Potomac Flacks

JOB OF THE WEEK: Keybridge Communications, Director

Keybridge Communications, a DC-based public relations firm that specializes in op ed writing, media placement, web development and design, located in Georgetown, is seeking a bright, energetic, self-motivated college graduate with at least one year experience in public relations or communications for a Director position.

Responsibilities include: Interfacing with clients; managing projects and contractors; pitching journalists, writing/editing press releases and opeds, assisting as needed, and performing other public relations tasks.

Must have strong organizational skills, exceptional attention to detail, and an interest in current events and public policy. 

Salary: $47,000

TO APPLY: Visit here.  (Mediabistro)

Tronovitch departs DC for Raleigh

Ryan Tronovitch recently emailed friends and colleagues to announce he and his fiancé were moving to Raleigh for new jobs.

Tronovitch left his job as Communications Manager for MLS club DC United after two seasons.

He has not yet announced his new job.

Tronovitch previously worked at the RNC, for Reps. David Davis (R-TN) and Kevin Brady (R-TX) and for the Republican Party of North Carolina.

He is a graduate of the State University of New York at Cortland.  (PF tipster)

Research Firm Gravity Strategic Communications Celebrates Two Years, Announces New Hires

Gravity Strategic Communications, which is run by Ted Newton and serves political and corporate clients with strategic communications needs, with a focus on opposition research, announced new staff and new office space just two years after its founding.  Gravity performed the vice presidential vetting for the Romney-Ryan campaign last year.

Christopher Oman has been promoted to Research Analyst.  An Iowa native, Oman first joined Gravity in 2011 and spent much of 2012 working with Gravity on Gov. Mitt Romney’s Presidential Campaign, including participating in the Vice-Presidential vetting process and working with the communications department on research and rapid response.  Oman has previously worked at Cornerstone Government Affairs, DCI Group, the Republican Governor’s Association’s political department, and in the office of U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA). Oman is a graduate of The George Washington University.

Daniel Mintz joins the firm as Research Associate.  A New Jersey native, previously worked as a Research Analyst at Berkowitz Public Affairs.  He also served as Director of New Media on the Scott Sipprelle for Congress campaign, in New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s Press and Communications office, and for Jamestown Associates, U.S. Rep. Scott Garrett (R-NJ) and U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance (R-NJ.  Mintz is currently pursuing a degree at The George Washington University.

As part of its growth, Gravity also recently moved in to new office space at 1232 M Street NW.  (PF tipster)

JOB OF THE WEEK: Chlopak, Leonard, Schecter & Associates, Managing Associate

Chlopak, Leonard, Schechter & Associates, a boutique Washington, D.C.-based communications firm, is currently seeking applicants for mid-level positions.

CLS serves a range of clients – including Fortune 100 corporations, high-profile individuals, foreign governments and international organizations, trade associations and non-profits. Some need to protect their reputations from intense threats. Others are trying to shape new laws. All are looking for creative, outside-the-box solutions that bring together politics, public policy and media/communications.

Ideal candidates are driven self-starters with strong ability to work well within teams. Individuals should have 5+ years of experience in public affairs, corporate and/or crisis communications. Candidates must possess strong writing skills, experience in managing media relations, and ability to formulate creative communications strategies and messaging. Political experience (such as campaigns or Capitol Hill) is strongly preferred. Experience in the media, a PR agency, association or non-profit is desirable. Fluency in Spanish a plus.  Salary commensurate with experience.

TO APPLY: Interested applicants should email resume and cover letter to [email protected] or for more information, visit www.clsdc.com.   (PF tipster)

JOB OF THE WEEK: U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Director, Communications and Strategy

OVERVIEW: Serve as a strategic communications partner for U.S. Chamber departments, affiliates, and programs. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: Work with a portfolio of internal customers, establishing relationships with these clients and meeting with them regularly to understand and help deliver their objectives; draft and execute long-term strategic plans around the clients’ needs, including advertising, marketing, digital, Web, and media; provide full-service and integrated communications support; lead the implementation of key advocacy campaigns; identify opportunities to leverage the Chamber’s online and communications properties to support clients’ strategic agenda; and work cross-divisionally to ensure consistent U.S. Chamber branding and message effectiveness. 

REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s degree and 8+ years’ related experience in progressively responsible positions in a trade association or agency; experience working on complex political and business issues and developing unified messages; strong project management; excellent written and verbal communications skills; creative self-starter; ability to multitask under tight deadlines; strong organizational skills; the ability to effectively interact with senior-level executives and outside contacts and vendors; and proficiency in MS Office products. PR agency experience a plus. 

TO APPLY: Visit this link.  (PF tipster)

Former NRSC Flack Walsh joins Singer Bonjean Strategies

First reported in Politico’s “Playbook,” Brian J. Walsh is joining the bipartisan public affairs and strategic communications firm Singer Bonjean Strategies as a partner.  The firm was founded in 2008 by Republican communicator Ron Bonjean and Democratic communicator Phil Singer.

Walsh joins the firm after more than 15 years on Capitol Hill and dozens of campaigns at the local, state and federal levels.

Walsh served as Sen. John Cornyn’s (R-TX) Communications Director, first in his official Senate office and then at the National Republican Senatorial Committee for both the 2010 and 2012 election cycles.  (Politico’s “Playbook”)

JOB OF THE WEEK: Edison Electric Institute, Media Relations Representative

Edison Electric Institute has an opportunity for a Media Relations Representative.

The Media Relations Representative will provide daily support for EEI’s news products and monitor industry-related developments. Other responsibilities include handling routine media inquiries, researching industry and media issues, approving Web-site content, responding to member questions, providing meeting support, and assisting with budgeting.

The job requires a bachelor’s degree and at least one year of applicable experience in the communications, public relations, or journalism field, or press-related experience on Capitol Hill or in a trade association, PR agency, corporation, or government office. Energy experience is desired but not mandatory.

The successful candidate will have excellent written and oral communication skills and a basic understanding of the public-policy process. The ability to juggle complex tasks under deadline pressure is essential.

TO APPLY: Send your résumé, writing sample, and cover letter, including salary requirements, to [email protected].  (PF reporting)

Romney campaign flack Saul to Facebook COO Sandberg’s “Lean In”

According to Politico’s Dylan Byers, Andrea Saul, who served as Press Secretary for the 2012 presidential campaign of former Gov. Mitt Romney (R-MA), is the new Communications Director for Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg’s “Lean In” project.

Saul previously served as Communications Director for U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT), as Press Secretary for the U.S. Senate campaign of Carly Fiorina (R-CA) and on the U.S. Senate campaign of then-Gov. Charlie Crist, leaving when he switched to become an independent.  She also worked on the 2008 presidential campaign of Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) and did stints at the RNC and DCI Group.

She’s a graduate of Vanderbilt University and a native of Dalton, GA.  (Politico and PF reporting)

REMAINDERS: McDowell joins Blue Engine; Beirne & Vargas To WH; Gor to Rand 2016

Occasionally, we miss some important flack-related items.  Here are a few:

• First reported in Politico’s “Playbook,” Amber McDowell has joined DC-based strategic communications firm Blue Engine Message & Media.  She was most recently Communications Director for U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA).  She also was Speechwriter and Press Secretary for Gov. Phil Bredesen (D-TN) and Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM).  She worked on the Obama-Biden re-elect and at the 2012 DNC Convention in Charlotte.  (Politico’s “Playbook”)
• Katherine Vargas is the new Director of Hispanic Media at the White House.  She was previously Communications Director for the National Immigration Forum, and also worked at the National Immigration Law Center and the International Rescue Committee.  She is a native of Colombia who immigrated to the U.S. in 1997.
• Katie Beirne, the Staff Director for the Senate Democratic Policy and Communications Center has replaced Jennifer Palmieri as Deputy Communications Director at the White House.  According to Politico, she will be in charge of outreach to surrogates and message coordination with outside groups.  (Politico)
• Sergio Gor has been named Spokesman for RAND PAC, the political action committee, and presidential campaign in waiting, of Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY).  Gor was formerly spokesman for Rep. Michele Bachman (R-MN) and on the campaign of Rep. Randy Forbes (R-VA. (Politico)

JOB OF THE WEEK: U.S. Senator (Democrat), Communications Director

Western Democratic U.S. Senator seeks dynamic, detail-oriented Communications Director for his Washington, D.C. office.

Responsibilities include: planning and executing senator's long-term communications strategy; interacting with members of the press and serving as on-the-record spokesperson; managing all traditional and social media; and overseeing communications team. Strong writing and editing skills required.

Previous Congressional and on-the-record press experience necessary. Spanish-language skills and previous management experience a plus.

TO APPLY: Interested applicants should submit a résumé and cover letter to [email protected].