Potomac Flacks

DREAM JOB OF THE WEEK: Sundance Institute, Manager, Media Relations (Beverly Hills, CA)

The Sundance Institute seeks a Manager, Media Relations.

This position writes press releases for Sundance Institute programs and initiatives and serves as a point of contact, both internally and externally, for all media relations activities. 

Extended hours and weekend work will be required leading up to and during the Film Festival.  Position will be required to work holidays as needed and be housed in Park City, UT for the Film Festival.  Additional travel to labs and other events may be required.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

PRESS RELEASES 
-Maintain ongoing contact with members of the media to shape stories. 
-Write and distribute press releases for Sundance Institute programs and initiatives.
-Conduct proactive media outreach for programs including pitching feature stories.
-Generate print, electronic, and online media coverage of program events and artists.
-Create and develop overall messaging and integrate into story pitches and media coverage.
-Act as liaison between programs and other communication and marketing staff to integrate efforts.
-Assist Director, Media Relations on announcing Festival Program: writing press releases; coordinating interviews for Senior Programming staff and Institute staff in LA.

MEDIA RELATIONS
-Maintain ongoing contact with members of the media to shape stories.
-Maintain databases and media lists.
-Coordinate pre-festival publicist summit in LA (venue selection; invitations; flow, etc.).
-Coordinate responses to all media inquiries.
-Coordinate interviews of staff.
-Identify other activities to raise awareness of Institute programs and its mission.
-Other duties as assigned.

Ranking of Responsibilities:
1. Press Releases - 60%
2. Media Relations - 40%

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
-Minimum 3 years experience in media relations.
-Experience writing press releases required.
-Experience working in a non-profit/arts organization strongly preferred.
-Bachelors degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
-Ability to work effectively and calmly in a fast-paced, high pressure environment.
-Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills required.
-Demonstrated ability to build and maintain successful relationships with national, regional, and local media.
-Strong skills in identification, crafting, and executing press strategy.
-Able to work effectively with all levels of staff.
-Valid driver’s license and successful completion of DMV background check required.

Since 1981, Sundance Institute has evolved to become an internationally-recognized nonprofit organization that actively advances the work of risk-taking storytellers worldwide. Originally founded by Robert Redford in the mountains of Sundance, Utah, Sundance Institute has always provided a space for independent artists to explore their stories free from commercial and political pressures. By providing year-round creative and financial support for the development of original stories for the screen and stage, Sundance Institute remains committed to its mission to discover and develop independent artists and audiences across the globe.

The annual Sundance Film Festival, held each January in Park City, Utah, is widely recognized as the premier showcase for American and international independent film. Inclusive and eclectic in its programming approach, the Festival has grown to include film culture events, panel discussions, youth programs, online exhibition, and live music. Attended by more than 45,000 people from around the world each year, the Sundance Film Festival creates a vibrant, unique community of artists and audiences that extends well beyond the mountains of Park City, Utah.

TO APPLY: Candidates can apply here.  (PF tipster)

JOB OF THE WEEK: National Jewish Democratic Council, Communications Director

The National Jewish Democratic Council (NJDC) is seeking a Communications Director to help manage all facets of the organization's communications, including media relations and online communications, engagement and advocacy.

Areas of responsibility include (but are not limited to):

• Formulating and implementing both proactive and reactive communications plans
• Writing press releases, opinion pieces, e-communications, research documents and website content
• Serving as one of the organization's spokespeople and the chief liaison to all media
• Overseeing strategy and implementation of various online communications and related goals, including website content, its use and promotion, blogging and the blogosphere, Twitter and other social networking, crowdsourcing and the expansion of e-mail list membership
• Managing communications staff 

The position requires demonstrated political and communications experience, sound judgment, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to work closely with colleagues. The position also requires knowledge of the organized Jewish community and the Democratic Party, and excellent verbal and written communications abilities. Online technical skills (including web, blog management and social media experience), some management experience, and knowledge of Jewish media preferred. 

NJDC offers a competitive salary for this position, commensurate with experience. Benefits include full medical coverage, "section 125" medical savings plan, and 401-k plan. 

TO APPLY: Please submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected] or fax us at (202) 216-9061, Attention: Search Committee.  (PF tipster)

Former White House Correspondent Fang Joins API

The American Petroleum Institute (API) today announced the addition of Sabrina Fang to its media relations team.

Fang comes to API with nearly 15 years of broadcast journalism experience. She covered the Bush White House for seven years for Tribune Broadcasting and reported on major national and political events, including the 2009 Inauguration of President Barack Obama, Hurricane Katrina, and the space shuttle Columbia explosion.

Before coming to Washington, Fang was a TV reporter for local affiliates in Watertown, NY, Albany, NY and Dallas.

Fang is a graduate of Syracuse University. 

Prior to API, Fang was Director of Marketing & Communications at the Washington Humane Society.  (PF tipster)

Experienced Campaign Flack Jacobs Named Press Secretary for Iowa Dems for 2012 Cycle

The Iowa Democratic Party has announced its 2012 caucus team for the first-in-the-nation caucuses, including naming Megan Jacobs as their new Press Secretary.

In the 2010 cycle Jacobs served as the Communications Director for the reelection campaign of U.S. Rep Chet Edwards (D-TX).  Previously she worked on the rapid response team at the Democratic National Committee and in the paid media department of the 2008 Obama campaign. 

Jacobs is a native of Bucyrus, OH and a Boston University graduate. 

The Iowa Democratic Party previously hired Sam Roecker as Communications Director.  (Des Moines Register)

JOB(S) OF THE WEEK: House GOP offices, Communications Director and Press Secretary

The following two House GOP job openings were advertised through the Republican Communications Association (RCA):

1) Communications Director – Conservative Republican House Member is seeking an experienced Communications Director to handle all press and communications operations in the office. This includes an aggressive approach to earned and social media along with heavy writing and constituent outreach programs. The candidate must have Hill experience, a strong communications background, excellent writing skills, be very flexible, and thrive in a demanding, busy environment. Operating with a sense of urgency and a passion for social media is a must.

TO APPLY: Please send your cover letter, resume, and two writing samples (no longer than 2 pages each) to [email protected]. 

2) Press Secretary - Republican Member seeks a Press Secretary with strong writing background and a team player attitude. 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 local and national media;  and preparation of talking points and speeches.  Also, the candidate should have knowledge of video, audio and/or photography and editing in those medium. Preferred candidates should have knowledge of Congressional legislative process, proficiency with new media, on the record experience, and ability to identify press opportunities. This position reports to the Chief of Staff.

TO APPLY: Send resume and writing samples to [email protected].  (RCA)

EXCLUSIVE: Anchorage CBS Anchor Felling Returns to DC as new Communications Director for Sen. Murkowski

Matt Felling has been named the new Communications Director for Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), replacing Mike Brumas who has moved to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s (R-KY) office.  His first day is April 4. 

Felling is the evening anchor for KTVA, the CBS affiliate in Anchorage, AK.

Felling has significant DC reporting experience.

He served as Editor of CBSNews.com’s “Public Eye” section, was a regular host for WAMU’s “Kojo Nnamdi Show” and was Media Director for the non-partisan Center for Media and Public Affairs.  (PF tipster)

Former DCCC Regional Flack Shah Named DSCC Press Secretary

First reported in Thursday’s “Morning Score” from Politico, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), chaired by Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), has named Shripal Shah as their new Press Secretary for the 2012 cycle.

Shah spent last cycle as a Regional Press Secretary for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), with responsibility for the Northeast region and Florida.

He worked for the DNC from 2005-2007 and was Press Secretary for Rep. Charlie Gonzales (D-TX) from 2007-2009.  In the 2008 cycle, Shah was Communications Director for Suzanne Kosmas, who knocked off Rep. Tom Feeney (R-FL).

Shah is a native of Canton, MI and a graduate of Eastern Michigan University.  (Politico’s “Morning Score”)

 

JOB OF THE WEEK #3: Republican U.S. Senator, Press Secretary

A Republican U.S. Senator seeks a highly-motivated communications professional to fill the position of Press Secretary.  Applicant must possess superior writing skills, sound media relations judgment, a “can do” spirit, and be able to work as part of a team.  This position requires demonstrated experience in implementing new media strategies.

The Press Secretary will report to the Communications Director and be expected to produce significant amounts of written material (press releases, statements, and speeches) while simultaneously pitching radio, TV and print stories. Not an entry level position. Previous Senate experience a plus.

TO APPLY: Email your resume to [email protected].  (PF tipster)

Gorka Named Communications Director at NJ GOP

First reported in Politico’s Morning Score, the New Jersey Republican Party has selected Rick Gorka, most recently of Charlie Baker's campaign for Governor of Massachusetts, to serve as its new Communications Director.

A former RNC regional press secretary, Gorka joins the New Jersey GOP just a few months after a leadership shakeup brought in Saddle River Mayor Samuel Raia as Chairman.

For a time Gorka was Regional Political Director at the now-defunct Freedom’s Watch. 

Prior to working for the RNC and the Baker campaign, Gorka was West Coast Communications Director for John McCain’s presidential campaign in 2008.

He began working on Capitol Hill as a Staff Assistant for Rep. George Nethercutt (R-WA).

Gorka is a native of Spokane, WA and a graduate of UNLV.  (Politico’s “Morning Score”)

JOB OF THE WEEK #2: TechAmerica, Communications Director

TechAmerica, the largest trade association representing the high technology industry, seeks a Director of Communications.  This person will serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries, developing press releases and other communications, maintaining media relationships, developing and distributing TechAmerica’s agenda, and other direct communications. 

Consistent with the association’s public policy strategy, s/he will develop and implement communications strategies to shape public opinion and influence national leadership with respect to industry issues through media relations, direct communications, executive visibility support, and original research. Communications strategies will inform and engage association members and the technology community. 

This person will perform proactive media relations, establishing and nurturing key relationships and conducting consistent, strategic outreach.  S/he will manage TechAmerica’s reputation before key audiences. 

Successful candidate must have a minimum of five years of experience in reporting or media relations and outstanding written and oral communications skills. 

TechAmerica offers benefits that include a health care package (including dental and vision), Life and STD/LTD insurance, and a 401(k) with match. 

TO APPLY: Send resume and letter of interest to [email protected].  (PF tipster)