Manager, Media Relations

Arnold Ventures (AV) is a philanthropy that supports research to understand the root causes of America’s most persistent and pressing problems, as well as evidence-based solutions to address them. By focusing on systemic change, AV is working to improve the lives of American families, strengthen their communities, and promote their economic opportunity.

Position Overview

The Communications team seeks to be an accelerant for AV’s philanthropic and policy mission. We work to strengthen AV’s brand and reputation, inform the public debate, and advance AV’s policy and advocacy goals.

The Manager, Media Relations will lead media engagement and media intelligence to advance AV’s mission, brand, and policy and advocacy priorities. This role blends traditional media relations with news and narrative monitoring to help AV both anticipate and shape the public conversation. 

The Manager will be responsible for building and maintaining relationships with key press outlets, generating positive earned coverage of AV and its policy priorities, and co-leading daily media monitoring across several policy areas. The Manager will also serve as an on-the-record spokesperson for AV.

This role requires excellent judgment, exceptional writing and analytical skills, and the ability to stay calm and decisive in a fast-moving and high-pressure environment. The ideal candidate is highly collaborative, deeply curious, and able to move seamlessly between strategy, execution, and analysis. The Manager will report to the Director, Public Relations and will be based in AV’s Houston, TX or Washington, D.C. office.

Core Responsibilities

Media Relations

·      Develop and execute proactive media relations strategies to support AV’s mission, brand, and policy and advocacy priorities

·      Build and maintain strong relationships with key press outlets, including national and regional reporters and editors

·      Serve as an on-the record spokesperson and point of contact for media inquiries and interview requests

·      Design preparation materials for and support members of the AV Board, leadership team, and subject matter experts in media inquiries and interviews

·      Draft statements, press releases, media advisories, and responses to media inquiries

·      Plan and execute strategic press briefings and events

·      Support rapid response and issue management

Media Intelligence & Monitoring 

·      Lead daily and real-time monitoring of news and social media

·      Distill complex coverage into executive-level briefings

·      Manage monitoring tools, alerts, and dashboards

·      Map reporters, press outlets, and other key voices aligned with AV’s policy and advocacy priorities

Required Qualifications

·      Bachelor’s degree in communications, political science, or related field, or equivalent experience

·      At least 4 years of experience in media relations, public affairs, political/policy communications, or a related field; experience in journalism or working with members of the press is strongly preferred

·      High tolerance for ambiguity and comfort working in a dynamic, initiative-based environment with shifting priorities and cross-team collaboration

·      Exceptional writing, editing, and analytical skills

·      Strong project management and organizational capabilities

·      Experience with media and social monitoring tools

·      Proficient in using AI tools

The salary range for this position will be $105,000-$140,000.

Benefits Overview

AV is committed to providing a robust and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our current benefits package includes 100% paid employee premiums for medical, dental, vision, basic life, and short- and long-term disability insurance; 20 days of paid time off, 16 paid holidays (including a winter break from December 24 to January 1), a hybrid policy that includes four days in office and one flexible day for remote work, and a summer schedule with alternating Fridays off beginning on Memorial Day and ending on Labor Day; paid parental leave; a 401k retirement savings plan with an employer match, profit-share contribution, and immediate vesting; pre-tax transit benefits; a professional development stipend; a charitable giving stipend; and an employee assistance program. In addition, a relocation bonus is available for candidates who will move for a position.

Our Culture and Core Values

Our culture seeks to inspire and empower our people to innovate and develop bold ideas that will help AV achieve lasting impact. Our culture, and the core values that support it, should create an environment that spurs our team to think outside the box, feel comfortable pushing the boundaries of what is possible, and signal confidence in our team’s ability to make change happen through our philanthropic efforts. Although not an exhaustive list, below you’ll find examples of AV’s work culture.

·      We are adaptable and comfortable with ambiguity

·      We are intellectually curious, open-minded, objective, humble, collegial, and receptive to feedback

·      We are action-oriented with strong self-direction and self-motivation skills with the ability to work simultaneously on multiple projects

·      We are able to interact confidently and collaboratively with team members and navigate relationships with external experts, government leaders, advocates, and individuals

AV’s values reflect who we are as an organization, help us accelerate our strategic goals, strengthen our resolve, anchor us to our mission, and guide our decision-making. The successful candidate will also demonstrate the following core values that inspire the AV team to make a difference.

• Respect for Ourselves & Others
• Audacious Action
• Collaborative Engagement
• Depth of Thought
• Clear Communication

AV is an equal opportunity employer, committed to an inclusive workplace. We are seeking applicants from a variety of backgrounds and with a variety of experiences and perspectives. Candidates who have been impacted by the systems we are seeking to change are strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, military/veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.