Position Summary
The Director of Communications Strategy is responsible for all aspects of strategic communications, including planning and implementation of activities to promote Pew Research Center’s research, experts and data to key target audiences. They are responsible for activities that promote, enhance and protect the organization’s “gold-standard” brand reputation. This position oversees the Center’s media outreach, event planning and stakeholder relations; works with strategic implementation staff to develop and execute a digital dissemination strategy; and advises the top spokespeople. The Director of Communications Strategy manages a team of communications strategists who develop and execute communications plans working in close coordination with researchers, and in a broader team with visual designers, web producers and other key staff as well as external partners and constituencies. The Director of Communications Strategy reports to the Vice President of Communications. They will also serve on the Center’s management team as a Managing Director.
Primary Responsibilities
Communications Strategy & Leadership
- Develop and oversee execution of communications plans for priorities of work, including major research studies, to build reach, influence and impact for the Center’s work. Identify target audiences, goals and dissemination strategies and tactics for major priorities while working within the overall institutional brand strategy.
- Work with the Center’s senior management team, building strong relationships with managing directors for operational and research units and connecting communications strategies and activities with overall organizational objectives.
- Work with other communications managers and associates to ensure research activities are properly communicated throughout Pew Research Center and to the Center’s parent organization, The Pew Charitable Trusts.
- Oversee and manage the work of other communications staff to ensure communications needs are fulfilled.
- Directly supervise a team of communications professionals and provide for their professional development.
Media Relations & Stakeholder Engagement
- Ensure that the Center’s work reaches, informs and engages key target audiences who are stakeholders in the Center’s research by implementing a range of tactics including media outreach, speaking engagements, social media, email alerts, a weekly e-newsletter, and paid marketing events and sponsorships.
- Cultivate and manage new and ongoing relationships with major media partners and work with senior communications staff to develop and ensure effective execution of media outreach plans. Manage timing and strategy for major media releases, balancing overall institutional needs. Prepare spokespeople for interviews and oversee media training; serve as a resource to senior researchers in preparation for media events and speaking engagements. Triage press requests. Work with communications staff to develop and manage media lists for releases.
- Oversee production of Pew Research Center events, roundtables and press conferences, including their management, program and panel development, speaker handling and event logistics.
- Work with communications staff to ensure key communications tools can achieve objectives.
- Liaise with external partners, including major media organizations, other research institutions, conveners and donors to ensure effective and smooth collaboration for dissemination and research partnerships.
- Investigate new dissemination strategies and delivery channels for existing material, attend conferences, conduct outreach to think tanks and other content creators, and stay informed about new technologies and trends.
Brand and Reputation Management
- Protect Pew Research Center’s gold-standard brand by providing superior judgment to avoid reputational damage and help craft thoughtful, rapid response to critical coverage.
- Ensure that outgoing content and messaging by brand “ambassadors” exemplifies the Center’s core values.
- Advise the Center’s senior leadership on reputation management by providing counsel about reputational cost/benefit of initiatives.
- Monitor use of Pew Research Center material. Monitor press mentions of key partners, the research/polling industry and other institutions and topics relevant to the Pew Research Center brand.
- Work with communications and design staff to ensure that collateral and other material is consistent with the Center’s style and standards.
Education/Training/Experience Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, mass media, international relations, journalism or related field.
- Minimum 15 years of relevant experience is required.
- Experience in a nonprofit, think tank, research, or academic environment strongly preferred.
- Knowledge of Washington and the national and international press corps, and a proven record of cultivating media relationships.
- International professional experience and foreign-language skills strongly preferred.
Knowledge and Skills Requirements
- Knowledge of communications strategic planning and experience with a wide range of tactics.
- Exceptional verbal communication and writing skills.
- Able to work in a team, and across functions, under deadline with diplomacy and poise.
- News junkie with a demonstrated knowledge of and interest in national and international affairs.
- Creative and strategic thinker.
- Highly organized, detail-oriented and able to juggle multiple projects.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office (especially Excel, Word, PowerPoint); knowledge of media tools such as Factiva, Cision, MailChimp, Meltwater, Salesforce a plus.
FLSA Status: Exempt
Location
Pew Research Center staff may work virtually from remote locations up to four days in a standard work week. Staff are required to be present in the Center’s Washington, D.C., office on at least one of two core days weekly (Tues., Wed.) and one Thursday a month for an all-staff day.
The starting salary for this position is based on compensation market data and candidate experience. The starting salary typically falls in the range of $144,000-$180,000 annually.
Total Rewards
In addition to competitive pay, Pew Research Center’s employees enjoy a robust total rewards package that includes:
- Affordable, comprehensive health care that includes medical, dental (including adult orthodontia) and vision benefits.
- Generous paid annual leave plan, including a winter break between Dec. 25 and Jan. 1
- Employer-paid disability, life insurance and paid family leave plans.
- Up to a 12% employer 401(k) contribution, with vesting at the end of the first year.
- A 37.5-hour workweek.
- Health savings or flexible spending account options with employer funding component.
- Flexibility to telework up to 60% for most staff.
Pew Research Center
Related jobs:
A&R Manager – Music Industry
Job Description: We are seeking a passionate and experienced A&R Manager to join our dynamic team. The A&R Manager will play a crucial role in discovering, signing, and developing new talent, as well as working closely with established artists to help shape their music careers. This role requires a deep understanding of the music industry, excellent interpersonal skills, and a keen ear for emerging trends.
Job Responsibilities:
- Identify and scout new musical talent that aligns with the label’s vision and goals.
- Develop and maintain relationships with artists, managers, and other industry professionals.
- Work with signed artists to develop their sound, image, and overall brand.
- Coordinate with producers, songwriters, and other creatives to guide the recording and production process.
- Oversee the creation of demos, and manage the process from pre-production through to final release.
- Stay up-to-date with current music trends and industry developments to inform scouting and artist development strategies.
- Collaborate with marketing, PR, and distribution teams to maximize the commercial success of releases.
Requirements:
- Proven experience as an A&R Manager or in a similar role within the music industry.
- Strong network of contacts within the music industry.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
- A deep understanding of various music genres and current trends.
- Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Passion for music and a commitment to discovering and nurturing talent.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Compensation:
- Competitive salary, commensurate with experience.
- Additional benefits and opportunities for growth within the company.
Casting Call for Actors, Makeup Artists, and Staff for Hawaii’s #1 Rated Haunted House – Trial of Fears
Job Description: Waikiki Trolley presents an exciting opportunity to be part of Hawaii’s top-rated haunted house, Trial of Fears. We are looking for enthusiastic and creative individuals to join our team as actors, makeup artists, and staff. If you love Halloween, enjoy scaring people, and have a flair for the dramatic, this is your chance to get paid to be part of an unforgettable experience.
Job Responsibilities:
- Actors: Bring the haunted house to life by portraying terrifying characters that will engage and scare visitors. Perform in various scenes, maintaining energy and enthusiasm throughout the event.
- Makeup Artists: Create realistic and horrifying looks for actors using makeup, prosthetics, and special effects. Work closely with the creative team to ensure each character’s appearance enhances the overall experience.
- Staff: Assist with the operation of the haunted house, including managing guest flow, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and providing general support to the team.
Requirements:
- Actors: Prior acting experience is a plus but not required. Must be comfortable in costume and makeup, and able to stay in character for extended periods. Strong improvisation skills are desirable.
- Makeup Artists: Must have experience in makeup application, especially in creating horror or special effects looks. A portfolio showcasing your work is required.
- Staff: Must be reliable, professional, and able to handle the demands of working in a fast-paced, high-energy environment. Customer service experience is a plus.
Compensation:
- Competitive pay for all roles, with additional perks such as working in a fun, dynamic environment and being part of a highly popular event.
Cameraman Needed for Vlogging Project with Woody & Charleston White
Job Description: We are seeking a skilled cameraman for an upcoming vlogging project featuring Woody and Charleston White. This is a paid gig that requires someone with experience in vlogging, including both filming and editing. The project will involve capturing dynamic content in a vlog style, requiring attention to detail and creativity.
Job Responsibilities:
- Film vlog-style content featuring Woody and Charleston White.
- Ensure high-quality video production using your own equipment, including microphones.
- Edit footage to create a polished final product that aligns with the project’s vision.
- Work closely with the team to capture the essence of the content and deliver it on time.
Requirements:
- Must have experience in vlogging or similar video production roles.
- Own a camera with the necessary equipment, including microphones.
- Strong video editing skills are required.
- Ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines and manage time effectively.
- Must be reliable, professional, and able to take direction.
Compensation:
- This is a paid opportunity. Compensation details will be provided upon selection.