The Urban Institute is a research-to-impact institution founded on one simple idea: To improve lives and strengthen communities, we need practices and policies that work. From advancing well-being to fostering shared prosperity, leaders across sectors are working every day to create brighter futures for all people and communities. For more than 50 years, Urban has delivered evidence and solutions that drive meaningful change, and this remains our charge today.
To drive impact by equipping changemakers with evidence and solutions.
Collaboration, Fairness Inclusivity, Independence, and Integrity
For more information on the Urban Institute, please visit https://www.urban.org.
About the Tax Policy Center (TPC)
The Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center (TPC) improves tax and fiscal policy decision-making through independent, timely, and accessible analysis. Using a microsimulation model comparable to those used by federal scorekeepers, we show how policies affect taxpayers, revenues, and the economy. Our results are used by stakeholders across the ideological spectrum and widely cited in the press. Beyond the model, TPC’s nationally recognized experts conduct research on emerging issues and provide technical assistance to policymakers at all levels of government.
The Senior Communications Manager will amplify TPC’s impact. They will lead an integrated communications strategy that translates rigorous research into actionable insights for policymakers, media, and the public. This position reports to the Senior Director of Strategic Communications with a dotted line to the Vice President for Tax Policy.
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
The successful candidate will have:
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
No matter your role with Urban, you will contribute to meaningful work that makes a difference for people and communities across the country. We are committed to working in a manner defined by our mission and values.
Urban’s greatest asset is our people.
The target salary range for this position is Min $90,800 – Max $157,100. Salary offered is commensurate with experience and considers internal comparisons. Salaries are just one component of Urban Institute’s total compensation package. Urban is committed to supporting our staff’s physical, emotional, and financial well-being through a robust benefits package for yourself, eligible dependents, and domestic partners. It includes generous paid time off, including nine federal holidays, medical (including prescription), dental and vision insurance, and transit benefits. Urban is unique in that we offer 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. You’ll also have access to a health advocate, personal finance coaching, an Employee Assistance Program, and educational assistance for undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the people assigned. This posting is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements. Urban management reserves the right to amend and change duties, responsibilities, and requirements to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.
The Urban Institute is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender or gender identity, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, veteran status, pregnancy or family responsibilities, matriculation, disability, political affiliation, or any other protected status under applicable law. The Urban Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We are committed to equal employment opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you have a physical and/or mental disability and are interested in applying for employment and need special accommodations to use our website to apply for a position, please contact Human Resources at humanresources@urban.org. Reasonable accommodation requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.