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Director, Presidential Initiatives

The Manhattan Institute for Policy Research (MI) is a community of scholars, journalists, activists, and civic leaders united by a shared commitment to advancing economic opportunity, individual liberty, and the rule of law in America and its great cities.

About the Role

MI is seeking a strategic, organized, and highly motivated professional to serve as Director of Presidential Initiatives, working closely with the organization’s president, Reihan Salam. This role requires an understanding of public policy, media, and donor ecosystems, as well as the ability to execute strategic priorities and deliver high-quality written materials. As a key partner to the president, the Director will optimize his time, manage high-level relationships, and collaborate with MI’s senior staff and the president’s executive assistant to ensure success across a wide range of activities—from stakeholder engagement to public-facing thought leadership.

This is an in-office position based in New York City.  MI offers financial assistance for qualified new hires to relocate.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Act as an advisor to the president, helping to set, refine, and execute priorities based on his vision for the organization.
  • Draft thoughtful, polished correspondence, proposals, and memos to stakeholders across MI’s network, including scholars, donors, board members, policymakers, and media figures.
  • Manage the president’s email inbox and calendar, ensuring communications and commitments are handled efficiently and effectively.
  • Facilitate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, keeping a detailed record of the president’s engagements for the purposes of fundraising, media relations, and public policy outreach.
  • Collaborate with MI’s external affairs and development teams to prepare briefing materials, talking points, and follow-up communications for the president’s meetings and events.
  • Identify and pursue high-value opportunities for the president to amplify MI’s work, whether through media, partnerships, or convenings.
  • Coordinate with the president’s executive assistant to manage logistics while focusing on strategic tasks and relationship-building.
  • Occasionally assist the president with writing, editing, and research.
  • Partner with MI’s executive vice president and chief of staff on organizational priorities, strategic planning, and cross-departmental initiatives to align with MI’s broader goals.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have:

  • 5+ years of relevant experience.
  • Familiarity with MI’s public policy work, alignment with its mission, and enthusiasm for seeing it through
  • Exceptional writing and communication skills, with the ability to quickly craft polished, persuasive materials.
  • Proven success supporting a principal, building trusted relationships with senior leaders, and balancing competing priorities.
  • A proactive, organized, and detail-oriented mindset, with a track record of juggling multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment.
  • The ability to anticipate needs, solve problems independently, and remain adaptable in the face of shifting demands.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and comfort engaging with high-level donors, policymakers, and public figures.
  • A commitment to excellence and enthusiasm for supporting MI’s thought leadership in the public policy arena.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range: $125,000-$175,000/year, based on experience and skills.

MI offers generous benefits, including four weeks paid vacation, a Summer Fridays program, paid paternity/maternity leave, medical and dental coverage with HSA options, medical and dependent-care FSA, mental health benefits, remote medicine, paid company cell phone, life insurance, and a 401(k) with a company-funded match. MI staff also benefit from the opportunity to collaborate and socialize with prominent scholars in our policy space.

To apply, please fill out the form below. Be sure to include a resume and cover letter explaining both your interest in MI and your qualifications for the role. A strategy memorandum will eventually be required, with the specifics to be determined during the initial interview.

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