Potomac Flacks

Hill Vet Sumner Departs Rep. Whitfield’s Office for ANGA

Robert Sumner recently departed as Press Secretary for Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-KY) and on January 9 will begin serving as Director of Media Relations for America’s Natural Gas Alliance (ANGA).

Sumner has significant communications experience, having served as Press Specialist in the office of the U.S. Trade Representative (under Assistant USTR and now RNC Communications Director Sean Spicer), Deputy Press Secretary for Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Associate Manager of Communications for the American Diabetes Association and formerly as a press intern for former U.S. Sen. Conrad Burns (R-MT).

Sumner is a 2005 graduate of Willamette University and a native of The Dalles, OR.  (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 [email protected] 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)

Former Flack to Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Joanna Kuebler, Hangs a Shingle

First reported in Politico’s “Huddle”, Joanna Kuebler, a former top aide to Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), has started JKueb Consulting LLC, a boutique communications strategy firm.

Kuebler served as Brown's Communications Director for six years, including directing the communications operation for his successful 2006 U.S. Senate campaign.

Most recently, she directed the Global Campaign for Education, U.S., a coalition of more than 30 organizations dedicated to ensuring access to quality education for all children. Her bio says she's "developed winning messages and campaign strategies in key battleground states such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, and California on issues including global trade, education, health care, clean energy, women's issues, and economic development."

Kuebler is a graduate of Millersville University (Pennsylvania) and a native of Los Angeles. (Politico’s “Huddle”)

Adler Departs House Foreign Affairs Committee for New York

Gabby Adler, the Communications Director for the Democratic staff of the House Foreign Relations Committee, under Ranking Member Rep. Howard Berman (D-CA), recently ended her service there and plans to move to New York.  She has served is this role since January 2011.

In addition to serving the committee, Adler served in the same role for Congressman Berman in his personal office.

Adler previously served as the Midwestern Regional Press Secretary at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), where she was responsible for 12 Midwestern states.

Prior to joining the DCCC, Adler served as Communications Director for Rep. Dave Loebsack (D-IA). Adler also previously worked at the Caraway Group, a Public Relations firm based in Washington, D.C. and for Senator John Kerry’s (D-MA) 2004 Presidential campaign.  (PF tipster)

Longtime Senate Flack Lundberg Departing Sen. Snowe’s Office

Ken Lundberg, Communications Director for U.S. Senator Olympia Snowe (R-ME), has announced he will leave the Hill later this month to pursue interests in the private sector.

"It's a tough decision to leave the Hill's fast-paced environment.  But, if Republicans win back control there's a brand new agenda, and a lot of work people want to see Congress and the Administration
undertake. Health care, tax reform, energy policy... it's all in play. Channeling the public's current views into law is going to be a significant, but welcome challenge," said Lundberg.

Lundberg is known on the Hill serving first as broadcast journalist, and then successfully making the transition to spokesman and senior advisor to House and Senate Republicans including Rep. Ander Crenshaw (FL), Sen. Mel Martinez (R-FL), and his appointed replacement Sen. George Lemieux (R-FL).

He got his start in Seattle as Media Relations Manager for the Metropolitan King County Council after working on air for KVI 570AM Radio.

Lundberg is a graduate of Wenatchee Valley College and Boston University. (PF tipster)

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)

Scott Circle Hires Hill, Non-Profit Vet Coppersmith at Senior Account Exec

First reported in Politico’s “Playbook,” Scott Circle Communications, which was founded by Laura Gross, has hired former Capitol Hill press secretary and non-profit communications manager, Sarah Coppersmith as a Senior Account Executive.  Previously in 2001, Coppersmith served as Communications Manager at the Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA).  Prior to her work at PHA, from 2008-2011 Coppersmith worked as Press Secretary for Rep. Harry Mitchell (D-AZ).  She is a graduate of Washington University of St. Louis (Politico’s “Playbook”)

Doug Heye Named Senior Advisor to the Iowa Republican Party

Matt Strawn, chairman of the Iowa Republican Party, has named Doug Heye a Senior Advisor to the Party. Heye will help guide communications in advance of the Jan. 3 caucuses, providing strategic communications counsel and guidance, and tapping into his network of print reporters, cable news reporters and producers. (Mike Allen's Politico Playbook)

Henneberg to Romney as Regional Press Secretary

According to Politico’s “Playbook,” Amanda Henneberg, a respected and well-liked communications professional who has done previous stints with the office of Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), the Republican National Committee and the 2008 presidential campaign of Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), has joined the Mitt Romney presidential campaign as a Regional Press Secretary. 

She had been serving most recently as Communications Director for freshman Rep. Robert Hurt (R-VA) after serving as a spokeswoman on his successful challenger campaign against then-incumbent Rep. Tom Periello (D-VA).  Last cycle, Henneberg also served as Press Secretary for the U.S. Senate campaign of Florida Gov. Charlie Crist when he was seeking the Republican nomination, but left when he decided to become an independent.

According to Playbook, she’ll “oversee many important states, including Iowa, South Carolina and Michigan.”

Henneberg is a native of Falls Church, VA.  (Politico’s “Playbook”)