Potomac Flacks

Former State Department Spokesman Crowley to Teach at Penn State Law School Next Year

P.J. Crowley, who resigned as last month as the top spokesman at the U.S. Department of State after criticizing U.S. handling of Pfc. Bradley Manning, the suspected leaker of classified documents to Wikileaks, has received a one-year appointment at Penn State University beginning August 1.

Crowley will be the Omar Bradley Chair of Strategic Leadership at Penn State University’s Dickinson Law School, a joint post with Dickinson College and the U.S. Army War College (located in Carlisle, PA).

According to Penn State Law School, Crowley’s teaching and research will focus on national security, public diplomacy and the media’s effect on policy and politics.  (PF tipster)

JOB OF THE WEEK: LivingSocial, Manager of Public Relations (Washington, D.C.)

LivingSocial is looking for a best-in-class Manager of Public Relations to the company to the next level across all forms of media.  Reporting to our Director of Communications, this role will be responsible for regional and international media relations and will lead the LivingSocial speakers bureau ensuring LivingSocial is a thought leader and expert in the social shopping space, customer relations, entrepreneurialism, small business, marketing/branding and other relevant topics.
 
It’s a big job, and an important one to LivingSocial.  We’re not saying it’s going to be easy.  But if you enjoy interacting with people from across the world, while having a major impact on a growing company, this position just might be perfect for you.
 
Responsibilities

• Work with national and international sales team to ID stories for media relations activities
• Lead strategy and execution of national speakers bureau
• Lead strategy and execution of company awards program
• Manage corporate calendar
• Manage and respond to PR agency requests
• Analyze and report on PR activities
• Identify opportunities for press releases and write these announcements on relevant topics
• Schedule PR activities, including interviews, events and roadshows
• Research and identify PR activities
• Cultivate and constantly
continue to build relationships with media, analysts and other industry influencers
• Ad hoc PR/marketing duties to be determined

Required Skills/Experience
• Bachelor’s degree required
• 3-5 years experience
• Experience working with consumer brands and start-up companies highly preferred

• Strong presentation and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects at once, owning the process from project definition to analysis and recommendation.
• Ability to think strategically in a fast-paced environment while prioritizing to meet deadlines.

Compensation

• Competitive Base Salary
• Attractive Stock Option Plan
• Health/Dental/Vision/401k
• Opportunity to work with committed, talented people with a great sense of humor

TO APPLY: Click here.  (PF tipster)

DREAM JOB OF THE WEEK: Nashville Predators, VP of Marketing and Communications (Nashville, TN)

Ever dream of working for an NHL team?

NHL’s Nashville Predators seeks to hire a Vice President of Marketing and Communications.  The position is based in Nashville, TN and reports to the Executive Vice President, Chief Sales / Marketing Officer.

This position is responsible for the overall management, development and execution of all team and venue related marketing and communications initiatives.  This successful candidate will create an exciting, entertaining and educating environment to attract new fans/patrons and promote our various products and services.  This position will work to establish a clear brand identity, effectively promote, identify target market(s) and prepare clear /concise messaging across all traditional and non-traditional new media platforms.  The candidate will ensure that all advertising, public relations, and promotional executions are developed and executed in a timely and professional manner and that the message exceeds consumer standards and expectations.

Major Responsibilities/Activities:
• Provide overall management, direction, leadership and mentoring for the various departments responsible for marketing and communications for the Predators and Bridgestone Arena. This includes all advertising, public/media relations, promotional activation, broadcasting, fan development, community relations and event presentation.
• Develop modular short and long term market strategies linked to both team and building sales and revenue objectives.
• Work closely with key sales management personnel to understand and develop effective marketing strategies and tactics for the sale and promotion of all ticket, corporate and event based products and initiatives.
• Oversee the development and management of all third-party partnerships / relationships related to effective marketing and communications including any advertising agencies, media partnerships, creative service, new media and production vendors.
• Oversee the development of departmental budgets in the marketing and communications areas.
• Research, analyze, and monitor financial, technological, and demographic factors to capitalize on market opportunities and minimize effects of competitive activity.
• Evaluate market research and suggest adjustments in marketing strategy to meet changing dynamics and competitive conditions.
• Direct and manage all aspects of team’s media and public relations, including day-to-day team interaction, news releases/announcements and subsequent coordination with sales departments as necessary.
• Develop proactive PR strategies consistent with team and building initiatives that maximize positive market perception and visibility.
• Oversee production of team publications, including media guide, Predators Press and yearbook.
• Develop media training initiatives for players, coaches and senior management as well as regular talking points/briefing for coaches, hockey operations staff, etc.
• Liaison with NHL media relations.
• Facilitate regular interaction/coordination with broadcast, event presentation, community relations and fan development departments to deliver consistent information through all team communication vehicles.

Minimum Requirements (include education, experience, special skills and licenses or certifications required):

• B.A. Degree in marketing or related field
• Minimum 7 years of marketing, communications or related experience
• Proven strategic thinker and an excellent communicator
• Proactive planner with a sense of urgency, creativity, style and attention to detail
• Experience in multitasking with multiple work-intensive projects
• Perform under tight deadlines thinking clearly under pressure
• Must be detailed-oriented and organized
• Successful history of staff and budget management
• Strong computer software background
• Successful experience with new media campaigns
• Working knowledge of television, radio and print production
• Strong writing skills
• The ability to work well with people in a team environment
• Sports industry background is a must

Note: When you apply for this job online, you will be required to answer the following questions:

1. Do you have a minimum of 7 years of marketing or communications experience?
2. Do you have experience managing staff and budgets?

TO APPLY: Position description here.  Apply here.  (PF tipster)

Meet the Bookers

Mediabistro’s TV Newser flagged a good piece for PF readers.  The Hollywood Reporter recently profiled the influential, though largely anonymous, ranks of TV bookers.

Among those profiled:

-NBC “Today” booker Marc Victor

-“The View” talent executive Donald Berman

-CBS “Early Show” senior broadcast producer Tom Mazzarelli

-ABC “Good Morning America” team of Patty Neger and Santina Leuci

Click here for the full story, “12 Talent Bookers who Keep New York Talking.” (Mediabistro’s TV Newser)

JOB OF THE WEEK: Dickstein Shapiro, LLP, Manager of Public Relations

Dickstein Shapiro, LLP, a large, 750-person, DC-based law firm founded in 1953 with six offices nationwide, is currently seeking a Manager of Public Relations in its Marketing & Business Development department. 

This role focuses primarily on developing and implementing the firm’s public relations and communications programs.  This strategic role is responsible for identifying and developing relationships with targeted media, responding to timely news events, researching and pursuing editorial opportunities, pitching and coordinating bylines articles, developing press materials, messages and talking points, and coordinating interviews and conducting interview preparation.  Additionally, this role conducts competitive intelligence, coordinates with external media relations consultants, and obtains positive media coverage for firm news and announcements.

The primary responsibilities of this position include: working with the Director of Communications to advance the firms strategic public relations priorities and ensuring business strategies are incorporated into all communications; interfacing with national, trade, and local media to promote an understanding of the firm, its services, its attorneys, and its culture; overseeing the day-to-day activities of the Public Relations Specialist; proactively identifying and pursuing opportunities in traditional and new media to convey the firms messages; working with targeted media to positively position the firm and its attorneys through feature articles and as practice area experts; writing and distributing press materials, including news releases, bylines articles, pitches and media statements; managing the development and distribution of the weekly firm-wide news email; contributing to the management and coordination of external media relations consultants; and, developing messaging, background information, and talking points documents. Other responsibilities include: supervising publicity tracking and analysis; providing public relations support for major firm initiatives and successes; communicating with firm leadership, including the Chairman, practice leaders, chief officers, and attorneys about media-related projects; and, contributing to firm newsletters as needed. 

Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree, at least five years of public relations experience within a public relations agency or a legal or corporate communications setting, and at least two years of supervisory experience.  Qualified candidates will possess the ability to work independently or as a member of a collaborative team, to multitask and prioritize effectively and efficiently, and to think strategically about projects.  Ideally, the candidate will have previous law firm experience, the desire and willingness to be proactive, and exceptional computer skills, including advanced functions of Microsoft Office.  This position may require more than 37.5 hours per week to perform the essential duties of the position.

TO APPLY: Click here.  (PF tipster)

INTERNSHIP OF THE WEEK: DSCC, Summer Press Internship (May 31 – Aug 12)

The communications department at the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee is seeking a highly organized and hardworking summer intern.  The ideal candidate will be available beginning May 31st through August 12.  This is a great opportunity for those looking to gain valuable experience in a fast-paced, campaign-oriented press office. 

The intern’s duties will include, but are not limited to, monitoring news coverage, research, day-to-day office operations, and assisting staff members with various projects.  The intern will play an integral role in the DSCC’s press operation and is expected to commit to an agreed upon number of hours per week including early mornings.  Writing, administrative and computer skills are a must. Applicants should also possess a strong attention to detail, good organizational and computer skills, and an interest in electoral politics.  Campaign experience is a plus.

TO APPLY: Please send a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three references to [email protected].  (PF tipster)

JOB OF THE WEEK: Northeast Democratic U.S. Senator, Press Secretary

Northeastern progressive U.S. Senator seeks Press Secretary who is media-savvy, hard-working professional with strong social media skills to help run an aggressive, busy communications office. Working with the Communications Director, responsibilities include managing day-to-day operations, updating webpage content (including Facebook, YouTube and Twitter), coordinating press conferences, overseeing interview requests and writing press releases. Ideal candidate will be able to keep a cool head while working in a high-pressure environment. Strong writing and people skills, solid knowledge of the press are big plusses.

TO APPLY: Please paste a cover letter and resume into the body of the email message window to [email protected] indicating job referral number (#211365) in the subject line.  (PF tipster)

Fifield to CraftDC as Account Executive

Lyndsey Fifield has been hired as an Account Executive at Craft DC, a Media/Digital PR firm based in Washington, DC.

She had recently been News Analyst and Editor at Bulletin News Network.  She spent the end of the last cycle serving as Communications Director for Ray McKinney’s congressional campaign in GA-12.

Fifield is a 2008 graduate of Auburn University at Montgomery.  (PF tipster)

Dillard, Longtime Flack for Rep. Scott, Passes Away

First reported in Politico’s “The Huddle,” Larry Dillard, the longtime Communications Director and Scheduler for Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA) has passed away.

The following statement was issued by Rep. Scott (pictured at right): “It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of Laurence (‘Larry') Dillard, my longtime Communications Director, trusted advisor and childhood friend, who died [Wednesday night] at Sentara CarePlex Hospital in Hampton, Virginia.  There are no words to describe the profound loss and sorrow that pervades all those who had the good fortune to know Larry.  He will be remembered as a tireless worker, devoted friend and mentor to many.  Larry was a passionate history buff, avid Yankees fan, fountain of knowledge, skillful diplomat and the consummate spokesperson.  He will be thought about often and sorely missed.  My deepest sympathy and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.”

Dillard’s hometown newspaper, the Virginian Pilot, posted his obituary here.  (Politico’s “The Huddle”)

Ray Leaves Rep. McCarthy’s Personal Office for Rep. Conaway

Sam Ray is the new Press Secretary for U.S. Rep. Mike Conaway (R-TX).  Ray has been working in the personal office of Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) since January 2009, starting as an intern, then Press Assistant and finally becoming Deputy Press Secretary.

Before working on the Hill, Ray was Communications Director on the congressional campaign of Austin Scott in GA-8.

From late 2005 to January 2009 Ray served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a Marine Security Guard, operating in over 30 countries, primarily residing in Japan, Saudi Arabia, Belgium and the U.A.E.  From April 2004 – August 2005 Ray was a Rifleman in the Marines.

Ray earned his Bachelor’s from Georgetown University.  (PF tipster)