Potomac Flacks

Obama Re-Elect Names Colburn Communications Director

First reported in Politico’s “Playbook,” the Obama 2012 reelection campaign today announced that Brent Colburn will join as Communications Director.  Colburn currently serves as Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Colburn “first joined the Obama team in 2008 as Michigan Communications Director and has worked on behalf of the Democratic nominee each presidential cycle dating back to the Gore campaign.”

Before serving at DHS, Colburn led external affairs for FEMA.  He has previously worked as a national spokesperson for the presidential inaugural committee, as well as for Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and the international public relations firm Burson-Marsteller.

Colburn is a graduate of the College of William and Mary.  (Politico’s “Playbook”)

Pawlenty Campaign Communications Director Hauser Joins JDA Frontline

First reported in this morning’s Politico “Playbook,” Ann Marie Hauser has joined JDA Frontline as a Vice President of Public Affairs.  JDA Frontline is a public affairs firm with offices in Charleston, SC, and Washington, DC that specializes in designing and executing strategic communications, advertising and digital campaigns for business, non-profit and political organizations.

Hauser most recently served as communications director for the Tim Pawlenty for President campaign, running press operations from campaign headquarters in Minneapolis.  Prior to serving Governor Pawlenty, Hauser worked in corporate communications for JPMorgan Chase in New York City.

Hauser previously served as Communications Director for Sen. Mike Johanns (R-NE), Director of Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of Commerce and as Spokeswoman for International Affairs at the Department of Treasury.  Her campaign experience includes stints as a Regional Press Secretary at the Republican National Committee in the 2006 cycle and as Iowa Communications Director for the Bush-Cheney re-election campaign in 2004.

Hauser is a graduate of Texas A&M University.  (Politico’s “Playbook”)

JOB OF THE WEEK: Associated Press, Manager of Media Relations (New York City)

The Associated Press is seeking a Manager of Media Relations for their New York City headquarters. 

The Manager of Media Relations will assist the Director of Media Relations in executing and growing a proactive, strategic, brand-enhancing program of media relations on behalf of The Associated Press, the definitive source for news and information, and its senior leadership. The incumbent will help to guard the integrity of AP news and the 2,400 men and women worldwide who gather and report AP news across multiple platforms, at great personal risk in various hot spots. The position serves as a key point of contact with outside media seeking to interview AP journalists, executives and managers of AP’s other products and services. The manager will post relevant news releases, stories and links on AP.org as necessary, managing the soon-to-be-redesigned website’s Media Center and special sections, including those on Elections and Freedom of Information.

Specifically, the Manager of Media Relations will help raise awareness of AP and its global journalism through releases, email, Twitter and other means, including a program of traveling AP photo exhibits, such as “The American President,” in circulation this year. He or she will also be the first point of contact with outside parties preparing to announce business agreements with the AP, drafting or vetting joint news releases, announcements and other promotional initiatives.

The incumbent will interact daily with AP news staffers, and assist the Director in staying abreast of the AP News department’s assignments and coverage plans, in order to help field interview requests that come in daily from broadcasts, publications and online outlets – and to proactively offer interviews with AP journalists tied to their high-impact stories. These arrangements typically include the challenge of scheduling staffers located around the country, in Washington and abroad. He or she will interact with other AP units, notably AP’s international video headquarters in London and AP’s Washington Bureau, on announcements and press releases as they are being prepared and finalized, often mediating the contrasting views of multiple parties.

The ideal candidate will have first and foremost an insatiable fluency in the day’s news, the newsgathering process and the ever-evolving digital distribution of news, plus the savvy to help advise AP Corporate Communications on how best to utilize burgeoning digital platforms to serve its Media Relations’ needs. He or she will be familiar with reporters, websites, blogs and Twitter feeds that cover the news industry and will be swift and adept at seeking corrections of misinformation or inaccuracies about AP. He or she will be a good writer – and a fast writer. He or she must be able to move quickly, act decisively, reach out to media and staffers scattered across time zones, prioritize mountains of incoming email that come in from around the world at all hours and manage time wisely throughout the day to meet outside reporters’ deadlines and accommodate the often limited availability of AP reporters dug in on covering breaking news for the AP wire. He or she will know to expect the unexpected. The demands on the Manager’s time will extend some days into evening and punctuate some weekends. Experience in daily journalism is desirable.

Required: 

College degree; minimum 3 to 5 years in corporate communications, public relations or journalism experience; fluency in Twitter, Facebook and other social media platforms and tools.

The Associated Press is the essential global news network, delivering fast, unbiased news from every corner of the world to all media platforms and formats. Founded in 1846, AP today is the largest and most trusted source of independent news and information. On any given day, more than half the world's population sees news from AP.

AP seeks to build an inclusive organization grounded in respect for differences. We support all aspects of diversity and provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability or status as a veteran in accordance with applicable nondiscrimination laws.

TO APPLY: Please visit here.  (PF tipster)

Flack Carter Moves from Rep. Flores to Sen. Blunt

Friday was Genny Carter’s last day serving as Press Secretary for freshman Rep. Bill Flores (R-TX).  On Monday she begins as the new Press Secretary for Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO), who serves in leadership as Vice Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference.

From 2009-2010, Carter was a Press Assistant at the NRCC and she previously worked at the PR firm Edelman.

She is a native of Naples, FL and graduate of Southern Methodist University.  (PF tipster)

JOB OF THE WEEK: The Washington Post, Public Relations Contractor

The Washington Post is looking for a public relations contractor to work on a range of high quality and effective public relations services including creation and implementation of national and industry public relations plans. Candidate must be detail-oriented and ready for a fast-paced work environment.

Main Responsibilities:

-          Build publicity program for SocialCode including executive visibility programs and external communications program including but not limited to media tours, conference booking, writing and pitching press releases and placing industry stories.

-          Build industry publicity program for The Root including promoting the site’s new initiatives and success stories.

-          Find creative opportunities to publicize The Root’s political coverage including working with TV/radio outlets, bloggers and other media outlets.

Requirements and Qualifications:

-          Strong written and verbal communications skills

-          Minimum two years experience in media relations, ideally within a news/agency/technology organization

-          Proven ability to work with print, broadcast, online press and bloggers to develop and place a wide variety of consumer and trade stories

-          Must be able to work proactively and initiate leads while working within a cohesive team atmosphere

TO APPLY: Contact Kris Coratti, Director, Communications, The Washington Post at kris (dot) coratti (at) wpost (dot) com.  (PF tipster)

JOB OF THE WEEK: Clark Durant for U.S. Senate, Communications Director (Detroit, MI)

U.S. Senate candidate Clark Durant (R-MI) is looking for a Communications Director to join their campaign.

The Communications Director will drive earned media, social media, and work with the paid media team, to deliver compelling messages to Republican primary voters, key constituent groups, and the Durant supporters, to persuade and motivate 350,000 voters to vote for him on or before August 7th.

The communication director must refine the communications plan, build a communications infrastructure, and assemble a volunteer team, to reach all voters and groups which have been identified as important to victory on August 7th.

Activities include, but are not limited to:
·         Develop relationships with media channels through the state
·         Respond to daily news current events via press release, twitter and FB (Research and write);
·         Write daily blog posts;
·         FB maintenance, keeping updated and fresh with frequent posts;
·         Produce You Tubes;
·         Create written content for web page;
·         Create written content for letters to the editor and build state-wide team;
·         Write correspondences to organizations;
·         Draft brochures and flyers used in our political programs
·         Build communications infrastructure (paid and volunteer) to maximize earned or free media, with emphasis on social media.

TO APPLY: Contact is Joseph Cella [email protected] (PF tipster)

BREAKING: Tita Freeman to Rejoin Business Roundtable as Senior VP of Communications

First reported in Politico’s “Playbook,” Tita Freeman is returning to the Business Roundtable as Senior Vice President of Communications, after five years away. 

Freeman spent the last nine months at the National Retail Federation as Senior Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs and was Vice President of Communications and Strategy and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce before that.  Before joining the Chamber, she was a full-time consultant to Google’s Washington office aiding the Global Communications and Public Affairs team.

Freeman will join forces with BRT President and former Gov. John Engler (R-MI) beginning March 12. 

Freeman was named to the PRWeek magazine 40 Under 40 list in 2009 where she and others were recognized for "demonstrating the powerful future" of the communications and public relations industry.

Freeman is a graduate of Williams College and a native of Dalton, MA.  (Politico’s “Playbook” and PF reporting)

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

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

A strong candidate for this position will have 2-4 years of experience writing and a demonstrated ability to write in a way that moves a strong membership message. This person will thrive working with marketing/relationship experts to provide them the strong communications materials needed to sustain and grow member relationships as well as recruit new members and drive engagement with existing members. 

We are looking for a highly motivated self-starter, a creative thinker who can write quickly and well, and stay highly organized. 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:

 ·         Strong writing skills for all types of writing: long articles, blogs, short online pieces and marketing products.

·         Ability to interview members and tell their stories thoroughly and with passion.

·         Proven ability to generate copy that can be widely disseminated and quoted from as is, with minimal editing.

·         Work with the membership and marketing team to provide member firms with critical communications for their weekly and monthly internal publications.

·         Strong editing skills.

·         A great team player who puts the mission of FSI first and foremost in their daily activities.

TO APPLY: Send resume, three writing samples and cover letter/email to FSI’s Managing Director, Communications & Media Relations Chris Paulitz at [email protected]. Please, no phone calls.

Posted by Matt Mackowiak on February 15, 2012 in Associations , Job of the Week | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

February 14, 2012

JOB OF THE WEEK: Rep. Kristi Noem (R-SD), Communications Director

Rep. Kristi Noem (R-SD) is seeking an experienced Communications Director to work in her Washington, DC office.  Candidates should have at least two years experience as a Press Secretary, Communications Director or relevant senior-level position in the private sector.

Candidates must have on-the-record experience, knowledge of the legislative process, be an excellent writer and editor, and have a proven record of accomplishment with local/regional as well as national media.  South Dakota ties preferred; Plains/Midwest ties a plus.

TO APPLY: Please email cover letter, resume with references, and writing samples to [email protected].  No phone calls or walk-ins, please.  (Republican Communications Association)

Posted by Matt Mackowiak on February 14, 2012 in Capitol Hill , Job of the Week | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

February 13, 2012

JOB OF THE WEEK: High Lantern Group Associate Director

High Lantern Group, a strategic positioning firm that works with clients at the intersection of business strategy and public policy to enhance reputation and create value, is hiring an Associate Director to its Washington, D.C. office. The role will combine the exhilaration of a young and growing firm with the stability of a strong revenue stream, solid financial backing, and senior partners.  The position will report directly to a Managing Director out of the Washington, D.C. office.

Job Description

High Lantern Group is seeking a client-facing Associate Director who will execute against client engagements. This person will be responsible for:

• Project management oversight to ensure on-time delivery of our client deliverables;
• Developing research and issue briefs to support client engagements
• Assisting with the execution of client deliverables, including writing, event-management, 3rd party outreach
• Assisting with client pitches and proposals;
• Working directly with existing clients to deliver high quality services and value;
• Attending client meetings to facilitate discussion and ensure accurate tracking of key issues;
• Moderate travel

Requirements

• 3-4 years of prior business experience required. Experience working on a political campaign on Capitol Hill preferred
• Proven ability to organize thoughts and arguments in written and visual form
• Project management experience preferred
• Knowledge of business processes, concerns and strategy
• High energy, resourceful and solution-oriented
• Advanced PowerPoint and Proficient Excel skills required
• MBA or other advanced degree is a plus

If interested, please send resumes to: [email protected]

Posted by Blain Rethmeier on February 13, 2012 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Rep. Kristi Noem (R-SD) is seeking an experienced Communications Director to work in her Washington, DC office.  Candidates should have at least two years experience as a Press Secretary, Communications Director or relevant senior-level position in the private sector.

Candidates must have on-the-record experience, knowledge of the legislative process, be an excellent writer and editor, and have a proven record of accomplishment with local/regional as well as national media.  South Dakota ties preferred; Plains/Midwest ties a plus.

TO APPLY: Please email cover letter, resume with references, and writing samples to [email protected].  No phone calls or walk-ins, please.  (Republican Communications Association)

High Lantern Group, a strategic positioning firm that works with clients at the intersection of business strategy and public policy to enhance reputation and create value, is hiring an Associate Director to its Washington, D.C. office. The role will combine the exhilaration of a young and growing firm with the stability of a strong revenue stream, solid financial backing, and senior partners.  The position will report directly to a Managing Director out of the Washington, D.C. office.

Job Description

High Lantern Group is seeking a client-facing Associate Director who will execute against client engagements. This person will be responsible for:

• Project management oversight to ensure on-time delivery of our client deliverables;
• Developing research and issue briefs to support client engagements
• Assisting with the execution of client deliverables, including writing, event-management, 3rd party outreach
• Assisting with client pitches and proposals;
• Working directly with existing clients to deliver high quality services and value;
• Attending client meetings to facilitate discussion and ensure accurate tracking of key issues;
• Moderate travel

Requirements

• 3-4 years of prior business experience required. Experience working on a political campaign on Capitol Hill preferred
• Proven ability to organize thoughts and arguments in written and visual form
• Project management experience preferred
• Knowledge of business processes, concerns and strategy
• High energy, resourceful and solution-oriented
• Advanced PowerPoint and Proficient Excel skills required
• MBA or other advanced degree is a plus

If interested, please send resumes to: [email protected]

JOB OF THE WEEK: Rep. Kristi Noem (R-SD), Communications Director

Rep. Kristi Noem (R-SD) is seeking an experienced Communications Director to work in her Washington, DC office.  Candidates should have at least two years experience as a Press Secretary, Communications Director or relevant senior-level position in the private sector.

Candidates must have on-the-record experience, knowledge of the legislative process, be an excellent writer and editor, and have a proven record of accomplishment with local/regional as well as national media.  South Dakota ties preferred; Plains/Midwest ties a plus.

TO APPLY: Please email cover letter, resume with references, and writing samples to [email protected].  No phone calls or walk-ins, please.  (Republican Communications Association)

JOB OF THE WEEK: High Lantern Group Associate Director

High Lantern Group, a strategic positioning firm that works with clients at the intersection of business strategy and public policy to enhance reputation and create value, is hiring an Associate Director to its Washington, D.C. office. The role will combine the exhilaration of a young and growing firm with the stability of a strong revenue stream, solid financial backing, and senior partners.  The position will report directly to a Managing Director out of the Washington, D.C. office.

Job Description

High Lantern Group is seeking a client-facing Associate Director who will execute against client engagements. This person will be responsible for:

• Project management oversight to ensure on-time delivery of our client deliverables;
• Developing research and issue briefs to support client engagements
• Assisting with the execution of client deliverables, including writing, event-management, 3rd party outreach
• Assisting with client pitches and proposals;
• Working directly with existing clients to deliver high quality services and value;
• Attending client meetings to facilitate discussion and ensure accurate tracking of key issues;
• Moderate travel

Requirements

• 3-4 years of prior business experience required. Experience working on a political campaign on Capitol Hill preferred
• Proven ability to organize thoughts and arguments in written and visual form
• Project management experience preferred
• Knowledge of business processes, concerns and strategy
• High energy, resourceful and solution-oriented
• Advanced PowerPoint and Proficient Excel skills required
• MBA or other advanced degree is a plus

If interested, please send resumes to: [email protected]