Director of Marketing & Communications
Media Research Center
Herndon, VA
About the Media Research Center
The 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 Opportunity
This 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 Own
Command the Narrative
- Lead all external communications and messaging across the organization
- Drive a proactive, aggressive media strategy that places MRC at the center of national conversations
- Own the MRC brand in all external communications, including print and digital presentation
- Ensure MRC’s research consistently breaks through into top-tier broadcast and digital outlets
Win Earned Media Daily
- Leverage and expand relationships with TV producers, bookers, and radio hosts
- Secure high-frequency placements across cable news, talk radio, podcasts, and major digital platforms
- Anticipate news cycles and insert MRC into the story before competitors do
- Prep and position MRC leadership as go-to voices for media commentary
Run a High-Performance Team
- Lead 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 process
- Align teams around clear priorities tied to media impact and audience growth
- Conduct periodic media training for new spokespeople and refresher training for veterans
Orchestrate Impactful Content Drops
- Coordinate with research and editorial teams to time report releases for maximum media pickup
- Build coordinated campaigns that extend the life of each story across platforms
- Turn data into must-cover narratives
Dominate Digital Distribution
- Oversee strategy across Facebook, X, and Instagram
- Drive engagement, growth, and virality, not just posting volume
- Use data and instinct to continuously refine messaging and amplify reach
What You Bring
- 5–10+ years of experience in PR, political communications, media relations, or a fast-paced newsroom environment
- A proven track record of booking TV and radio hits; you know producers, and they know you
- Ability to travel, up to 10%
- Excellent writing and messaging skills, with the ability to move fast without sacrificing clarity
- Demonstrated ability to generate consistent, high-volume earned media
- Experience leading teams and delivering results under pressure and on deadline
- Strong instincts for what makes news and how to force it
- Proven track record of influencing stakeholders across multiple departments to achieve organizational objectives
- Strong coaching and mentoring capabilities with experience developing team members’ skills and building high-performing teams
- Comfort operating in a high-stakes, high-visibility environment
Who You Are
- Competitive, driven, and results-obsessed
- Energized by the daily news cycle and breaking through it
- Able to think strategically but execute immediately
- Aligned with MRC’s mission to hold the media accountable
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- Full benefits package (health, dental, life insurance)
- Retirement plan and paid time off
To Apply
Qualified 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 mission
- Salary requirements
- Resume
Applications 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: [email protected].
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.
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