January 05, 2012

Glen Echo Group Hires former Hill, NRCC Flack Mark as Senior Director of Media Affairs

Rebecca MarkGlen Echo Group, recently recognized by the National Journal as one of the top women-owned public affairs firms in Washington just a year after its launch, recently announced that Rebecca Mark has been named Senior Director of Media Affairs.

Mark, who most recently served as Press Secretary to Congressman Kevin Brady (R-TX), will lead media relations and strategic media efforts for the firm, based out of its Washington, D.C. headquarters.

Mark has served as communications advisor to two members of the U.S House of Representatives and as an online communications advisor at the National Republican Congressional Committee.  Most recently, Mark was Press Secretary for Congressman Kevin Brady, the Trade Subcommittee Chairman for House Ways & Means and Vice-Chairman of the Joint Economic Committee.

A San Francisco Bay Area native, Mark is a 2004 graduate of the University of Michigan. Prior to coming to coming to Capitol Hill, Mark worked for MySpace on both their content and sales teams. (PF tipster)

November 04, 2011

Former Senior McConnell Flack Morris Joins Seattle-Based Firm

Nyhus logoFirst reported in Roll Call’s “Shop Talk” column, “Jennifer Morris has joined Nyhus Communications, which provides public relations, public affairs and social media services for organizations working at the intersection of business, government and the community.” 

Jennifer Morris (Nyhus headshot)Morris is a former Press Secretary for Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY). She’s worked on statewide campaigns in Michigan, Kentucky, Mississippi, Louisiana and Washington state, where she worked at the end of last cycle for GOP U.S. Senate nominee Dino Rossi.

Morris, who started two weeks ago, is based in Seattle but will frequently be back in Washington, D.C. As a public affairs account supervisor, she’s currently working on a number of accounts, including energy and financial services. 

Morris earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Tulane University and her Master’s in Public Administration from American University.  (Roll Call, PF reporting)

October 31, 2011

JOB(S) OF THE WEEK: Levick Strategic Communications is Hiring - 7 Communications Openings

LevickLevick Strategic Communications, an award-winning communications firm in Washington D.C., is looking to hire for several positions.

1)     Senior Vice President/Vice President, Business Development – Levick Strategic Communications is seeking an experienced federal government business development professional, with a proven track record securing and servicing federal contracts.

As a senior team member, the SVP/VP will be responsible for autonomous business development activities, including building relationships with federal departments and agencies; identifying, developing, and implementing strategic approaches to government business development; and managing capture and proposal development activities. This position will work closely with the head of the Government and Nonprofit Practice, advising and working closely with the practice head in all business development activities, as well as developing and pursuing his or her own relationships, leads, and procurement opportunities.  In addition, this position will manage client relationships and client work.

The successful candidate must have a proven track record of federal contracting business development, be knowledgeable about federal procurement, and demonstrate superior writing skills. Needs at least 8 years relevant experience and 12 years’ work experience to apply. Compensation is commensurate with experience.

Specifically, this position in the Government and Nonprofit Practice is asked to: 

  • Develop and implement federal government marketing strategies, both independently and in close collaboration with the practice head;
  • Manage procurement capture, review, and “go/no-go” decisions;
  • Manage proposal development, working closely with direct team members as well as colleagues across other practice areas;
  • Work closely with colleagues across practice areas to plan, manage, and assist in the execution of projects that include communications tactics such as: social media outreach, website development, search engine marketing, video production, media outreach, community outreach, and public affairs;
  • Oversee and review the work of colleagues in the Government and Nonprofit practice to ensure it adheres to firm standards for quality and strategic impact;
  • Interact with and help manage relationships with current and prospective clients;
  • Work with colleagues across practice areas at Levick to manage current client services and to develop new business opportunities.

TO APPLY: Please send cover letter and resume to careers@levick.com with job title in the email subject line.

2)    Account Supervisor – Can you run a successful campaign and also manage day-to-day details of a client account? Do you like taking charge, but still like working with a team? If so, you are invited to submit your resume to Levick Strategic Communications. We have immediate openings for Account Supervisors in our Washington, D.C. headquarters.  Candidates must have at least six years of experience in corporate communications, crisis, reputation management, internal communications, and/or public affairs programs. Public relations agency experience required. Successful candidates will thrive under pressure and understand client needs and demands. Excellent media relations and writing skills are a must, as is a need for attention to detail. Extremely competitive salary, bonus incentives and benefits package are available.

TO APPLY: Please send cover letter and resume to careers@levick.com with job title in the email subject line.

3)    Director – Can you drive successful strategic communications campaigns and also manage day-to-day details of a client account? Do you like taking charge, but still like working with a team? If so, you are invited to submit your resume to Levick Strategic Communications. We have immediate openings for Directors in our Washington, D.C. headquarters.  Candidates must have at least eight years of experience in corporate communications, crisis, reputation management, internal communications, and/or public affairs programs in a private sector or government setting. Public relations agency experience required.  Successful candidates will thrive under pressure and understand – and meet – client needs and demands. The ability to develop new business is a plus. Excellent media relations and writing skills are a must, as is a need for attention to detail. Extremely competitive salary, bonus incentives and benefits package are available.

TO APPLY: Please send cover letter and resume to careers@levick.com with job title in the email subject line.

4)    Senior Account Executive – Are you a public relations professional who likes a fast pace and keeping pace with current events? Are you interested in working in a wide range of industries from politics and pharmaceuticals to finance and food? Can you summarize complicated information into a concise and compelling story? If so, you are invited to submit your resume to Levick Strategic Communications. We have immediate openings for Senior Account Executives in our Washington, D.C. headquarters.  Candidates must have at least three years of experience in corporate communications, crisis, reputation management, internal communications, and/or public affairs programs. Public relations agency experience strongly preferred. Successful candidates will be able to see – and sell – a story in the traditional and digital media. Excellent writing skills are a must, as is a need for attention to detail. Extremely competitive salary, bonus incentives and benefits package are available.

TO APPLY: Please send cover letter and resume to careers@levick.com with job title in the email subject line. 

5)    Staff Writer – Levick Strategic Communications seeks a staff writer to fill a variety of writing and editing assignments for internal and external clients. Primary duties include blog posts, op/eds, and feature articles that reflect the bylined author’s personal style and expertise. The ideal candidate possesses acute research, analytical, and interviewing skills, as well as the ability to produce content on a broad range of issues. The candidate must be able to meet multiple deadlines.

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree; excellent writing skills; significant experience writing for managers and professionals; and an ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.  Extremely competitive salary, bonus incentives and benefits package are available.

TO APPLY: Please send cover letter and resume to careers@levick.com with job title in the email subject line.

6)     Social & Digital Media Senior Account Executive – Can you run a successful campaign and also manage day-to-day details of a client account? Do you like taking charge, but still like working with a team? If so, you are invited to submit your resume to Levick Strategic Communications. We have immediate openings for a Senior Account Executive for social and digital media in our Washington, D.C., headquarters.  Candidates must have at least three years of experience and will have demonstrated work experience in online reputation management, blogosphere monitoring and outreach, social media content marketing and social network engagement. Applicants should be social and digital media enthusiasts, always looking for innovative ways to utilize the latest trends and platforms. Team members will report directly to the Social & Digital Media Practice Chair and assist in promoting clients as well as the Firm, via innovative social networking outreach, blogosphere engagement, and digital marketing initiatives.  Successful candidates will add an important creative component to our communications team, have exceptional writing skills, and will be actively involved in the execution, expansion, and optimization of digital campaigns for the countries, companies, brands and high profile individuals we represent.  Extremely competitive salary, bonus incentives and benefits package are available.

TO APPLY: Please send cover letter and resume to careers@levick.com with job title in the email subject line.

7)      Videographer / Editor – Do you enjoy producing compelling online video content to engage audiences, educate the public, and encourage action? Are you a “one man” production studio – able to plan, film, edit, animate, title, and produce individual or series of videos? If so, you are invited to submit your resume to Levick Strategic Communications. We have an immediate opening for a multi-talented Videographer and Editor in our Washington, D.C., headquarters.  Candidates will have past experience across a wide range of production and post-production tasks as well as a diverse portfolio that illustrates keen understanding of storytelling, advocacy, and production values. As a member of the team, candidates will be involved in the planning and execution of videos and video series for the countries, companies, brands and high profile individuals we represent.

Specifically, skills should include:

-       Expert proficiency with Apple’s Final Cut Pro Suite, including Final Cut, Motion, Soundtrack Pro, and Color.

-       Knowledge of best practices for the quality, duration, and other attributes of successful Web video.

-       Experience interviewing subjects in both highly prepared and candid scenarios.

-       History planning, scripting, and coordinating other key components of a successful video production.

The team members will report directly to the Social & Digital Media Practice Chair and assist in promoting clients as well as the Firm via innovative online video projects.  Extremely competitive salary, bonus incentives and benefits package are available.

TO APPLY: Please send cover letter and resume to careers@levick.com with job title in the email subject line.  (PF tipster)

October 27, 2011

Longtime Flack Ford Named Vice President at LRG Public Affairs

LRG Public AffairsRandy Ford, a veteran of Capitol Hill, has joined LRG Public Affairs as Vice President.

Most recently Ford had served as a strategic communications consultant.  He had served for more than a decade on Capitol Hill, as Press Secretary, Communications Director and then Chief of Staff to then-Rep. John Tanner (D-TN), a founder of the Blue Dog Coalition.

Previously Ford served as Communications Manager for the Distilled Spirits Council and as a radio journalist in Tennessee.

Ford is a native of Clinton, TN and a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University.

October 13, 2011

Zuckman to SKDKnickerbocker, Johnson Takes Her Place

Politico's Playbook reportered this tidbit of PR news this morning:  S-JILL-ZUCKMAN-large

Jill Zuckman, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood’s director of public affairs and a former political reporter for the Chicago Tribune and Boston Globe, is leaving to become a managing director at SKDKnickerbocker.

--Zuckman’s successor will be Sasha Johnson, currently communications director for the FAA. Before joining the administration, Johnson covered politics as a senior producer at CNN. She is a graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.

--FORTHCOMING RELEASE: “SKDKnickerbocker … today [will announce] that Jill Zuckman will join the firm as Managing Director. The firm is continuing to put together an all-star roster for its communications and public affairs practice. … ‘Jill is one of the most talented communicators in the Administration and we are delighted to welcome her to SKDKnickerbocker,’ said Managing Director Anita Dunn … ‘Her experience as a political reporter and as a close adviser to Secretary LaHood will serve her well as she guides a broad array of clients in need of strategic advice and executes detailed game plans for success.’ … Zuckman will join … Bill Knapp, Dunn, Hilary Rosen, Chris Cooper, Jay Marlin, Jim Mulhall, Karen Olick, Alex Slater, Emily Lenzner and Doug Thornell in Washington; [Josh] Isay, Jennifer Cunningham and Stefan Friedman in New York.” (Politico's Playbook)

October 07, 2011

Glover Park Group Wins Top Award

Gpg_logo_sm The Glover Park Group won the presitgious 2011 Global SABRE for Outstanding Public Affairs Consultancy, hosted by The Holmes Report. According to The Holmes Report, "Washington, DC heavyweight Glover Park's ability to synthesize top-tier public affairs credentials with a formidable communications offering helped it prevail despite a highly-competitive shortlist."

Founded in 2001, the company now has offices ni New York, Los Angeles and Boulder, Co. (PF Tipster)

September 28, 2011

JOB OF THE WEEK: Chlopak, Leonard, Schechter & Associates, Associate

CLS Chlopak, Leonard, Schechter & Associates (CLS) is looking to hire an energetic, hardworking individual for an opening at the entry-level Associate position. Candidates should ideally have internship experience in journalism, public relations, public affairs or politics. 

The right candidate will have a passion for communications and public affairs, the ability to juggle a range of tasks and work well under pressure. The Associate position allows for the opportunity to write, pitch stories to the media, organize press events, assist with presentation development, and media monitor for relevant client news.  Along with account work, the Associate will also be expected to provide administrative support.

Chlopak, Leonard, Schechter & Associates is a highly regarded mid-sized communications/public relations firm that focuses on public affairs, corporate, international, and crisis communications. CLS has a roster of clients that includes Fortune 100 companies, leading trade associations, non-profits and international organizations. CLS offers a competitive salary, and health and retirement benefits.

TO APPLY: Please email your resume and cover letter to clsjobs@clsdc.com and indicate you are applying for the “Associate” position in the subject line.  (PF tipster)

August 02, 2011

Top DHS Flack Smith Joins Porter Novelli

Sean Smith, the outgoing Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has joined international PR firm Porter Novelli as Senior Vice President on the firm’s global crisis communications team.

Porter Novelli While at DHS, Smith was responsible for developing and implementing the department’s strategic communications initiatives and major Department activities. Smith managed a 300-person public affairs staff at a diverse array of agencies under DHS including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Secret Service, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Sean Smith Smith will report to Kiki McLean, the agency’s global head of public affairs, and will divide his time between Porter Novelli’s Washington, D.C. and New York offices, providing service to Porter Novelli’s global network.

While at DHS, Smith helped lead the Obama administration’s public response to the H1N1 outbreak, border violence in Mexico, attempted terrorist attacks, the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill and dozens of other breaking news incidents. Additionally, he initiated the administration's effort to update the formal system of communicating to the American people in times of a national incident, specifically the elimination of outdated color coded threat warnings and the implementation of a new system based on real-time alerts to communicate specific, actionable information. 

Prior to joining DHS, Smith served as a spokesman for then Sen. Barack Obama’s (D-IL) 2008 presidential campaign and spent the general election as the Communications Director for Pennsylvania. Over the past 15 years, he has served as Communications Director and Campaign Manager for other statewide campaigns and as a consultant to dozens of clients. His experience includes working with major multinational corporations in the banking, insurance, chemical and telecommunications sectors, national and international non-profits, trade associates, labor unions and issues campaigns.

Smith earned his M.A. in public administration from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, and his B.S. in political science from the University of Oregon. He has lectured at the United States Military Academy at West Point and Johns Hopkins University, and currently teaches at Yale University.  (PF tipster)

July 30, 2011

Scott Circle Communications Announces Former Journalist Stinnett as new Account Executive

Jordan Stinnett photo Scott Circle Communications, a boutique public relations and events planning firm founded by PF contributor Laura Gross, recently announced the hiring of Jordan Stinnett as an Account Executive.  In the role, Stinnett will create media strategies for clients, pitch the media, create social media campaigns and execute event planning.

Prior to entering the public relations industry, Stinnett worked as a managing producer with the ABC affiliate in Raleigh, N.C. and the CBS affiliate in Fort Myers, Fla. Her experience as a journalist gave her a unique media relations perspective, which she honed at Fleishman Hillard, where she coordinated media outreach for clients in the food, wine and cultural industries.
 
A current Georgetown University graduate student, Jordan conducts research and creates integrated marketing communications plans for several high-profile nonprofit organizations and trade associations. In addition to traditional communications planning, Jordan has experience with new media, having created digital strategies for local nonprofit organizations and trade associations. Through her graduate program, Jordan also designs and implements quantitative research plans, helping to precisely guide communications efforts.
 
Jordan is expected to earn her Master’s Degree in December of 2011 from the award-winning Public Relations and Corporate Communications Program at Georgetown University. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from the University of Colorado, where she interned with the Colorado Historical Society and Tsunami Publicity, a grassroots communications firm.  (PF tipster)

July 29, 2011

Lampkin Departs DCI Group to Hang a Shingle

Emily Lampkin Emily Lampkin, who is a partner at DCI Group and has worked there for the last five years, has announced the formation of her own public affairs firm, The Lampkin Group.

Lampkin is a former Bush-Cheney 200 campaign aide who served as Deputy Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of Education and Deputy Director of Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of Education, before she joined DCI in 2005.

In her announcement Lampkin said she would continue to service “two existing clients in tandem with the talented staff at DCI,” which she called “the best of both worlds for me.”

Lampkin says her new firm will focus on large-scale public affairs strategy development and implementation and small-scale public affairs advice and counsel.

Lampkin is a native of St. Louis, MO and a graduate of the University of Missouri. (PF tipster)

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  • Matt Mackowiak - Site Manager
    Matt Mackowiak is a Washington, D.C. and Austin,TX-based Republican strategist and communications consultant and President of Potomac Strategy Group, LLC. In his career he has managed a winning Congressional campaign and worked in the U.S. Senate, at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, at a leading international PR firm, on a presidential campaign in Iowa and in White House presidential advance. Follow him on Twitter - @MattMackowiak

    Laura Gross - Contributor
    Laura Gross is currently president of Scott Circle Communications. She has served as deputy director of communications at the DNC, was Gov. Howard Dean's Communications Director and she worked in the press office at USAID during the Clinton administration. Her experience also includes time in the PR department of National Public Radio and she was part of Vice President Gore's advance team when he was in The White House.
    Follow her on Twitter: @ScottCircle

    Blain K. Rethmeier - Contributor
    Blain K. Rethmeier is currently the Senior Vice President for Public Affairs for the American Insurance Association (AIA). Rethmeier joined AIA from the White House where he served as Special Assistant to the President for Communications and directed communications for the National Economic Council and Homeland Security Council. Prior to joining the White House, Rethmeier served as Press Secretary for the Senate Judiciary Committee.
    Follow him on Twitter: @BlainR

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