Manager or Senior Manager of Media Relations
Remote (preference for DC)
Democracy Defenders Action
Date Posted: 2/9/2026
Organizational Overview
The Democracy Defenders family of organizations (a c3, c4, legally separate PAC, and The Contrarian) is a leader in the fight against authoritarianism, working strategically in the courts and court of public opinion to restore American democracy by: upholding the rule of law, safeguarding free and fair elections, and fighting corruption.
Role
The manager (or senior manager) of media relations will oversee the robust media relations program of Democracy Defenders Fund and Action. On any given day, the organization may file a FOIA request, publicly respond to a federal court decision in active litigation, file to intervene in a legal case, release a major policy report, and work with stakeholders in a state government responding to an urgent threat to democracy. This role requires sound judgment, clarity of thinking, and the ability to make confident, timely recommendations about how and when to engage the media in a constantly shifting news cycle.
Media relations at Democracy Defenders Fund and Action is a strategic function. It involves building and maintaining strong relationships with journalists, editors, producers, and emerging media voices to secure credible earned media coverage that shapes public understanding of our work. This positions our organizations as a trusted source and ensures our legal and policy activities and expertise influence public discourse at critical moments.
To best protect, strengthen, and rebuild our democracy, it is critical that DDA’s staff reflects the diversity of backgrounds and experiences represented in the democracy we seek to defend. Applicants of all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities
Media relations and rapid response
Lead media relations for Democracy Defenders Fund and Action in a high volume, high stakes environment.
Maintain and manage a dynamic calendar of litigation, policy activity, and external developments, and develop and execute proactive media relations plans.
Monitor daily news and assess how breaking events intersect with the organization’s legal and policy work.
Make clear, strategic recommendations on media engagement, including timing, framing, and spokesperson selection.
Pitch journalists, respond to media inquiries, and cultivate strong relationships with journalists across mediums.
Draft news releases, media advisories, statements, talking points, media briefs, and other materials, often under tight deadlines.
At the senior manager level, independently lead media strategy for major litigation, policy initiatives, or crisis moments.
Executive and expert visibility
Support proactive and reactive media engagement for co-founder Norm Eisen and other senior legal and policy experts, including the executive director and DDA’s leadership team.
Develop media outreach strategies that position organizational experts as trusted voices on democracy, rule of law, anti-corruption and accountability.
Work with the Director of Communications to oversee consultants supporting executive media engagement.
At the senior manager level, serve as a strategic advisor on executive media engagement and high-profile appearances.
Team collaboration and project management
Help oversee the work of the communications assistant, providing guidance on media tracking, pitching, and logistics.
Manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines in a fast moving environment.
Track media coverage and support reporting on reach, impact, and effectiveness.
Help strengthen team processes and standards
Partner closely with the Communications Director and Senior Manager for Digital Strategy to ensure media outreach reflects how people are receiving and engaging with information.
Ensure earned media, digital content, and rapid response efforts are coordinated and mutually reinforcing.
Qualifications
Required
For Manager of Media Relations, a minimum of six (6) years of professional experience (excluding internships); for Senior Manager of Media Relations, a minimum of nine (9) years of professional experience (excluding internships).
Demonstrated success developing and executing media strategies that secure consistent, high-impact earned media.
Proven experience managing media relations in fast-moving, high-stakes environments.
Strong news judgment and the ability to quickly assess how legal, political, or policy developments intersect with organizational priorities.
Experience serving as a primary point of contact for journalists, including pitching stories, responding to inquiries, and managing ongoing press relationships.
Strong understanding of how earned media integrates with digital strategy, rapid response, and online engagement.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize effectively, and make sound decisions with incomplete information.
High level of professionalism, discretion, and judgment.
Excellent writing and editing skills, with a track record of drafting press releases, statements, talking points, and media briefs under tight deadlines.
Comfort translating complex legal or policy concepts into clear, accessible narratives for the press.
Preferred
Existing relationships with national and/or state reporters covering democracy, elections, law, accountability, or public policy, and experience working on democracy, rule of law, civil rights, anti-corruption, or related public interest issues.
Experience supporting senior leaders or high-profile experts in media settings, including interview preparation and strategic positioning.
Experience independently leading media strategy for major initiatives and serving as a strategic media advisor to senior leadership.
What We’re Looking For
We are seeking someone who is both strategic and tactical. You should be comfortable operating at speed without sacrificing judgment, able to absorb complex information quickly, and confident making recommendations in high-pressure moments. At the senior manager level, we are looking for someone who can anticipate needs, lead independently, and serve as a trusted partner to the Director of Communications. At the manager level, we are looking for someone ready to grow into greater leadership while owning significant responsibility from day one.
Role and Compensation Details
This role is ideally based in the Washington DC/ DMV area. Candidates who are available for in person tasks and meetings will be given preference, but we are open to this role being remote for the right candidate.
Expected start date: April 1 2026
The salary range for this position is $90,000 - $120,000 for Manager and $120,000 - $150,000 for Senior Manager, commensurate with experience.
The manager/senior manager of media relations sits in our communications department and reports to the Communications Director.
This role primarily supports Democracy Defenders Action and Democracy Defenders Fund.
DDA provides a comprehensive benefits package including 20+ days of PTO, 12 holidays, health insurance (100% paid for employee and 50% paid for family), 401K with match, tech and home office stipends, coworking space access, and recurring teambuilding opportunities.
Application Instructions
To apply, include a resume, and in lieu of a cover letter, respond briefly (350 words or less per prompt) to each the below prompts:
Why are you interested in working at Democracy Defenders Action, and what in your personal or professional experience makes you a strong fit for this role?
Describe a time when you led media relations strategy for a specific issue or project. Please include who you worked with, your role in shaping the strategy, how you led the work, and how you navigated the media environment.
Describe a time when your media relations work contributed to meaningful change. This could include narrative change, policy change, behavioral change, or social change. Please explain the context, your approach, and the impact of your work.
In your roles within the last two years, have you spent more than 50% of your time on media relations? Please summarize your responsibilities.
Democracy Defenders Action is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you think you meet only some of the qualifications and are unsure about applying, we encourage you to make a case as to why you are a compelling candidate. A human reviews all application materials, and we are eager to hear from candidates who may not meet all of the qualifications, who possess transferable skills, and who have non-traditional work histories.