Application Guide
How to Apply for Senior Media Relations Manager
at Way to Win
🏢 About Way to Win
Way to Win is a strategic hub for progressive donors and organizers, focused on investing in and winning elections across the country. Working here means being at the center of political change, collaborating with a passionate team dedicated to shifting power and building a more equitable future.
About This Role
As the Senior Media Relations Manager, you'll be the architect of Way to Win's public narrative, shaping how the organization and its leaders are perceived in the media. Your work will directly amplify the impact of their political strategies and ensure their insights reach key audiences when it matters most.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start by monitoring the news cycle to identify opportunities for proactive pitching, then crafting pitches and sending them to targeted reporters. You might spend time coaching an executive for an upcoming interview, responding to media inquiries, and updating media lists. The rest of the day could involve tracking placements and analyzing metrics to refine your strategy.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Way to Win Is Looking For
- Proven experience in media relations, ideally in politics, advocacy, or non-profit sectors, with a track record of securing high-impact placements.
- Deep understanding of the political landscape and the ability to identify and capitalize on news moments.
- Excellent writing and pitching skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
- Strong relationship-building skills with national reporters and editors, and experience coaching executives for media appearances.
📝 Tips for Applying to Way to Win
Tailor your resume to highlight specific media wins, especially in political or issue advocacy, and quantify results (e.g., 'secured 20+ placements in national outlets').
In your cover letter, demonstrate your understanding of Way to Win's mission and recent campaigns by referencing specific examples from their website or news coverage.
Prepare a portfolio of your best media placements and pitch examples that show your strategic thinking and creativity.
Network with current or former employees on LinkedIn to gain insider insights and potentially get a referral.
Showcase your ability to work remotely and manage multiple priorities, as this is a fully remote role.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Highlight your experience in proactive media pitching and your success in getting leaders into key conversations.', 'Emphasize your knowledge of the progressive political landscape and your passion for the mission.', "Mention specific examples of how you've measured and reported on media impact.", 'Demonstrate your ability to build relationships with reporters and act as a trusted advisor to executives.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Visit Way to Win's website to understand their current campaigns, funding priorities, and key leaders.
- → Read recent news articles and press releases featuring Way to Win to see how they are currently portrayed in the media.
- → Follow Way to Win on social media (Twitter, LinkedIn) to get a sense of their tone and messaging.
- → Research the Director of External Communications and other team members on LinkedIn to understand their backgrounds and priorities.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention Way to Win or its mission specifically.
- Focusing only on your writing skills without demonstrating strategic media planning and relationship-building.
- Not showing an understanding of the political landscape or the organization's role in it.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!