing pitches, writing press releases and preparing contributed articles. You should have superb writing skills ...

Cato Institute

Media Relations Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

$75K - $120K/yr

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 ...

Food and Water Watch

Media Relations Officer

New York, NY · On-site

$58K - $70K/yr

Media Relations Officer Food & Water Watch is seeking a new communications professional to join our Media and Public Relations team to help implement creative, ambitious media relations plans that ...

Cato Institute

Media Relations Manager

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$75K - $120K/yr

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 ...

Rice University

Media Relations Specialist

Houston, TX · On-site

The media relations specialist for engineering and computing writes and promotes Rice news releases, news stories, media advisories and faculty subject matter expert alerts for local, national and ...

National Education Association (NEA)

$83K - $127K/yr

Supports the Senior Media Relations Strategists in cultivating,maintaining, and nurturing high-profile national print, broadcast, digital streaming, radio, and podcast relationships and partnerships ...

Troy University

Media Relations Assistant

Troy, AL · On-site

Posting Details Position Information Posting Number SF2554P Position Title Media Relations Assistant Position Type Classified Staff/Hourly Department Athletic Promotions - Troy Division Athletics ...

Rice University

Media Relations Specialist

Houston, TX · Hybrid

The media relations specialist for engineering and computing writes and promotes Rice news releases, news stories, media advisories and faculty subject matter expert alerts for local, national and ...

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Media Relations information

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$52.5K

$93.8K

$119.5K

How much do media relations jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for 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 Qualifications to Get a Job in Media Relations?

The qualifications that you need to start a career in media relations include an understanding of the media and journalism and a degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or a related subject. Most employers prefer a bachelor’s degree, though some may accept job experience instead. All media relations professionals need excellent communication and writing skills. You may wish to undertake an internship during your undergraduate studies to gain PR or social media experience. You can obtain professional certification from professional associations like the Public Relations Society of America.

Is PR a high paying career?

Public relations (PR) professionals, including media relations specialists, can earn a wide range of salaries depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level roles typically have lower pay, while experienced PR managers and directors often earn higher salaries, with some reaching six figures. Advanced skills in communication, strategic planning, and media tools can enhance earning potential.

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

To thrive as a Media Relations professional, you need strong written and verbal communication skills, a background in public relations or communications, and experience in managing press interactions. Familiarity with media monitoring tools, press release distribution platforms, and CRM systems is typically required. Relationship-building, strategic thinking, and crisis management are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure effective message delivery, maintain a positive public image, and enable swift, composed responses during critical media situations.

What kind of jobs in media bring in $150,000 a year?

Senior media relations roles such as Media Relations Directors, Public Relations Managers, or Communications Directors often earn $150,000 or more annually, especially in large organizations or agencies. These positions typically require extensive experience, strong media networks, strategic communication skills, and often involve managing high-profile campaigns or corporate reputation efforts.

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

AspectMedia RelationsPublic Relations Specialist
Primary FocusBuilding and maintaining relationships with media outletsManaging overall public image and communication strategies
Skills & CredentialsMedia outreach, communication, press release writingMedia relations, strategic communication, content creation
Work EnvironmentMedia events, press conferences, media outletsCorporate offices, PR agencies, client-facing roles
Industry UsageCommon in corporate, nonprofit, and government sectorsUsed across industries for brand management

Media Relations focuses specifically on engaging with media outlets to secure coverage, while Public Relations Specialists handle broader communication strategies to shape public perception. Both roles require strong communication skills and media knowledge but differ in scope and daily activities.

What are some common challenges faced in a Media Relations role, and how can they be effectively managed?

Professionals in Media Relations often encounter challenges such as managing tight deadlines, handling crisis communications, and ensuring consistent messaging across various media channels. Building and maintaining strong relationships with journalists and media outlets is crucial but can require persistent effort and proactive communication. Staying informed about media trends and being prepared to respond quickly to breaking news or misinformation helps navigate these challenges. Collaboration with internal teams, such as marketing and leadership, is essential to ensure alignment and deliver effective messaging.

What are media relations?

Media relations refers to the practice of building and maintaining positive relationships between an organization and members of the media, such as journalists, reporters, and news outlets. Professionals in this field are responsible for managing communications, distributing press releases, coordinating interviews, and ensuring accurate representation of their organization in the media. The goal is to generate favorable coverage, handle crisis situations, and support the organization's reputation through effective interaction with the press.

What does media relations do?

Media relations professionals manage communication between an organization and the media. They develop press releases, coordinate interviews, and build relationships with journalists to promote positive coverage and handle inquiries or crises.

What is the career path for media relations?

A career in media relations typically starts with entry-level roles such as media coordinator or public relations assistant, focusing on building communication skills and media contacts. Progression can lead to roles like media relations manager, communications director, or public relations director, often requiring experience in strategic communication, media outreach, and familiarity with tools like press releases and media databases.
More about Media Relations jobs
What cities are hiring for Media Relations jobs? Cities with the most 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 Media Relations jobs? States with the most job openings for Media Relations jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Media Relations jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Media Relations jobs are:
Media Relations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Media Relations job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% 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

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

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.