Description
Washington, D.C. | Hybrid (Minimum 2 days a week in office)
Minimum Salary: $95,000, Maximum Salary: $105,000
The Century Foundation (TCF) is seeking a relentless, media-obsessed Press Secretary to drive aggressive and strategic earned media for one of the nation’s premier progressive think tanks. This is a role for someone who loves the chase—who lives to work with reporters, break through crowded news cycles, and land the story. Reporting to the Vice President of Communications, the Press Secretary will serve as the primary media point of contact for TCF, generating high-impact coverage for our research, experts, and campaigns across domestic policy.
The Press Secretary will own day-to-day press outreach—pitching local, regional and national reporters and producers, including “new media” (e.g. podcasts, Youtube shows, Substack writers); cultivating and deepening relationships across print, broadcast, and digital outlets; and turning TCF’s research into stories that shape the debate. The ideal candidate is a proactive, creative, and tenacious pitcher who has a strong network of media relationships and a sharp instinct for what makes news.
Responsibilities include:
Develop and drive an aggressive, proactive earned media strategy. Execute relentless pitching strategies to land high-profile coverage of TCF’s research, experts, and campaigns on national TV, radio, and podcasts and in top-tier print, digital, and new media outlets. Own day-to-day press outreach, identify story opportunities, chase placements, and follow up until the story lands.
Write sharp, persuasive press materials. Draft and edit press releases, media advisories, pitches, op-eds, letters to the editor, editorial board memos, talking points, and messaging that cut through the noise.
Win the news cycle through rapid response. Monitor breaking news, spot openings, and move fast to develop messaging and place experts and statements while the story is hot.
Build and deepen reporter relationships. Cultivate and maintain strong, trusting relationships with journalists, editors, and producers across TCF’s issue areas, and continually expand TCF’s network of media contacts.
Serve as a media point of contact. Field and coordinate interview requests, prep TCF experts for appearances, and sharpen TCF’s message across policy areas.
Maintain media relations infrastructure. Develop and continually update press lists across TCF’s issue areas; track and report on coverage and pitch outcomes; and compile clips.
Support strategic outreach. As needed, help coordinate with partners, stakeholders, and allies—and support outreach to congressional and administration audiences.
Desired skills and qualifications include:
At least five years of experience in media relations, press, strategic communications, journalism, progressive politics, advocacy, or a related field.
A demonstrated track record of securing high-profile print, radio, podcast, and TV coverage—and a genuine love of the pitch and the chase.
Experience positioning principals or senior leaders as media-facing thought leaders, including landing executives in high-profile interviews, profiles, broadcast hits, and op-ed placements.
A strong, current network of national media contacts, including D.C.- and New York–based reporters and producers, and a talent for building new relationships fast.
Exceptional, fast writing and editing skills, with the ability to make complex policy clear, sharp, and newsworthy.
Comfort and poise prepping experts for high-stakes interviews.
A proactive, tenacious, and creative temperament—someone self-motivated who thrives in a fast-paced, rapid-response environment and doesn’t take no for an answer.
Sound news judgment, political acuity, and an instinct for what reporters want and what will break through.
Contacts on Capitol Hill or experience in a legislative, campaign, or advocacy environment a plus.
A commitment to TCF’s mission and to advancing bold, progressive policy change.
Compensation and Benefits
TCF offers a competitive compensation package, with a salary range determined by years of experience, skills, and abilities. Each candidate’s placement within the range will be based on these factors while ensuring alignment with our commitment to equitable internal pay practices. TCF is a unionized workplace and is represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA1180). This is a union position.
This is a hybrid work position to be based in Washington, D.C..TCF’s benefits include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, and an employer-funded health reimbursement account (HRA). This benefit package is in addition to generous vacation, sick, and personal days, an employer matching 403(b) plan, and up to fourteen weeks parental leave.
The salary range for this position is $95,000–$105,000.
About The Century Foundation
TCF is a progressive, independent think tank that conducts research, develops solutions, and drives policy change to make people’s lives better. We pursue economic, racial, gender, and disability equity in education, health care, and work, and promote U.S. foreign policy that fosters international cooperation, peace, and security. TCF has offices in New York City and Washington, D.C.
Requirements
Apply
Please apply via BambooHR with a resume, cover letter, one writing sample, and one example of an earned media placement you landed that you are proud of, with 1-2 sentences explaining what it was and a link to the story (note: if it’s an op-ed, this can also suffice as the writing sample).
No inquiries by third-party vendors and no phone calls please. If you have any issues accessing the hiring portal, please reach out with questions to [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The deadline for submission of application materials is July 27, 2026.
The Century Foundation is committed to diversity and building an inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds. Everyone is encouraged to apply, including women, LGBTQIA people, people of color, and people with disabilities. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States.
