Director, Communications
About the role
The R Street Institute—a free-market think tank headquartered in Washington, D.C., and with staff located across the country—is seeking a collaborative Communications Director. If you are the right fit, you will report to the Senior Director of Communications. If you want to join a mission-driven organization and work toward pragmatic policy solutions, this may be the opportunity for you!
Responsibilities
Leading media relations and short-form editorial operations for the organization.
Serving as a liaison between the executive team and media partners.
Managing a team of communications professionals responsible for media engagement, short-form editorial content, and proactive outreach to journalists and opinion editors.
Designing and implementing strategies that amplify R Street’s research, strengthen relationships with media partners, and position the organization as a trusted voice in public policy conversations.
Partnering with the Senior Director to design and execute media and editorial strategies aligned with organizational goals, including brand strategy and executive thought leadership.
Building a communications strategy suited to a world where discovery, trust, and attention work differently than they did five years ago.
Overseeing planning and execution of R Street’s press outreach, op-eds, short-form commentary, and editorial calendars in order to amplify R Street’s brand presence in key external channels, including major media outlets, newsletters, and opinion venues.
Collaborating with the government affairs teams to ensure communications align with policy and legislative priorities.
Supporting the executive team with key thought leadership pieces, speeches, media, and external affairs.
Maintaining and deepening relationships with journalists, producers, and editors; ensuring consistent and proactive media engagement.
Overseeing the editing and publication of opinion and short-form commentary for the RSI website, ensuring quality, timeliness, and adherence to organizational voice.
Auditing key communications outputs, including external newsletters, advisories, and high-impact press releases.
Tracking and reporting on media outcomes and engagement to inform communications planning.
Qualifications
Strong relationships with journalists, editors, new media influencers, and other communications professionals.
The ability to lead and manage multiple communications departments and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
A good writer who has excellent attention to detail to ensure media content is accurate, timely, and impactful.
A sound decision-making ability in a fast-paced media and organizational environment.
No particular educational background required—a proven record of achieving results is far more meaningful than credentials.
A support for R Street’s passion for free markets and limited, effective government.
A sense of humor and a desire to grow within a multifaceted organization.
Skills
Strong relationships with journalists, editors, new media influencers, and other communications professionals.
The ability to lead and manage multiple communications departments and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
A good writer who has excellent attention to detail to ensure media content is accurate, timely, and impactful.
A sound decision-making ability in a fast-paced media and organizational environment.
No particular educational background required—a proven record of achieving results is far more meaningful than credentials.
A support for R Street’s passion for free markets and limited, effective government.
A sense of humor and a desire to grow within a multifaceted organization.
Pay
$115,000 - $135,000, commensurate with experience.
Benefits
Unlimited paid time off, including all federal holidays, the day after Thanksgiving, and two weeks holiday closure in December.
Alternating Fridays off.
Dental and vision insurance.
401(k) contributions with up to a 4 percent match.
HSA employer contribution match.
Quarterly wellness reimbursement.
Annual educational and professional development reimbursement.
A choice between child care assistance, pet care assistance, and student loan repayment assistance.