Press officer will help execute the organization’s media and communications strategies by drafting and editing media advisories, press releases and letters to the editor, fielding requests for interviews and information, keeping press lists up-to-date, tracking media hits, updating the website and more. We seek someone bright and nimble, with a passion for public interest work and a solid knowledge of the issues in the news. We need someone who has strong writing skills, pays keen attention to detail, can work in a fast-paced environment and enjoys collaborating with others. This person will be part of a communications team that works closely together to coordinate media outreach with social media, email activism and communication to Public Citizen members. This position reports to the Director of Communications and works closely with the Deputy Director of Communications.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Identify journalists who cover our issues, develop relationships and connect them with the appropriate policy experts.
• Respond to reporter inquiries by directing them to the appropriate experts and setting up interviews.
• Craft and execute comprehensive strategic communications plans for specific campaigns and issues to meet short-term and long-term goals, with minimal oversight.
• Write and edit press blog posts, op-eds, letters to the editor, press releases, press statements, media advisories, notes to reporters, editorial board memos, quote sheets, talking points, fact sheets and other written materials as needed. Materials should require only minimal editing.

• Distribute press releases, notes to reporters, editorial board memos, media advisories and other materials to the media using our electronic distribution system.

• Assist in planning and executing press conferences and teleconferences, media briefings and other press events, including preparing press kits and media lists, and calling journalists.
• By keeping up with breaking news and other news about our issues, engage daily in rapid response, identifying media opportunities to get out our key messages – e.g., search for and pursue op-ed, talk radio, local TV, LTE and other opportunities.
• Post Public Citizen news releases and other documents on the web.
• Conduct media training for policy experts when needed.
• Build, maintain and update press lists.
• Take photos and videos at Public Citizen events.
• Provide digital media staffers with topline messaging from press releases, statements and other press materials.
• Work with interns to compile and distribute weekly media hits report to the organization.
• Manage interns’ workflow when needed.
• Write stories for Public Citizen News, the organization’s award-winning membership newspaper.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or similar field.

Knowledge: Must be familiar with how newsrooms work. Must have general knowledge of national current events, particularly relating to issues involving money in politics, health and safety, government accountability, and other major issues of the day.

Work Experience: At least five years of experience in communications, journalism or public affairs. Experience in at least one of these areas is necessary: reporting for a media outlet (traditional or online), pitching stories to major national media outlets, writing press releases, working in nonprofit communications.

Skills: Strong writing and editing abilities; strong computer skills, including proficiency in word processing and with databases; good phone presence; organized and conscientious. Ability to juggle many tasks simultaneously and under deadline pressure, and work with a wide range of people. Must enjoy working in a fast-paced and demanding environment.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: Competitive salary between $62,670 and $101,734 dependent on relevant experience and qualifications and generous benefits package. Public Citizen staff are represented by SEIU Local 500 and our salaries are set according to our collective bargaining agreement. Public Citizen does not negotiate salaries.

Benefits include:

• Great medical and dental coverage, 100% paid by PC, including full coverage for children
• Three weeks paid vacation for new employees, plus five personal days
• 401K plan with a 5% contribution from PC after one year of employment
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave after one year of employment
• Sabbatical after 10 years of employment
• Student loan reimbursement program

TO APPLY: Send a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to Derrick Robinson at drobinson@citizen.org.

Public Citizen is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, women, LGBT candidates are encouraged to apply.

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