Media Relations Coordinator (Job ID: 2026-3888)

Overview

Join one of the most influential, most quoted, and most trusted think tanks!

The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, D.C. Our mission is to equip decision-makers with nonpartisan research and policy strategies to create a more prosperous and secure country and world.

To advance our mission, we are committed to the following four goals:

• Develop economic growth strategies for a changing world
• Expand economic and social opportunity for all
• Revitalize U.S. democratic institutions
• Advance peace and security worldwide

At the core of our mission is the quality, independence, and impact of our research. We are dedicated to finding bold, pragmatic solutions for societal challenges through open-minded inquiry, diverse perspectives, and holding ourselves to the highest standards of scholastic rigor.

Beyond the pursuit of excellence and intellectual rigor, Brookings places immense value on creating a supportive and collaborative environment where every individual can do their best work, learn, and grow. Because of this, Brookings has been at the forefront of public policy for more than a century.

The mission of the Office of Communications is to provide the tools, strategies, products, and programs to support the brand and its content, and to continually grow Brookings’s impact and effectiveness as a change agent for public policy in the United States and around the world. This purpose is realized if we help our scholars raise awareness, set the agenda, and shape the debate around the public policy issues they choose to address. 

Position Location: This position is hybrid. Hybrid positions combine regular in-person presence at our Washington, DC office with the option of at least two days of remote work each week.

Please Note: This position is included in the staff bargaining unit, Brookings United, affiliated with the IFPTE Local 70 union, and is covered under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.

Please be advised that The Brookings Institution is currently undergoing a multi-year strategic plan implementation, and as part of this effort, the role, supervisor, and program may change.

Responsibilities

Ready to contribute to Brookings’ success?

The Media Relations Coordinator supports the Office of Communications and Public Affairs' earned media efforts by helping connect Brookings research, experts, events, and institutional priorities with relevant audiences across the media ecosystem. The coordinator provides administrative, logistical, and communications support for media outreach activities, journalist engagement, media monitoring, reporting, and scholar visibility efforts. The coordinator plays a critical role in maintaining the systems, data, and workflows that underpin the media relations function. Working closely with media relations staff, scholars, and communications colleagues across the institution, the coordinator helps ensure timely responses to media inquiries, accurate tracking of outreach and coverage, and effective execution of earned media initiatives.

Media Relations Support (65%)

• Monitor shared media inboxes and support the timely routing, tracking, and resolution of media inquiries.
• Coordinate logistics for media interviews, podcast appearances, and other engagements between journalists and Brookings experts.
• Draft and distribute press releases, media advisories, expert availability notices, and other materials under the guidance of media relations staff.
• Maintain and update media lists, journalist databases, and contact records in Meltwater and other institutional systems.
• Conduct media monitoring and compile daily, weekly, and ad hoc coverage reports.
• Track media placements, interviews, citations, and other earned media activities and maintain accurate records within institutional systems.
• Research reporters, editors, producers, newsletter authors, podcasters, independent media outlets, content creators, influencers, and other communications channels to support outreach efforts.
• Assist in the preparation of media briefing materials, background information, and interview preparation documents for scholars and staff.
• Support media relations staff in identifying timely news, policy developments, and outreach opportunities relevant to Brookings experts and institutional priorities.
• Maintain expert profiles, media references, external publications, and other visibility-related information across Brookings platforms. 

Communications Support and Impact (20%)

• Assist in developing social media copy, newsletter content, website updates, and other communications materials as assigned.
• Support communications planning and promotional efforts for publications, events, and institutional initiatives.
• Assist with impact reporting and the preparation of presentations, dashboards, and other reports.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation of communications activities and outcomes.
• Provide copy-editing, proofreading, and quality-control support for communications materials and public-facing content.
• Contribute to communications templates, guidance materials, and best-practice resources used across the institution. 

Team Operations and Analytics (15%)

• Support coordination for media relations workflows, systems, and administrative processes.
• Maintain reporting dashboards, tracking tools, shared resources, and departmental documentation.
• Prepare regular earned media reports, metrics summaries, and briefing materials for communications leadership.
• Coordinate team meetings, training sessions, schedules, and other operational activities.
• Support onboarding logistics and maintain training resources for new team members, interns, and temporary staff.
• Assist with vendor administration, subscriptions, data management, and other operational responsibilities as assigned.
• Provide administrative and project support for special initiatives.
• Actively contribute to internal team and/or organizational work that shapes our systems and our culture.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications

Ready to make an impact? In this role, you will support Brookings values of collegiality, respect, inclusion, diversity and community, and bring the following qualifications:

Education/Experience Requirements

Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public policy, political science, international relations, marketing, or a related field, or equivalent relevant professional experience. Minimum one to three years of professional experience in communications, journalism, media relations, public affairs, public policy, government communications, nonprofit communications, or a related field.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

Strong written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills. Familiarity with AP Style preferred. Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously. Demonstrated ability to organize information, manage data, and maintain accurate records. Experience conducting research and synthesizing information from multiple sources. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Experience with Meltwater or similar media monitoring and outreach platforms preferred. Experience and/or interest in public policy, research communications, journalism, and mission-driven organizations preferred. 

Additional Information

What can we offer you? Brookings provides a generous benefit package that is comprehensive and includes both traditional benefits and unique offerings. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision benefits, generous time off, and workplace flexibility. For more information, please visit Brookings Benefits.   

Brookings requires that all applicants submit a cover letter and resume. Please attach your cover letter and resume as one document when you apply. Please note: If you have applied to more than one Brookings job opening, you should add a position-specific cover letter as a separate attachment.

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment at Brookings.

Brookings welcomes and celebrates diversity in all its forms.  We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, first-generation college goers, and other factors protected by law. Brookings is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Please Note: Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.