Potomac Flacks

Thornton Joins House Majority PAC as Communications Director

Roll Call’s Abby Livingston reports, “House Majority PAC, a super PAC aiming to elect House Democrats, recently hired Matt Thornton as its new Communications Director. He replaces Andy Stone, who recently left the group for a position at Facebook.”

Thornton previously served as a Senior Communications Adviser for American Bridge 21^st Century.  Previously, he was Communications Director for U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and U.S. Rep. Zack Space (D-OH). He also worked on the 2006 gubernatorial campaign of Jim Davis (D-FL) and the 2004 congressional campaign of Allyson Schwartz (D-PA).  (Roll Call / PF reporting)

DREAM JOB OF THE WEEK: New York Knicks’ D-League Franchise, Director, Marketing & Public Relations (White Plains, NY)

The Director, Marketing & Public Relations is responsible for driving the strategy and execution on all external messaging, inclusive of internal and external marketing channels, game day event presentation, public relations outreach, and community relations partnerships and initiatives.

The Director will lead the development of the D-League team’s overall brand positioning and brand campaign, theme nights and promotions along with provide creative direction on all print, radio, television, and electronic materials. This position will also serve as the day-to-day team media relations contact and will be responsible for all game presentation elements, game day media needs and the coordination of the game day staff.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate should have knowledge of marketing concepts and specifically sports marketing concepts. Excellent communication, organizational, and relationship building skills a must.

TO APPLY: Click here.  (PF tipster)

Former Reid Aide Petkanas Named Communications Director for Davis Gubernatorial Bid in Texas

The San Antonio Express-News’ Peggy Fikac reports that Zac Petkanas has been named Communications Director for the gubernatorial campaign of State Sen. Wendy Davis (D-TX).  He began in that role on March 6.

Petkanas is a former Deputy Communications Director for U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s (D-NV) re-election campaign and was most recently Communications Director for the Nevada Democratic Party.

Earlier in his career, Petkanas served as Communications Director for U.S. Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper (D-PA) and as Press Secretary for the Ann Kirkpatrick for Congress campaign and for U.S. Rep. Louise Slaughter (D-NY), the House Rules Committee chairwoman.

Petkanas is a a 2007 graduate of The George Washington University and a native of Putnam Valley, NY.

Additionally, the Davis campaign hired Lone Star Report’s Hector Nieto as Traveling Press Secretary.  Nieto was previously Texas State Director for Obama for America and Texas Communications Director for Organizing for America.

Rebecca Acuña remains Press Secretary and Bo Delp, who was Communications Director, is now Deputy Communications Director.  (San Antonio Express-News)

JOB(S) OF THE WEEK: SKDKnickerbocker, Senior Associate & Vice President

SKDKnickerbocker, a leading Democratic strategic communications firm, is looking for Senior Associate and Vice President candidates to join its rapidly expanding public affairs team in Washington, D.C.

Ideal candidates must have:

• Previous experience working on Capitol Hill and political campaigns, in public affairs firms, for advocacy groups, and/or in journalism.
• A proven track record of placing national print and broadcast stories.
• A clear understanding of social media strategies for communications campaigns.
• The ability to handle multiple assignments.
• Strong research and writing skills.

Ideal Senior Associate candidates have 3 to 5 years of relevant experience beating deadlines, drafting great copy and anticipating the next step.

Vice President candidates have 5 to 7 years of experience that includes leading teams, managing clients and/or directing communications campaigns. We are looking for leaders who thrive off of the campaign war room pace and are focused on winning our clients’ Election Days.

This employer is an equal opportunity employer with a strong dedication to diversity.

TO APPLY: If you want to join our team of smart, amazing PR pros, send your resume to us: [email protected]. (PF tipster)

JOB OF THE WEEK: Senate Appropriations Committee (Majority), Press Assistant / Deputy Secretary

The Senate Appropriations Committee, under Chairwoman Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), is seeking a press assistant / deputy press secretary to handle a wide range of responsibilities within a two person communications team.

The ideal candidate has some familiarity with the hill and experience in a Congressional press office as well as the flexibility to work quickly and carefully under tight deadlines. Responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, compiling daily news clips, compiling news research, drafting media releases/advisories, maintaining press contact lists, research, creating social media content, and managing web content.

The person in this position must be able to write memos, talking points, press statements and presentations, as well as and respond to media requests. This position requires attention to detail, creativity, strong writing ability and grammar skills, and a willingness to learn. Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and graphic design is a plus, as are graphic and/or video editing skills. This is not an entry level position.

TO APPLY: Email your resume, with the subject line: Potomac Flacks, to [email protected].  (PF exclusive)

Wilcox Named RNC Director of Rapid Response

Roll Call’s “Shop Talk” column exclusively reports that Jahan Wilcox is the new Director of Rapid Response for the Republican National Committee.

According to an RNC statement, his portfolio will include the 2014 midterms and using RNC ‘research to frame the 2016 presidential debate.’

Wilcox has previously worked for the gubernatorial campaign of Ken Cuccinelli (R-VA), the National Republican Senatorial Committee and for Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) in the Senate Republican Communications Center.

Wilcox is returning to the RNC, where he previously served under then-Communications Director Brian Jones and then-Deputy Communications Director Danny Diaz.

Wilcox is a native of Minnesota.  (Roll Call)