Investigations and Media Strategist

Position description

Do you see a headline about government abuse and immediately want to dig deeper? Are you the kind of storyteller who can turn a bureaucratic outrage into a national news story? The Institute for Justice (IJ)—a national public interest law firm— is seeking an Investigations and Media Strategist to lead our Rapid Response Team and shine a spotlight on government abuse.

In this full-time role, you’ll work with IJ attorneys and the communications team to uncover, investigate, and expose government overreach while developing compelling stories that advance IJ’s mission to protect constitutional rights and advance justice. You’ll combine investigative curiosity, sharp writing, and creative strategy to help shape the national conversation about government power and constitutional rights.

The position may be based at our headquarters in Arlington, VA, or at one of our regional offices located in Seattle, WA; Austin, TX; Miami, FL; or Phoenix, AZ.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead IJ’s Rapid Response Team, developing and executing strategies that may include litigation support, public statements, letterhead actions, blog posts, op-eds, investigative projects, and more.
• Use a range of research tools and media monitoring platforms to uncover and expose unconstitutional government actions nationwide.
• Develop investigative projects that uncover constitutional violations and turning them into stories and pitches for major media outlets.
• Write, manage and place op-eds for IJ attorneys and the organization on cases and institutional issues.
• Provide media training and support to individuals involved in IJ’s actions.
• Collaborate with IJ’s communications and legal teams to brainstorm innovative approaches for advancing our cases and causes.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 3–6 years of experience in investigative reporting, including filing FOIA requests and developing original projects.
• Demonstrated success writing and placing op-eds or similar advocacy pieces.
• Familiarity with media monitoring tools (Google News Alerts, Muckrack, etc.).
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel. Other data-driven investigative experience a plus.
• Ability to understand and communicate basic legal theories and proceedings.
• Strong collaboration, problem-solving, and creative thinking skills.
• A record of high-profile reporting or communications projects is highly desirable.
• Persistence, optimism, and a passion for IJ’s mission of protecting individual liberty.

Benefits:

• Hybrid work schedule (3 days in-office)
• Flexible work hours with core hours of 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Casual dress code
• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance (IJ covers 100% of individual premiums)
• Free Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life insurance plans
• HSA employer contributions
• 401(k) with employer matches
• Generous PTO, including a paid personal day plus 12 paid holidays

Application instructions

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