Press Secretary

STATUS: Exempt

SALARY: $90,000 – $110,000 annually

REPORTS TO: Communications Director

DUTY STATION: Washington, DC

ABOUT US

The Searchlight Institute is a home for creative thinkers dedicated to disrupting today’s paradigm of purity, smallness, and fear. We generate big ideas, break down ideological barriers, and bring clarity to a data environment polluted by misinformation.

POSITION OVERVIEW

We seek a motivated professional to work with the Communications Director to execute Searchlight’s communications strategy. The ideal candidate is someone who will ensure that Searchlight’s work drives conversations in traditional media sources, but is also excited to think outside the box about Searchlight’s growth in an evolving multi-platform media ecosystem. This is not an entry level position and requires strong familiarity with both traditional and digital communications.

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as a media liaison by developing strategic relationships with national, political, and policy reporters and ensuring Searchlight’s research, projects, polling, and experts are best positioned in the media and featured in relevant news stories from major outlets;
• Field and respond to media inquiries, where appropriate, and provide recommendations for media engagement;
• Draft and publish content on Searchlight’s social and online platforms, including the Searchlight website, newsletter, X/Twitter, and Substack, with a mindset toward growth;
• Write sharp, concise pitches, background notes, statements, and other written press materials;
• Work directly with Searchlight’s policy and analytics teams to develop talking points and briefing materials on major research products;
• Monitor Searchlight’s media clips and metrics on social media platforms to assess ongoing impact;
• Serve as an on-the-record source for media outlets where directed;
• Support the production of video and digital content, including designing graphics and producing video clips;
• Other duties as assigned by Searchlight’s leadership team.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• At least three years of political communications experience (e.g., a U.S. congressional office, political campaign, advocacy organization, or similar field);
• Experience working with both national reporters and policy-first newsrooms as a capable and thorough policy communicator;
• A high degree of comfort with rapid response and fast-paced dynamics while remaining meticulous in your writing;
• An eagerness to “be online” – a poster who will engage in real-time discourse and drive conversation topics among key audiences; and
• A willingness to ruffle some feathers.