Mid Level Communications Manager Jobs

Communications Manager

Arizona State University

Off-Campus: Washington, D. C.
JR127645

End Date: October 5, 2026
Apply before 11:59 PM Arizona time the day before the posted End Date.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and five (5) years of experience appropriate to the area of assignment/field; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or training from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.

Job Profile Summary:

Develops and drafts complex communication content and supports the communication strategy through storytelling and campaigns for university wide projects/efforts.

Job Description:

Position Salary Range: $73,680 - $85,000 per year; DOE

The McCain Institute is a nonpartisan organization inspired by Senator John McCain and his family’s dedication to public service. We are part of Arizona State University and based in Washington, D.C. Our programs defend democracy, advance human rights, and empower character-driven leaders. Our unique power to convene leaders across the global political spectrum enables us to make a real impact on the world’s most pressing challenges. Our goal is action, not talk, and like Senator McCain, we are fighting to create a free, safe, and just world for all. The McCain Institute, a part of Arizona State University, seeks a full-time Communications Manager based in Washington, D.C. The Communications Manager is responsible for writing and editing communications materials, garnering publicity for key initiatives and events, pitching news stories and interviews with McCain Institute experts, and assisting with the implementation of the McCain Institute’s communications and strategic engagement strategy. This position is heavily focused on booking print and broadcast media interviews for McCain Institute leadership and writing talking points, briefings, press releases, op-eds, presentations, digital copy, and other communications content. This role reports to the Senior Director of Communications and will work closely with the McCain Institute’s Executive Director. This position is based in Washington, DC, and is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

Essential Duties:

• Identifies newsworthy impact stories within the organization and crafts communications plans to share these stories, including earned media pitches.
• Serves as media booker for the McCain Institute’s executive director and staff.
• Writes talking points, memos, and other briefing materials for media appearances.
• Manages and updates media lists; tracks constantly changing press assignments.
• Establishes and maintains relationships with relevant journalists.
• Writes and edits press releases, media advisories, pitches, social media and web copy, op-eds, talking points, speeches, and other materials.
• Compiles daily news clips and maintains long-term media tracker to share with leadership on a consistent basis.
• Creates analytics reports, blog posts, promotional videos, slide decks, and detailed events and communications plans.
• Actively participates in events, conferences, and meetings to provide media assistance and identify story opportunities, including the McCain Institute’s signature annual event the Sedona Forum.
• Assists with promotional activities and media partnerships for the Sedona Forum.
• Assists reporters and editors in their efforts to understand the mission and activities of the McCain Institute.
• Carefully proofreads and ensures consistent formatting of all written materials to ensure consistent high-quality output.
• Collaborates with key internal and external stakeholders to execute strategic goals and objectives.
• And other duties as assigned.

Desired Qualifications:

• Proven experience in media relations: public relations, journalism, newswriting, social media, etc.
• Experience using contact management software to communicate with reporters and stakeholder lists; knowledge of Cision, Critical Mention, Mailchimp or equivalent.
• Excellent communication skills; knowledge of AP Style.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task.
• Previous experience writing speeches, talking points, op-eds, presentations.
• Ability to distill complex subjects into impactful communications materials.
• Able to implement feedback and understand subtleties of different audiences.
• Excellent research and analytical skills, highly detail oriented.
• Strong work ethic, professional attitude, proactive, able to adapt to fast-moving situations, and highly professional team-player.
• Ability to take direction and work in a team environment.
• Demonstrated interest in and knowledge of Senator John McCain, foreign policy, democracy, human rights and other issues related to the McCain Institute’s mission and work.

Department Statement:

At McCain Institute, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway. We value your unique background and perspective, and you may be just the right candidate for this position or other roles on our team.

Instructions to Apply:

Current employees, student workers seeking staff opportunities, and students applying for student worker positions must apply directly through the Workday Jobs Hub. To be considered, your application must include all of the following attachments:

• Cover letter
• Resume or CV

Multiple documents may be uploaded in the attachments section. Alternatively, applicants may combine all required materials into a single PDF for submission. Please ensure uploaded documents are clearly labeled and include your name. Please ensure your resume includes all employment information in month and year format, for example 6/04 to 8/14, along with job title, job duties, and employer name for each position. Your resume should clearly demonstrate how your experience and background meet the minimum and desired qualifications for this position. Incomplete applications or missing required materials may not be considered.

Important:

Do not withdraw your application to make edits. Once an application is withdrawn, it cannot be edited, reactivated, or replaced with a new submission. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact The Office of Human Resources Talent Acquisition before the posting close date. Graduate Assistant, Intern and part-time positions are counted as half time for experience equivalency, meaning one year equals six months of experience. Only electronic applications will be accepted for this position. By submitting an application, you confirm that the information provided is accurate and complete.

ASU Statement:

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 100,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions inclusive excellence, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe. ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit https://wellness.asu.edu/explore-wellness/body/alcohol-and-drugs/tobacco

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report:

In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf. You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.

Relocation Assistance – For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit https://cfo.asu.edu/az-resources. ASU’s comprehensive benefits package is a key part of your total compensation. Visit the ASU Compensation Estimator

Employment Verification Statement:

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Background Check Statement:

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

Fingerprint Check Statement:

A fingerprint check is not required for this position.

About Arizona State University

Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the country’s most innovative school, Arizona State University is where students and faculty work with NASA to develop, advance and lead innovations in space exploration.