Potomac Flacks

JOB OF THE WEEK: American Association of Publishers, Director of Communications

The Association of American Publishers (AAP), the leading trade association for the US book publishing industry, is seeking a Director of Communications for a newly created position, to support and enhance the advocacy, representation and image of the industry.

In this role, the Director will join a recently-launched Communications department for the industry’s leading national trade association and have primary responsibility for developing and executing a 360° range of communications strategies on behalf of one or more AAP divisions including educational publishing.  Additionally, s/he will work with the Vice President on a number of internal and external communications for broader industry issues and initiatives.  The Director’s scope of responsibilities includes messaging, media relations, campaigns and the development of multimedia collateral materials.

The ideal candidate will have strong proactive strategic communications skills; a passion for publishing and education; nimble, compelling writing abilities; a track record of achieving high-impact results; and the desire to play a key role in growing a new communications operation.

Main duties:

- Initiate and produce integrated communications strategies to support regional/national advocacy efforts and to raise awareness of the value of educational and other publishing.

- Develop key positioning/messaging; produce a high volume of complementary written materials for diverse content platforms including white papers, brochures, one-sheets, member communications, web content and releases.  Work closely with other AAP staff on creating integrated multimedia materials related to policy and initiatives.

- Manage responsive and proactive media relations activities across print, broadcast, digital and social channels.  Responsible for achieving defined, measurable goals through conceiving, driving and securing targeted outreach; effectively managing incoming inquiries; and enterprising innovative opportunities.  Expand AAP’s reach into all appropriate social media channels.

- Produce, manage and expand content for assigned areas on the AAP public and member websites; serve as a core member of the AAP steering committee leading the expansion of the sites.

- Collaborate with AAP member companies to identify communications needs, generate deliverables to serve their interests and engage them in broader communications strategies and tactics.

- Provide advance and on-site PR support for various AAP industry events.

- Represent AAP senior leadership in meetings, conferences and other external settings. 

Required/Desired experience:

Required:  Minimum five years’ experience in communications full-time staff positions with progressively higher authority and growing scope of responsibility.

-Must be able to demonstrate history of leadership or primary involvement in corporate communications, reputation management, internal communications and/or public affairs.

-Must have significant, wide-reaching media relations experience as the lead media liaison for issues/projects at one or more organizations.  Portfolio must include placements that demonstrate:

1)     Track record of securing and managing coverage that provided fair exposure and voice to your organization’s position on issue(s), preferably around high-profile, sensitive and/or complex policy subjects

2)     Proactively generated feature and/or profile placements, ideally on topics/angles not commonly covered

3)     Results-based relationships with journalists in print, broadcast and digital media

4)     Experience as spokesperson

5)     Strategic use of social media to advance positions 

Trade association or advocacy organization and/or Capitol Hill experience all strongly preferred.

College degree required.

Key attributes/skills:

- Communications professional with proven experience in delivering high-impact results.  Ability to shape, sell through and execute longterm communications strategies that achieve goals across a breadth of disparate internal and external stakeholders requiring multiple tactics, elements and deadlines.  Able to see around corners.

- A powerful, competent and confident writer:  Must be able to synthesize complex information and then frame, write and edit compelling multiplatform materials on a variety of topics, in a variety of formats and a variety of “voices” on a rapid, first-take basis.  Previous experience as a beat journalist helpful.

- Strong self-starter with proactive, entrepreneurial approach to owning and growing a scope of responsibilities.  Able to identify communications opportunities within rapidly-moving broader AAP organization and effectively secure buy-in from staff and members.

- A confident problem solver who brings creative, viable solutions to complex situations.  Obsessive about detail, accuracy and follow-up.  Comfortable working under pressure, on deadline and in a SWAT capacity with breaking issues and crises.

- Brings a curiosity about best practices and new concepts in communications, displays a demonstrable learning curve about such opportunities and translates this knowledge into strategic action in the workplace.

- Must bring strong interest in publishing and, specifically, content being produced for the K-12 and higher education settings.

- Ability to appreciate and work through the unique nature of membership organizations.  The ideal person will effectively demonstrate the credibility, knowledge, skills-based self-assurance and delivered accomplishments to win the trust, endorsement and cooperation of staff, external contacts and AAP members.

- Ability to work with and help drive culture change.

- Willing to work occasional late hours and weekends.  Occasional out of town travel.

- This position is based at AAP headquarters in Washington, DC with a Monday-Friday workweek.  Telework is not possible with this opening. 

About AAP:

AAP is centrally located in a modern office facility in the Mount Vernon Square/Chinatown area, convenient to Metro and bus lines.  The building has an on-site gym (free to employees) and on-site garage (fee required).

AAP offers competitive salary commensurate with experience and skills and a full benefits package.  No relocation available.

TO APPLY: Please send a cover letter explaining your qualifications for this position, your resume and at least three (3) distinct writing samples to asporkin(at)publishers(dot)org . Include “Director, Communications Opening” in the Subject line.  Resumes received without cover letters and/or writing samples will be deleted.  Please, no phone calls.  Only those applicants who meet the position’s qualifications will be contacted for follow-up.   Full listing: http://publishers.org/careers/ (PF tipster)

JOB OF THE WEEK: Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX), Press Secretary

The office of Congressman Kevin Brady (R-TX) is seeking a Press Secretary.  Responsibilities include drafting/distributing press releases; writing op-eds and/or letters to the editor; monthly e-newsletter; updating and improving the website; booking interviews and pitching stories; establishing and maintaining strong relations with national media; and preparation of talking points and speeches. Also, the candidate should be a strong writer and a team player and have knowledge of video, audio and photography and editing in those medium.

Preferred candidates should have knowledge of Congressional legislative process, proficiency with new media, and ability to identify press opportunities.

TO APPLY: Please send Resume, writing samples and references to staff.doug@mail.house.gov. No calls or walk-ins. (PF tipster)

JOB OF THE WEEK: First Book, Vice President of Marketing

First Book, a national nonprofit that provides new books to kids in need, is looking for a Vice President of Marketing.  First Book is growing, has an amazing mission, and is filled to brim with awesome people.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Vice President of Marketing will be a member of First Book’s Senior Team and will collaborate with its operating groups to create and implement an innovative and integrated marketing strategy that builds and distinguishes the First Book brand and enhances interaction with its diverse audiences: media, public and private stakeholders including corporate sector representatives, volunteers, supporters/donors, book recipient groups and staff. The VP will be responsible for:

• Developing and implementing First Book branding strategy; shaping media outreach strategies to promote First Book and its corporate partner and subsidiary program campaigns, including pitching story ideas, writing and editing press releases and media alerts, building and maintaining press relationships and developing systems for tracking and organizing relevant coverage
• Developing content for and providing input into the strategic direction of First Book’s Web site and online marketing initiatives, including social media
• Overseeing the content and design of e-newsletters and printed materials, both internal and external
• Supervising the Communications staff, as well as leading cross-departmental teams for specific projects and initiatives
• Managing marketing, communication, and public relation projects as needed

Ideal Candidate Profile: 

Ideal candidates will be highly skilled marketing professionals who are drawn to First Book’s mission and have a private sector head and a public sector heart. Applicants must be adept at addressing diverse audiences and needs -- from Board members to local programs that receive First Book resources. Specific requirements include:

• Proven experience in marketing leadership in at least two different organizations, preferably with experience in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors
• Track record of innovative, entrepreneurial activity in a public or private arena
• Proven management savvy with strong interpersonal skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent computer skills, including familiarity with a wide range of communication related software (Marketwire’s Media Hub, Meltwater News and CSRwire) and experience in working with Web sites and Internet based campaigns. Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are used daily along with organizational database systems
• Must have an “in the trenches” mentality, ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, and a collegial style
• Must exude passion, confidence, and integrity
• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or Masters degree is desirable

TO APPLY:  Candidates are invited to submit a resume and a cover letter to jobs@firstbook.org - please be sure to put Marketing VP in the subject line of your email. No phone calls please. (PF tipster)

JOB OF THE WEEK: Republican Campaign Seeking Bilingual Press Secretary for National Opportunity

A Republican campaign immediately seeks a bilingual Press Secretary in a role that will bring national attention.

Several years of on-the-record experience with mainstream and Hispanic media are required.

Relocation necessary.  Solid salary, commensurate with experience, required.  Successful candidate will be joining an excellent team.

TO APPLY: Email your resume to: 2012campaignjobs@gmail.com.  (PF tipster)

JOB OF THE WEEK: CTIA-The Wireless Association (@CTIA), Coordinator, Public Affairs

CTIA-The Wireless Association® (www.ctia.org), an international organization representing the wireless communications industry, is hiring a Coordinator, Public Affairs.  This position will provide administrative, outreach and editorial support to the Vice President, Public Affairs and Public Affairs/Advocacy staff.

Essential Duties include:

I. Media Relations:

a) Provide research and data-gathering assistance

b) Help generate creative ideas for proactive media

c) Provide support for media inquiries on wireless industry topics and trade shows and track interviews

d) Support development, production and distribution of issue-oriented educational video, printed and digital products

e) Fax, e-mail and mail news releases, reports and other press materials (including press kits) to reporters, analysts, members, coalition partners and news wire services when appropriate

f) Compile press kits for distribution to reporters and analysts

g) Help write and update information on CTIA.org and MyWireless.org specifically on CTIA and MyWireless.org policy issues

h) Provide support for media concerns in regard to trade shows and special events

i) Assist in coordination of special CTIA and MyWireless.org news media events, such as press conferences, Hill events, trade shows and policy luncheons and help to produce relevant new content for supplemental materials

j) Monitor news story clip service and/or daily news publications for wireless-related stories of interest; Distribute stories to CTIA Public Affairs staff and senior staff

) Monitor daily news publications to identify relevant local media members and supervise database records of writers, publications and CTIA contacts

II. Publications:

a) Provide editorial assistance (proofread, fact-find, produce templates, etc.) for all CTIA and MyWireless.org publications, including digital content (AP-style proficient)

b) Maintain CTIA informational brochures and powerpoints with the most up-to-date information, including writing new content based on current issue trends

c) Manage relationships with vendors, printers, designers, consultants, etc.

d) Handle routine calls and inquiries about CTIA, the wireless industry, and MyWireless.org from members, academics, analysts, research firms, media, etc.

e) Handle incoming media inquiries, taking the information and forwarding it to the necessary party

f) Handle CTIA and MyWireless.org subscriptions and distribute among staff.

III. Web Site Maintenance:

a) Work in conjunction with Manager, On-line Communications to review website/webmaster e-mails on a daily basis and respond to customer service needs

b) Assist Manager, Online Communications in news release clearing, calendar of events management, market research center, quick facts section and other areas as assigned

c) Coordinate with Advocacy Directors for all MyWireless.org updates and enhancements

d) Continual tracking and maintenance of website

e) Help generate new strategies and tactics to expand the MyWireless.org database

f) Post releases and updated information to websites.

IV. Event Planning and Execution:

a) Serve as point person for MyWireless.org in planning / executing events such as Hill Events, Press Events, Conventions and Board Presentations

b) Serve as point person for all trade show logistics such as booth, meetings, trinkets and collateral

c) Manage CTIA trade show activities including taking camera photos and writing captions, scheduling onsite interviews, etc.

d) Handle the promotional aspect of all MyWireless.org giveaways such as marketing content, working with vendors on creative material and ensuring all legal aspects are in line with CTIA policies.

V. State Campaigns and Coalitions:

a) Day to day tracking of MyWireless.org’s status in state campaigns

b) Perform coalition research as directed on potential state coalition partners

c) Research legislative / regulatory agendas and assist in tailoring the materials accordingly

d) Research on potential National Coalition partners to diversify MW organization, identifying priority issues and preparing Coalition packets

VI. Other Clerical & Administrative Support:

a) Assist with phones and scheduling

b) Coordinate with vendors for supplies and services, including office supplies, stationery, shipping, teleconference services, copying, CD/video duplicating services and publication subscriptions

c) Copying, typing, filing, faxing, media database entry and management

d) Assist in logistics, information distribution, scheduling and general management of Advocacy vendors, printers, designers, etc.

e) Assist with scheduling, information distribution, requests and meetings with CTIA members. f) Handle routine calls and inquiries from media members, academics, analysts, research firms, etc.

g) Collect and distribute information among appropriate CTIA and Coalition staff h) Process all MyWireless.org and Public Affairs invoices

TO APPLY: Visit here. (PF tipster)

JOB OF THE WEEK: Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), Communications Director

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) seeks pro-active and aggressive Communications Director.  Duties include: managing all communications with the press, maintenance and updating of Member’s website and Facebook page, preparation of a weekly e-newsletter, management of direct mail program, and staffing of Congressional Caucus for the Freedom of the Press.  This is not an entry-level position.  Superb written and oral communications skills are a necessity and Capitol Hill experience and / or California ties a plus.

TO APPLY: Candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to calcommdirector@gmail.com.  No drop-ins please.  (PF tipster)

JOB OF THE WEEK: Rep. Steve King (R-IA), Communications Director

Congressman Steve King (R-IA) is seeking an entrepreneurial-minded, D.C. based Communications Director. The Communications Director will work with the Press Secretary and other relevant staff to oversee and direct media strategy and to coordinate messaging through district, state, regional, national, and new media outlets. Candidate must be a strong writer, should have at least two to three years of experience working with national and local media, must be a self-starter with the ability to think creatively and generate new ideas, and must be able to work under pressure to respond quickly to deadlines and media opportunities. Applicants should be committed, pro-life conservatives.  Iowa ties are a plus.

TO APPLY: Please email a cover letter explaining why you want to work for Steve King along with your resume and a writing sample to bentley.graves@mail.house.gov with “Communications Director” in the subject line. (PF tipster)

EXCLUSIVE: JOB OF THE WEEK: U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Senior Manager, Media Relations

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is seeking a Senior Manager, Media Relations.

The Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions. It includes hundreds of associations, thousands of local chambers, and more than 100 American Chambers of Commerce in 91 countries. Our members include businesses of all sizes and sectors—from large Fortune 500 companies to home-based, one-person operations.

The Senior Manager, Media Relations will play a central role in the U.S. Chamber’s day-to-day media outreach. This candidate should have a passion for news, an understanding of how to pitch a story, and the media contacts to land a pitch. This position requires accurate, concise writing about a variety of topics as well as meticulous copy editing skills under intense deadlines.

He/she will be responsible for:

• Executing both short term and long term media campaigns to pro-actively build press awareness of issues and events, set and achieve attendance goals at events, and garner positive coverage.
• Extensive writing of press releases, media advisories, Op-Eds, and executive briefing documents.
• Broad rolodex of Washington media contacts, notably among Hill and policy reporters
• Working closely with various U.S. Chamber divisions, especially government affairs, to pro-actively pitch our lobbyists as premier experts to discuss business issues.
• Build an acute understanding of policy issues including their history, current activity, and future developments.
• Offer insight and understanding about leveraging new and emerging media technology to strengthen public awareness of key issues among target audiences.

Requirements

Ideal candidates would have:

• 5+ years experience in media relations, public relations or as a press secretary
• Political campaign, Capitol Hill or trade association experience is a plus
• BA or higher-level degree
• Experience with Vocus or similar technologies preferred
• Highly effective written and verbal communications skills
• Energetic, results-oriented mindset
• Ability to work across complex organization

TO APPLY: Visit here. (PF reporting)

JOB OF THE WEEK: Monumental Sports & Entertainment, Communications Manager

Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MS&E) seeks to hire a Communications Manager. 

MS&E owns and operates three professional sports teams: the NBA's Washington Wizards, the NHL's Washington Capitals, and the WNBA's Washington Mystics. Monumental, which merged Lincoln Holdings and Washington Sports & Entertainment on June 10, 2010, also owns and operates Verizon Center, the premier sports and entertainment venue in Washington, D.C. Additionally the group operates Kettler Capitals Iceplex, the Capitals' state-of-the-art training facility in Arlington, Va., and George Mason University's Patriot Center, located in Fairfax, Va.

Overview

The Communications Manager is a full-time position that is responsible for the creation of the department’s external guides, documents and collateral materials, serves as the primary contact for all statistical & archival inquiries, assists with the execution of all communications functions and responsibilities, and oversees all media services and game day requirements for the Washington Wizards. In addition, the position will assist with all communications functions and responsibilities for the Washington Mystics as needed. 

**Responsibilies include, but are not limited to the following:

Responsible for the creation of department’s external guides, documents and collateral materials:
• Responsible for content, design and production of media guide, playoff guide, postseason review, draft guide, summer league guide, etc., for Wizards and Mystics
• Create template and author game notes for all 82 regular season games, all preseason games and all postseason games
• Create and maintain player, coach and front office bios
• Assist with writing and distributing press releases
• Assist with content for team website as needed

Serve as primary internal and external contact for all statistical & archival inquiries:
• Maintain all statistical & archival upkeep (e.g. player, coach and team performance charts, information for notes, team records, league records, etc.)
• Utilize statistical research to publicize positive information about the team, players, coaching staff, front office, etc.
• Assist basketball operations staff with special statistical research projects, inquiries and issues
• Answer all media inquiries regarding player/team statistical information
• Research, pull and distribute daily clips

Assist with execution of all communications functions & responsibilities:
• Secondary contact for media on day-to-day issues (player/coach interview requests, injury updates, availability, etc.)
• Assist with facilitating player and staff interviews/call-ins/photo shoots/video shoots with local & national media
• Assist with player and staff interaction with media including, but not limited to, media sessions following and/or preceding practices, games and shoot-arounds
• Assist with logistics surrounding basketball special events (press conferences, media day, draft, summer league, training camp, playoffs, etc.)

Responsible for all media services and game day requirements:
• Coordinate all game day requirements (e.g. seating charts, credential & parking lists, ticket requests, next game packets, game night documents)
• Manage media room prior to, during and after games
• Primary contact for visiting team’s media and staff
• Oversee season credentialing process (applications, production, distribution)
• Oversee scheduling for production and distribution of visiting team hotel packs

Assist with all communications functions & responsibilities for the Washington Mystics:
• Execute writing duties as assigned by director of corporate communications/Mystics
• Assist with facilitating player/staff interview requests
• Help facilitate day-to-day communications duties as needed
• Provide game night support as needed (national TV games, playoffs, etc.)
• Assist with logistics surrounding basketball special events (press conferences, media day, draft, summer league, training camp, playoffs, etc.)
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications or related area, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience: Minimum of two years of media relations or related experience, preferably in a sports/entertainment organization.

Skills:
- Desktop publishing experience (Mac and PC preferred)
- Ability to manage, multi-task and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Outstanding written communications skills
- Willingness to travel and work extended hours (nights, weekends, holidays, etc.)
- Strong working knowledge of NBA & basketball statistics

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package and competitive salary structure.

TO APPLY: Click here.  Qualified candidates submit a cover letter and resume. (PF tipster)

JOB OF THE WEEK: Financial Services Institute, Online Communications Manager

The Financial Services Institute (FSI), the leading trade association for independent financial services firms and independent financial advisors, is hiring an Online Communications Manager for its Washington, D.C. office.

A strong candidate for this position will have 2-5 years of experience and a demonstrated ability to manage all aspects of a digitally-driven issue campaign. We are looking for a highly motivated self-starter, a creative thinker who can generate and execute on actionable ideas for high-level advocacy campaigns. He/she should be well organized and strategic and have a basic understanding of the legislative process. Knowledge of the financial services industry is a plus but not required. Candidate should excel in a fast-moving, high-stakes environment, in a rapidly growing organization. 

Specific duties and skills: 

• Advanced and thorough knowledge and use of all major social media platforms;
• Understanding of website CMS platforms a must, ability to write code a plus;
• A strong affinity for technology and knowledge of the process of deploying digital assets, including websites, social media campaigns, creating mass HTML e-mails and infographics;
• Excellent writing abilities with an ability to generate copy that can be widely disseminated and quoted from as is, with minimal editing;
• Basic understanding of politics and the daily news cycle;
• Basic understanding of media relations a plus, but not a requirement;
• Will be responsible for writing online copy, posting all press releases, advocacy updates and marketing materials online, writing and posting updates on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other social sites, and, most importantly, formulating and executing on an overall online strategy.

TO APPLY: Send resume and cover letter/email to FSI’s Managing Director, Communications & Media Relations Chris Paulitz at chris.paulitz@financialservices.org. Please, no phone calls. (PF tipster)