Director of Marketing & Communications

About The Media Research CenterThe Media Research Center (MRC) is the nation’s leading media watchdog, exposing and countering liberal bias in the press and fighting censorship by Big Tech social platforms and news aggregators. We don’t just study the media and Big tech, we shape the narrative, drive national conversations, and hold the press accountable in real time.The OpportunityThis is not a typical nonprofit communications role.MRC is looking for a battle-tested communications operator who knows how to win daily news cycles, dominate earned media, and turn research into headline-making moments. You will oversee all communications leaving the building and be responsible for ensuring MRC’s work lands where it matters most: on television, on the radio, and across the digital landscape every single day.If you have worked inside a fast-moving political shop, a high-impact media organization, or a top-tier PR firm – and you know how to get booked, get quoted, and get attention – this role is built for you.This is an in-person role based in Herndon, VA. The Director of Marketing & Communications will report to the Chief Operating Officer and have 8 direct reports.What You’ll OwnCommand the NarrativeLead all external communications and messaging across the organizationDrive a proactive, aggressive media strategy that places MRC at the center of national conversationsOwn the MRC brand in all external communications, including print and digital presentationEnsure MRC’s research consistently breaks through into top-tier broadcast and digital outletsWin Earned Media DailyLeverage and expand relationships with TV producers, bookers, and radio hostsSecure high-frequency placements across cable news, talk radio, podcasts, and major digital platformsAnticipate news cycles and insert MRC into the story before competitors doPrep and position MRC leadership as go-to voices for media commentaryRun a High-Performance TeamLead a team spanning PR, social media, graphic design, and interns (8+ staff total)Set a fast pace, enforce accountability, and build a culture focused on output and results, not processAlign teams around clear priorities tied to media impact and audience growthConduct periodic media training for new spokespeople and refresher training for veteransOrchestrate Impactful Content DropsCoordinate with research and editorial teams to time report releases for maximum media pickupBuild coordinated campaigns that extend the life of each story across platformsTurn data into must-cover narrativesDominate Digital DistributionOversee strategy across Facebook, X, and InstagramDrive engagement, growth, and virality, not just posting volumeUse data and instinct to continuously refine messaging and amplify reachWhat You Bring5–10+ years of experience in PR, political communications, media relations, or a fast-paced newsroom environmentA proven track record of booking TV and radio hits; you know producers, and they know youAbility to travel, up to 10%Excellent writing and messaging skills, with the ability to move fast without sacrificing clarityDemonstrated ability to generate consistent, high-volume earned mediaExperience leading teams and delivering results under pressure and on deadlineStrong instincts for what makes news and how to force itProven track record of influencing stakeholders across multiple departments to achieve organizational objectivesStrong coaching and mentoring capabilities with experience developing team members’ skills and building high-performing teamsComfort operating in a high-stakes, high-visibility environmentWho You AreCompetitive, driven, and results-obsessedEnergized by the daily news cycle and breaking through itAble to think strategically but execute immediatelyAligned with MRC’s mission to hold the media accountableCompensation & BenefitsCompetitive salary commensurate with experienceFull benefits package (health, dental, life insurance)Retirement plan and paid time offTo ApplyQualified candidates should submit the following application materials (in order) in one PDF document:Cover letter including:An introductory paragraph describing three distinct reasons you are drawn to Media Research Center’s missionSalary requirementsResumeApplications should be submitted to Talent Market via this link: talentmarket.org/apply-for-your-dream-job/Questions can be directed to Bailey Drouant, Project Manager at Talent Market, who is managing the search process: bailey@talentmarket.org.There is no application deadline for this position. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. This job will remain posted on our site until it is filled.While we thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, we are only able to contact those to whom we can offer an interview. Only direct applications will be considered. No phone calls, please.Talent Market, the liberty movement’s talent agency, is a nonprofit that connects liberty-minded professionals with free-market nonprofit jobs at no cost to candidates or organizations. We work with 501(c)(3) organizations that clearly and directly focus on advancing the principles of economic freedom, free enterprise, free trade, free speech, property rights, rule of law, and limited regulation. Visit Talent Market to explore open roles, join our talent network, or work with us on your next hire.