Are you passionate about the American founding, the Constitution, and the Declaration of Independence? Are you interested in ensuring the rising generation learns about America’s history, core documents, and shared values? If so, this opportunity may be for you.

About the Jack Miller Center

The Jack Miller Center is an educational nonprofit organization committed to solving the crisis of uninformed citizenship by teaching the history, documents, and ideals we hold in common as Americans.

Enjoying a 20-year history of trusted leadership in higher education and a network of 1,300 dedicated university scholars, we have grown into a national coalition of educators, thought leaders, and philanthropists working to ignite a renaissance of civic knowledge and purpose in America.

Our Key Initiatives

• The American Political Tradition Project: Building and empowering a network of scholars committed to the teaching and study of the American political tradition.
• The Founding Civics Initiative: Driving innovation in university-based preparation for K-12 civics and history teachers, led by scholars and centered on foundational texts.
• The National Summit on Civic Education: Growing the movement of civics leaders, educators, and funders to advance solutions to the civic education crisis.

Position overview

Reporting to the President, the Senior Public Affairs Officer will position the Jack Miller Center (JMC) as a premier national voice on civic education. This individual will lead the organization’s public affairs strategy and help JMC emerge from America250 as a widely recognized intellectual leader in the civic education movement. Through strategic media engagement, thought leadership amplification, and relationship building, the Senior Public Affairs Officer will shape national discourse around America’s founding principles and civic knowledge.

Work Location: The Jack Miller Center headquarters are located in Bala Cynwyd, PA, a suburb of Philadelphia. Hybrid or remote work will be considered.

Reports to: President

Key Responsibilities

Media and Thought Leadership (40%)

1. Maximize production and placement of op-eds, essays, and other content authored by JMC scholars, Board members, and staff in high-profile publications.
2. Oversee the booking and preparation of JMC scholars and staff for videos, podcasts, webinars, and other digital media appearances.
3. Identify and pursue high-leverage media opportunities to promote JMC’s voice on key civic education topics. 
4. Guide the creation and distribution of compelling public-facing content that advances the organization’s mission.

Stakeholder and Influencer Engagement (35%)

1. Build and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, producers, podcast hosts, and other members of the media.
2. Engage with social media influencers, public intellectuals, and thought leaders in education and public policy.
3. Cultivate relationships with policy and institutional stakeholders, including legislators and legislative staff, higher education governing boards, nonprofit trustees, alumni networks, think tanks, and foundations.

Strategic Communications and Planning (25%)

1. Craft and implement a comprehensive public affairs strategy aligned with organizational goals and national opportunities such as America250.
2. Coordinate cross-platform messaging, ensuring consistency across earned media, institutional communications, and public appearances.
3. Monitor media and policy trends relevant to civic education and JMC’s work, identifying timely opportunities to contribute to national discourse.

Qualifications

1. Commitment to the mission of the Jack Miller Center
2. Proven track record of successful public relations initiatives and high-quality media deliverables
3. Existing relationships with media outlets and thought leaders in the Jack Miller Center orbit
4. Strong ability to develop and implement strategic public affairs plans
5. Strong written and verbal communications skills
6. Strong understanding of business and political worlds and ability to keep apprised of current events
7. Ability to interface easily with highly-successful senior executives, philanthropists, thought leaders, and public figures
8. Entrepreneurial and collaborative mindset – ability to develop new ideas and drive projects independently and to be a collaborative team member
9. Ability to travel up to 20 percent of the time to attend events and meet with stakeholders
10. Proficient computer and technical skills, including use of the Microsoft suite

Preferred Qualifications

1. 10+ years experience in public affairs, media relations, or related fields
2. Experience working in the nonprofit sector or higher education
3. Knowledge in American history, political philosophy, or civic education

Benefits

In addition to a motivated and collegial team, the Jack Miller Center offers an excellent benefits package including group medical, vision, dental, and life insurance, a 401(k) plan with matching contributions, generous paid time off and paid holidays, and monthly smart phone reimbursement.

How to apply

Please submit the following application materials in one PDF with your name in the file title and “Senior Public Affairs Officer” in the subject line to jmc@gojmc.org:

Résumé

A cover letter detailing your experience and interest in JMC’s mission

Three professional references

While we thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, we are only able to contact those to whom we can offer an interview.