Communications Manager

Communications Manager For Stakeholder EngagementPew Research Center is expanding how we connect our research with the people who use and amplify it. We're hiring a Communications Manager for Stakeholder Engagement. This position is a two-year, limited-term role to test, pioneer and deepen relationships with key audiences — decisionmakers, practitioners and others who apply our data in real-world contexts. (The position will conclude October 31, 2028.)This is a new role at the juncture of communications, events and audience strategy. The focus isn't on reaching millions of people via social or website traffic — it's on meaningfully seeking out and drawing in people who can most use our research for real-world impact.You'll help design and deliver a growing portfolio of live and interactive experiences that bring our research to life and create direct connections between Center experts and the communities they inform. In this role, you will work across the Center to pilot different stakeholder models, monitor results and operationalize the best approaches. Success in this role means helping ensure the Center's research not only reaches key audiences, but is understood, discussed and applied in circles that strengthen its real-world impact. The role of this position is to test and measure innovative approaches that will help determine future strategy. Success in this role is as much about what we learn as it is delivering wins.This is a term-limited, grant-funded position expected to last approximately 2 years.Primary ResponsibilitiesCommunications Strategy and LeadershipUnder the guidance of the communications director and associate director, develop and oversee execution of communications plans for major research studies to build reach, influence and impact for the Center's work. Identify target audiences, goals and dissemination strategies and tactics for major priorities while working within the overall institutional brand strategy.Build strong relationships with the managing directors and staff of the research teams; digital producers and designers on the beat; and other researchers and staff across the Center.Develop deeper relationships with priority audiences:Work with Strategic Communications and Research staff to identify and prioritize key stakeholder groups (policy professionals, civic leaders, educators, etc.).Build and manage targeted outreach and invitation strategiesTrack engagement over time (attendance, repeat participation, follow-up actions)Grow the addressable stakeholder audience for the CenterLead stakeholder engagement through live experiences:Plan and execute virtual, hybrid and/or in-person events, including webinars, briefings and small-group discussions in consultation with Strategic Communications colleagues.Partner with research leaders and communications designers in the Center to shape compelling, accessible presentations of findingsModerate or facilitate live sessions that encourage participation and dialogueHelp the Center build repeatable formats of engagement (series, office hours, stakeholder briefings)Ensure follow-up with stakeholders after convenings and internal teams on learningsCreate new ways to connect research to practice:Pilot digital, hybrid or in-person formats around:Small convenings or roundtables"Ask a researcher" sessionsSector-specific briefingsTraining-style sessions (how to use Center data)Explore partnerships with organizations, associations or networks that convene key stakeholders in partnership with Strategic Communications colleaguesCollaborate across the organization:Serve as a connector across research, communications and audience teams to identify engagement opportunities and ensure stakeholders receive coordinated outreachWork with communications colleagues to build internal relationships that help surface the right experts, stakeholders and opportunities at the right timeServe as a key partner to research teams in translating findings into experiences for stakeholdersWork with Strategic Communications colleagues to align stakeholder engagement with broader outreach strategiesMeasure and refine impact:Help build a digital events tech stack to manage attendees and host live experiencesTrack engagement metrics beyond reach (e.g., registrations, attendance quality, repeat participation) in partnership with communications analystsIdentify what drives meaningful interaction and adjust strategy accordinglyHelp set the pace for what "success" looks like for stakeholder engagement at the CenterGather feedback and insights from stakeholders to inform future engagement strategies and help the Center better understand audience needsIdentify emerging audience interests and opportunities to connect the Center research with real-world conversations and challengesKnowledge and Skills RequirementsA strong communicator who can translate complex ideas into clear, engaging live experiencesA builder who can visualize pilot approaches and turn them into repeatable flowsA strategist who can also be hands-on to test tools and produce eventsExperienced in planning and running virtual and in-person events, webinars, and facilitated discussionsComfortable working both in partnership with fellow communications colleagues and also directly with senior stakeholders and subject-matter expertsSkilled at building relationships—not just audiencesCurious, creative, and eager to test new approachesEducation/ Training / Experience RequirementsBachelor's in public relations, communications, mass media, or related field.5-8+ years in communications, events, audience engagement, or related rolesExperience working in media, research, nonprofits, or mission-driven organizationsFamiliarity with virtual event platforms and engagement toolsExperience building partnerships or networks and maintaining stakeholder relationshipsStrong project management skills and ability to coordinate across multiple teams and prioritiesExperience engaging and facilitating discussion with professional or policy-oriented audiences is a plusFLSA Status: ExemptCompensation: The typical starting salary for this position is $91,035 annually.Hybrid Work Schedule: Pew Research Center staff are required to be present in the Center's Washington, D.C., office three core days weekly (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday). Staff may work virtually from remote locations on other days in a typical work week.Application Procedure: Click on the Apply button, and complete required fields. Both cover letter and resume are required.When requested, please upload a copy of your resume/cv, as well as a copy of your cover letter in the section labeled Resume/Cover Letter. If the documents have successfully uploaded, you should see 2 attached files beneath the "Drop files here" box. Please make sure you have uploaded a resume AND a cover letter before moving on to the next page.Total RewardsIn addition to competitive pay, Pew Research Center's employees enjoy a robust total rewards package that includes:Affordable, comprehensive health care that includes medical, dental (including adult orthodontia) and vision benefits.Generous paid annual leave plan, including a winter break between Dec. 25 and Jan. 1Employer-paid disability, life insurance and paid family leave plansUp to a 12% employer 401(k) contribution, with vesting at the end of the first year.A 37.5-hour workweek.Health savings or flexible spending account options with employer funding component