Apply on Employer Site

Urban Institute · 3 days ago

Senior Communications Manager, Tax Policy Center (Office of Communications)

Washington, DC

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

$91K/yr - $157K/yr

5+ years exp

Urban Institute is a research-to-impact institution focused on improving lives and strengthening communities. The Senior Communications Manager will lead an integrated communications strategy for the Tax Policy Center, translating research into actionable insights for policymakers, media, and the public.

AdvocacyCommunities

Growth Opportunities

Responsibilities

Develop communications strategy

Lead development and execution of an integrated communications strategy for the Tax Policy Center to advance program goals and objectives

Lead visibility campaigns within the broader strategy to promote high-priority initiatives

Coordinate with Communications colleagues across digital, brand, and audience engagement, writing and editorial, and events

Anticipate reputational risks and prepare mitigation plans

Oversee digital content strategy for taxpolicycenter.org:

Ensure website content remains current with the news cycle and advances program goals and objectives

Drive outreach and promotion to increase engagement

Maintain processes for updates

Oversee social media strategy for TPC accounts (e.g., X, LinkedIn):

Guide TPC’s social media strategy and content

Partner with Urban’s marketing director to align on best practices

Lead media strategy

Direct all media outreach and engagement, including risk assessment and release timing

Draft and distribute materials to reporters; lead rapid response to position TPC experts in the news cycle

Monitor news for opportunities to create or repurpose content

Partner with government affairs on policymaker outreach

Arrange expert interviews, including fielding press calls, matching reporters with appropriate experts, leading occasional prep sessions and managing logistics

Partner with Urban’s media relations director to amplify major releases

Provide strategic guidance for publications, events, and digital content

Ensure TaxVox blog aligns with organizational editorial standards

Review blog proposals to help ensure ideas and content fit within the center’s goals and meet quality standards

Help shape communications requests (e.g., for new products and events) to align with goals and maximize impact

Guide cross-functional teams to deliver results on schedule

Build the communications capacity of researchers

Offer writing tips for public-facing content

Advise on messaging and talking points

Assess policy impact

Monitor web and media metrics to assess ROI on communications tactics and adjust as needed

Work with analytics manager to provide data for funder proposals and reports

Collaborate across teams to develop theories of change and capture impact stories

Qualification

Communications strategyMedia relationsDigital content strategyTax policy knowledgeData interpretationStakeholder managementWriting skillsAnalytical skillsMetrics-driven approachDigital platforms proficiencyMS Office proficiencyLeadership experienceOrganizational skillsFlexibilityCollaboration

Required

Knowledge and skills usually associated with a bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, political science, public policy, or a related field

Five to seven years of communications or public affairs experience

Significant experience with/or demonstrated interest in tax and fiscal policy issues

Ability to interpret data and be able to translate complicated research for broad audiences

Leadership experience or significant contributions to the execution of the communications strategy for an organization, preferably with a focus on social and economic policy

Experience assessing reputational risks and managing public controversies

Proven ability to track policy news cycles closely and bring sound news judgment; existing media relationships are a plus

Experience managing a range of internal and external stakeholders and collaborations involving multiple perspectives

Flexibility, adaptability, and open-mindedness to change

Strong organizational skills and a track record leading teams to achieve objectives and measure success

Excellent writing and analytical skills

An entrepreneurial, collaborative, audience-focused, and metrics-driven approach

An aptitude for digital platforms and databases, which could include content management systems (Drupal), project management applications (AirTable), constituent relationship management (Salesforce), media monitoring (Meltwater/Cision), and/or other tools; show proficiency in MS Office, Word, and Excel

Benefits

Generous paid time off, including nine federal holidays

Medical (including prescription), dental and vision insurance

Transit benefits

403(b) retirement plan participation immediately after you’re hired and a generous employer contribution after six months of service and 500 hours, with immediate vesting

Access to a health advocate

Personal finance coaching

An Employee Assistance Program

Educational assistance for undergraduate and graduate degree programs