Potomac Flacks

JOB OF THE WEEK: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Social Media and Communications Assistant (Washington, DC)

The Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a unique global network of policy research centers in Russia, China, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States, is seeking an energetic, detail-oriented Social Media and Communications Assistant to join its communications team in Washington.

Primary responsibility will be to execute Carnegie’s day-to-day social media strategy, with a particular focus on Twitter and Facebook. Position will also assist with all aspects of communications including sending and proofing emails, updating Carnegie’s media and general contact databases, posting content to the website, preparing for events and meetings, and all other outreach efforts. 

Enthusiasm for social media is essential and an interest in global affairs is desirable. The ideal candidate should be organized with excellent attention to detail, possess strong computer skills, possess excellent writing and editing skills and be able to work independently to solve problems and complete projects quickly without sacrificing quality and accuracy. Knowledge of HTML and Dreamweaver a plus.

This is an exciting, entry-level opportunity for an energetic, goal-oriented person with a love of social media, communications, and international affairs.

TO APPLY: Please apply via the Carnegie Endowment website –

https://carnegieendowment.applicantpro.com/jobs/142919.html (Mediabistro)

Former McCain aide & Google Vet Hazelbaker Moves to Snapchat, Returning to U.S.

Politico’s “Daily Influence” highlighted a report in Re/code that Jill Hazelbaker has left Google to join Snapchat, to lead their communication and policy efforts.  She will relocate to the U.S.

Hazelbaker served as National Communications Director for the McCain presidential campaign from 2007-2008.

She served as Senior Advisor for Communications for the Bloomberg mayoral reelection campaign in 2009.

In January 2010, she joined Google, first at their Mountain View, CA headquarters as Senior Director of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs.  In April 2013, she moved into a different role overseeing Google’s product, corporate and internal communications across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, while also leading Government Relations in the EU, overseeing a team of 100 people.

In 2014, Harvard Business Review called her the fastest rising executive in the Fortune 100.

She is a graduate of The University of Oregon.  (Re/code, PF reporting)

Ayotte Aide Grappone to Siemens

Jeff Grappone, Communications Director for U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) and top aide since her 2010 campaign, has joined Siemens in their media relations department, based in Washington, DC.  The news was first reported in Politico’s “Playbook.”

Grappone previously served as Press Secretary to U.S. Sen. John Sununu (R-NH) and on the legislative staff of U.S. Rep. Charlie Bass (R-NH).  In 2008, he was a spokesman for the presidential campaigns of U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) and former Mayor Rudy Giuliani (R-New York City).

He's a graduate of Georgetown University and a native of Concord, NH.  (Politico “Playbook”)

JOB OF THE WEEK: Washington Examiner, Social Media Strategist

                                         

Overview

Seeking a dynamic, creative social media strategist for a pivotal role in the Washington Examiner’s digital first editorial team. The ideal candidate will be part strategist, evangelist and analyst. The ability to successfully leverage skills to engage with and educate our target audience on multiple social media platforms, as well as leverage social media to help achieve specific business and marketing goals is critical.

Responsibilities

Develop and refine social strategies and tactical social initiatives and campaigns in alignment with marketing objectives and target audiences

Create and manage social media editorial calendar to drive social activity around key messaging

Manage social media profiles across a variety of platforms, including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Reddit, Google+, etc. as well as our site

Write and curate content and create images optimized for engagement on social media profiles

Identify influencers and opportunities for engagement to drive meaningful dialogue, engagement and growth

Monitor the brand across social channels

Measure, analyze and report on outcomes based on engagement and growth

Research current trends in social media, and apply what you learn to social media efforts

Monitor, identify, interpret and capitalize on social media trends

Work with technology team to support social media asset development including social network pages, profiles, apps and widgets.

Requirements

Five+ years experience working in social media.

Deep understanding of the social landscape, proven competency across multiple platforms and experience managing social media pages with proven success.

Passion and enthusiasm for digital marketing.

Measurable examples of success in social media against business goals.

Fluency in social data, analytics and metrics.

Ability to handle multiple tasks, prioritize work, work well under pressure, and meet deadlines.

Superb written and oral communication skills

Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail

Ability to create high-quality work within short timeframes.

TO APPLY: To learn more and/or apply for this position, send cover note and resume to Cristina Giroux at [email protected].  (PF tipster)

JOB OF THE WEEK: Brookings Institution, Communications Officer (Washington, DC)

Brookings seeks to fill the position Communications Officer in the Metropolitan Policy Program.

Basic Function

The Communications Officer, in close collaboration with and under the supervision of the Associate Director of Communications, is responsible for developing and implementing effective communications strategies that increase the visibility of the work, impact, and brand of the Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program and its Vice President. Facilitate and maintain relationships with journalists for the Vice President and other senior researchers within the program. Prepare the Vice President for media appearances, staff the Vice President, and serve as a key advisor to the Vice President, his Chief of Staff, and others on communications-related activities. Implement digital media strategies, including social media that will ensure the Vice President and MPP program are using innovative tools to reach key audiences and support overall goals related to program visibility and impact. Work closely with the Central Communications department, ensuring that efforts to elevate the work of the program are coordinated.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• 70% Media Relations
  • With MPP leadership and the Associate Director of Communications, develop and implement strategy to maximize impact of media outreach efforts to elevate the work, the impact, and the brand of the Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program.
    Develop and cultivate relationships with targeted media, working closely with the Associate Director of Communications, the Vice President, his Chief of Staff, and other scholars as warranted.
  • Pitch story ideas to reporters, editors, and producers. 
  • Work with reporters on their story ideas related to MPP priorities. 
  • Maintain thorough familiarity with key reporters, their beats, and what they are writing about in order to pitch them effectively.
  • Support Vice President in his efforts to maintain meaningful contact with reporters, editors, and producers.
  • Use knowledge of current events, MPP’s research, and Vice President’s interests to prepare Vice President for interviews and other media appearances.
  • Develop system to effectively track media outreach efforts. 
  • Write or oversee the writing of press advisories and releases, op-eds, blog posts, fact sheets and other materials used for public dissemination.
  • Develop background materials, briefings, Q and As, talking points, media analysis and other collateral material.
  • Support and assist with media training for MPP spokespersons as well as p-artners/ spokespersons outside of Brookings.
  • 20% Digital Media and Media Infrastructure
    • Manage digital media, including social media efforts for the Vice President. 
      Serve as resource on the latest in digital technology that could be incorporated into MPP’s communications efforts, advising other MPP researchers on effective new and social media tools.
    • Work in partnership with MPP communications staff to ensure that media-related materials are posted to the website in a timely manner.
    • Coordinate and serve as a contact for media efforts as appropriate with BI media relations team.
    • 10% Management
      • Assist with managing other members of Media Relations team, particularly staffers working on projects related to the office of the Vice President.
      • Assist in the management of relationships with key Metro Program partners. 
      • Serve as back up for Associate Director of Communications when needed. 

Only applicants meeting minimum qualifications for the position will be considered. Successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment in this position. Brookings welcomes resumes from all qualified applicants, particularly women and minorities. No phone calls and no employment agencies please.

Knowledge Requirements

Ability to foster creative ideas to help increase media coverage and create new opportunities for outreach and dissemination of MPP reports and research. Strong writing and editing skills; strong multi-tasking skills and ability to meet tight deadlines. Can determine newsworthiness of key research and is able to track and respond to broad trends in media coverage. Ability to understand and accurately summarize public policy research; good organizational and strong interpersonal skills; and comfort working with a small team (5-member staff). An interest and familiarity with important urban and metropolitan issues and trends preferred.

Education / Experience Requirements

Bachelor of Arts degree, preferably in economics, political science, public policy or liberal arts; background in the field of public relations. At least six years’ experience in communications and/or media relations with extensive media contacts. Non-profit and/or agency experience preferable, but not required. Ability to speak knowledgeably and comfortably about public policy research and research findings to news media, key and high level partners including state, local and federal policy makers and broad general audience. Experience working in digital communications preferred.

TO APPLY: Click here.  (Mediabistro)

DCI Group adds Zurn as Vice President of Digital Strategies

Strategic public affairs and global issues firm DCI Group announced their recent hire of Suzanne Zurn as Vice President of Digital Strategies.

Zurn brings 20 years of experience using digital and social media to identify, recruit and engage stakeholders on public policy issues.

Zurn joins DCI Group as the firm continues to expand its digital practice. Zurn and Mark Szalay, Vice President of Technology, will head up DCI Group’s growing technology and digital offerings, moving client thinking past traditional public relations channels and generating powerful online grassroots and media campaigns.

Over the past two decades, Zurn has developed an expertise in public affairs campaigns through positions spanning the advocacy, agency and political communities. Zurn comes to DCI Group from The Prosper Group where she was general manager. Zurn’s digital campaigns have earned her many accolades including a Public Relations Society of America’s Silver Anvil for best nonprofit public affairs campaign. She currently co-teaches the Digital Strategy course at the GWU Graduate School of Political Management and is a former board member at Women in Government Relations.

Zurn earned a Master of Arts degree in Political Management from The George Washington University, and graduated cum laude from Washburn University with a bachelor’s in political science and communications. (PF tipster)

Claffey Leaves Sen. Chambliss for House Homeland Security Committee

Lauren Claffey, the Communications Director for retiring U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) is leaving his office after five years to become Communications Director for the House Homeland Security Committee under chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX).

Claffey has been replaced in Sen. Chambliss’ office by “fellow Georgian” Virginia Dent.

Claffey got her start interning for Gov. Sonny Perdue (R-GA) and in the press office of U.S. Sen. Jonny Isakson (R-GA), before working her way up from Deputy Press Secretary to press Secretary to Communications Director for Sen. Chambliss.

Claffey is a 2008 graduate of the University of Georgia and has a Master’s Degree from Georgetown University.  (PF reporting)

Sen. Paul’s Flack Bagley Smith Named Communications Director for House Majority Whip Scalise

House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA) today announced that Moira Bagley Smith has joined the leadership office as Communications Director.

She most recently served as Communications Director for U.S. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) since his election to Congress.

Prior to her tenure with Sen. Paul, Moira began her career in DC at Roll Call Newspaper before working for the Republican National Committee and subsequently, The Daily Caller.

She is a Kentucky native and graduate of the University of Kentucky.  (PF tipster)

Romney, Giuliani Alum Alcivar Named Communications Director for Stefanik

Time Warner Cable News – New York reports that Lenny Alcivar has joined Elise Stefanik’s (R-NY) congressional campaign in the North Country as Communications Director.

Alcivar previously served as director of Romney’s 2012 digital rapid response unit and was most recently worked as a Senior Vice President, Public Relations at Hynes Communications.

He also worked on the U.S. Senate campaign of Gabriel Gomez (R-MA) and in the second Bush administration in Washington and the Giuliani administration in New York City.

Alcivar is a native of New York City and a graduate of Kenyon College.  (TWC-New York)

JOB OF THE WEEK: Mercury Public Affairs, Director / Vice President, Public Relations (Washington, DC)

Position: Director / Vice President – Public Relations, International Division

Description: Mercury, a leading bipartisan public strategy firm, is seeking a sharp, driven, team-oriented strategist for its international team in the public relations division. The position will center on issues management and overarching strategy and messaging development as well as pitching press for all international clients.

The ideal candidate should be able to:

-Oversee multiple existing client accounts, including building strong working relationships with client leadership

-Develop connections with key media and other influencers

The ideal candidate should be knowledgeable regarding:

-Traditional and digital public relations

-Project management, including the creation and execution of communications plans

-International relations and current foreign policy issues

-Experience pitching press

The ideal candidate should have:

-5-8 years of professional experience, particularly work in an agency setting

-A bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism political science or international relations. Master’s degree in related field is a plus.

-An outgoing, outsized personality, with the desire to constantly build upon existing and create new relationships with media and secure media placements

About the firm: Mercury is a high-stakes, bipartisan public strategy firm, providing a comprehensive suite of services that includes: public affairs, federal government relations, international consulting, digital influence, public opinion research, media strategy and a grassroots/grasstops network in all 50 states. The firm has an established national presence, with offices in Washington, DC, New York, California, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida and North Carolina.

TO APPLY: Send resume and cover letter to [email protected].  Please include position in the subject line.  (PF tipster)