Potomac Flacks

Subbotin Sillin Heads West to San Fran

Melissa Subbotin Sillin has left Washington, DC, where she was Communications Director for the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, under Chairman Jason Chaffetz (R-UT), to join her husband Nat Sillin in San Francisco.

She will work for strategic communications form Larson Communications.

Before OGR, she was Communications Director for U.S. Rep. Rob Bishop (R-UT), Press Secretary for the 2008 Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, MN and Press Secretary for former Gov. Jim Gibbons (R-NV).

She’s a graduate of San Diego State University.  (PF tipster)

JOB OF THE WEEK: NETWORK, Media Coordinator (Application Deadline May 31, 2015)

NETWORK, the national Catholic social justice lobby behind “Nuns on the Bus,” is seeking a Media Coordinator.

We are looking for a creative thinker and implementer, who will be responsible for overseeing organizational communications to the media, including preparing, pitching, and/or placing interviews, articles, press releases, letters to the editor, and other content initiatives. S/he actively seeks out, cultivates, and manages relationships with TV, print, and high-profile online reporters and producers.  The Media Coordinator integrates press and messaging strategies into all organization work, and is passionate about growing, nourishing, and connecting our network of justice-seekers.

About NETWORK
A Catholic leader in the movement for justice and peace, NETWORK educates, organizes and lobbies for economic and social transformation.  Founded in 1971 by Catholic sisters in the progressive spirit of Vatican II, NETWORK works to create a society that promotes justice and the dignity of all in the shared abundance of God’s creation.  Inspired by our founders and the leadership of the women who followed, we faithfully embody Gospel justice as we ignite hope in the world. We are rooted in the Catholic social justice tradition and open to all who share our passion.  Our staff is made up of a variety of faith perspectives. Read more.

Job Responsibilities

• Effectively and strategically places NETWORK messaging in the media, including pitching articles, scheduling interviews, producing press releases/advisories, advising letters to the editor, placing op-eds, and creating and overseeing press events
• Builds strategic relationships with media representatives, including cultivating, nourishing, and evaluating those relationships; effectively utilizes technology (Vocus) as needed
• Manages the flow of news about the organization to the media and advocates on behalf of the NETWORK brand with the media across all communications channels and vehicles
• Provides ideas and advice on the effect the organization's actions and legislative activities have in the media, strategizes about  what actions and campaigns will attract press attention, and integrates press/messaging strategies into NETWORK campaigns and major projects
• Ensures organizational consistency in all aspects of communication; works to ensure NETWORK protects and promotes its image in an effective, coordinated, and consistent manner
• Evaluates – and responds if necessary to – current events and media reports in key districts/states and the nation for their impact on NETWORK and its issues; remains abreast of current legislative and non-legislative issues about which the organization may be questioned
• Provides talking points and tools for justice-seekers to connect with local media
• Creates and utilizes metrics to measure effectiveness externally: utilizes media-tracking assessment tools (Meltwater)
• Conducts media training for Board and staff
• Has a role in other communication channels: social media, website, magazine, and eAdvocacy

Qualifications:

• 4-6 years of progressive professional experience working with traditional media, including 1-2 years working with elected officials, political campaigns, faith-based advocacy, or communications in the nonprofit world; entry-level applicants will not be considered
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations or a closely-related field preferred, but not required
• Strong media and political instincts; a sophisticated understanding of the U.S. media and political landscape
• Outstanding communications and interpersonal skills; Spanish fluency desired
• Extensive experience with pitching stories and landing high-profile TV and print appearances
• An excellent persuasive writer, a thorough fact-checker, and a highly-attentive editor
• Experience in a detail-oriented position that required a high-level of organizational skills
• Ability to work under pressure, work independently and on a team, meet deadlines with quick turnaround and manage multiple projects
• Familiarity with Catholic Social Teaching and/or experience with faith-based organizations is helpful, though not necessary. Experience with disadvantaged populations a plus
• Demonstrated skills in collaboration, initiative, analytical thinking, customer service, relationship-building, flexibility, and leadership

Compensation and Benefits
This is a full-time position based in Washington, D.C. and reports to the Managing Director. Starting salary in the mid-upper 40s. Generous benefits package available. 

TO APPLY: Send a résumé and cover letter – as attachments – outlining your qualifications to [email protected]. Please include “Media Coordinator” in the subject line.  You are welcome to include examples of – or links to – relevant past work.

First set of interviews will be taken from applications received by June 1, 2015.

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE. (PF tipster)

DREAM JOB OF THE WEEK: TiVo, Public Relations Manager (San Jose, CA)

As a material contributor to the TiVo Inc. Corporate Affairs and Communications team, you will lead TiVo’s consumer public relations and report to the Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Communications.

With superior written and verbal communication skills, you will frequently interface with a wide array of executives across the company, manage multiple initiatives at any given time, regularly interface with members of the media and manage multiple retained public relations firms. This role is materially responsible for developing and executing communications plans for TiVo’s Consumer Retail, International, Service Operator, Advertising and Audience Research divisions and requires daily collaboration with TiVo’s relevant retained public relations firms and the Senior Manager, Corporate Communications.

Here’s what you get to do:

• Collaborate with TiVo executives from different business units to develop communications plans surrounding all product launches and corporate announcements
• Coordinate with appropriate members of the marketing team to leverage digital and social media platforms for various company announcements and communications strategies for product and service launches and updates
• Work closely with TiVo business divisions to understand the product strategy and roadmap, to help position the communications strategy
• Set up and staff ongoing analyst and media briefings during press tours, at press events and tradeshows
• Develop the strategy for TiVo product announcements with international partners in the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Great Britain and more
• Work closely with consumer insights and other disciplines within the global marketing team to inform the PR and Social Media strategy, story development and content creation
• Drive TiVo Research editorial calendar to ensure steady drumbeat of coverage pertaining to TiVo data while building a bigger narrative around TiVo’s thought leadership in viewing behavior and advertising
• Contribute to the overall success of TiVo’s PR and Social Media efforts by investigating and assessing new tools and practices
• Maintain and develop the PR budget and key communications programs such as product reviews, responding to the news, new campaign ideation and more
• Manage other PR staff regarding the planning and execution of programs like executive speaking engagements and product reviews, development of briefing materials, press kits, distributing daily news coverage and more
• Manage executive profiles through recommending and managing speaking opportunities, bio creation, headshot execution while building demand for executive presence  
• Spearhead the product awards program to be sure TiVo is being recognized in all applicable categories, including working with partners domestically and internationally to support joint activities
• Assist in corporate earnings preparation and grand-scale employee communications as needed
• Consult with brand team on website maintenance and any redesigns as it pertains to TiVo PR, Communications and Investor Relations
• Initiative recap content creation for dissemination among executives and board members
• Provide other internal and external marketing groups with a sounding board for ideas and recommendations on media reception
• Celebrity spokesperson management
• Manage and execute corporate responsibility programs and charitable giving initiatives

Here’s what you’ll need to be successful:

• Minimum of 6-8 years’ experience successfully executing a mixture of PR and media relations deliverables in a fast-paced and creative work environment   
• A mix of agency and in-house experience preferred
• Experience managing various agencies Extensive experience working with consumer brands driving consumer PR and social media programs
• Demonstrated success using social media to grow a consumer brand through creative out-of-the-box thinking that drives measurable results
• Media relationships with technology and consumer lifestyle influencers
• An enthusiastic, can-do attitude; a problem solver; able to work autonomously; comfortable with strategic planning as well as implementing the details
• Natural leadership characteristics and skilled at working across multiple organizations in a company to build teamwork and achieve results
• Strong understanding and enthusiasm for PR and social media measurement
• Strong writing skills
• Academic credentials in the fields of business, communications, marketing and/or journalism

TO APPLY: Click here. (PF tipster)

FleishmanHillard Hires Naylor, Roth

FleishmanHillard today announced that Administration, campaign and Capitol Hill veteran Nathan Naylor and public affairs specialist Caroline Roth joined the firm’s public affairs practice in Washington, D.C.

Naylor comes to FleishmanHillard after serving as the Vice President for Global Communications at BSA|The Software Alliance and leading Public Affairs and Communications at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Naylor is a former Communications Director for U.S. Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) and a former Assistant Press Secretary to Vice President Al Gore.  He is also a veteran of the Presidential Advance office and has led teams both nationally and internationally on behalf of then President Clinton, First Lady Clinton and Vice President and Mrs. Gore.

He is a graduate of American University.

Roth comes to FleishmanHillard from Rasky Baerlien|Prism and previously worked on Capitol Hill for then Deputy Whip Peter Roskam (R-IL) and served as a staff writer for National Journal’s Hotline.

She earned her master’s degree from the George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management in 2010 while clerking for the public relations team at BGR Group.  She began her career as a communications specialist for the DuPage County Board in Wheaton, IL.  (PF tipster)

DREAM JOB OF THE WEEK: San Francisco 49ers, Coordinator of Corporate Communications (Santa Clara, CA)

Position Overview:

The five-time Super Bowl Champion San Francisco 49ers are seeking a Coordinator of Corporate Communications to assist the Senior Manager of Corporate Communications in the development and execution of corporate communications initiatives for the team and Levi’s Stadium. The ideal candidate is an outgoing and innovative communications professional, experienced in project management and proactive media pitching. A thorough understanding of the live sports and entertainment industry is beneficial. Experience managing multiple clients – specifically consumer brands, corporate social responsibility initiatives or cause-based marketing – for a public relations agency is preferred.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist the Senior Manager of Corporate Communications with operational oversight of all 49ers and Levi's Stadium corporate communications responsibilities and the management of a department intern
• Lead the development and execution of strategic communications planning for all 49ers community relations efforts and the 49ers Foundation, along with other assigned media initiatives and press functions
• Proactively pitch 49ers and stadium-related story ideas to media, including the 49ers Museum, the 49ers STEM Education Program, the Levi’s® Stadium Tour Program and the Bourbon Steak & Pub restaurant
• Manage media monitoring and internal reporting for key 49ers and Levi’s® Stadium corporate communications initiatives as directed
• Write feature articles for 49ers publications and website as well as press releases on topics related to core competencies
• Support publicity efforts for non-NFL events scheduled at the stadium when deemed necessary, coordinating with event organizers and promoters to garner desired coverage
• Support the development and management of an organizational key messaging and coverage document, managing ongoing maintenance by the department intern
• Work closely with the marketing and digital media departments to execute strategic communications plans and promote brand development
• Develop and maintain local and national media lists for key media contacts in core functional competencies: technology, sustainability, education, community relations, marketing and sports business

Required Skills & Abilities:

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Motivated self-starter with proven problem solving abilities
• Strong teamwork and relationship management skills
• Works effectively with all personalities and skill levels
• Creative, outside-the-box thinker
• Efficiently meets internal and external deadlines
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Highly organized and attentive to details and process
• Ability to use sound judgment and discretion while maintaining confidentiality
• Ability to be flexible and resourceful in response to changing priorities and duties
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to continuously acquire new competencies and accept new challenges

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• 2-4 years of experience managing business and event communications for a public relations agency, a major brand and/or sports/entertainment organization

TO APPLY: Click here.  (PF tipster)

JOB OF THE WEEK: Mercury, Director/Vice President – Public Relations (International Division)

Mercury, a leading bipartisan public strategy firm, is seeking a public relations specialist for its Washington, D.C. office, working predominantly on international accounts. The role would focus on developing and executing public relations strategies, including media pitching/securing media placements, message development, and crisis communication. The role will require someone who is able to work long and at times unusual hours and to occasionally travel internationally without advanced warning.

About the ideal candidate:

-S/he should have 5+ years of experience working in PR and media relations

-S/he should be able to balance multiple accounts, including building strong working relationships with client leadership

-S/he should be highly organized, results-driven, a self-starter, and capable of working under pressure

-S/he should work well as part of a team

-S/he should have relationships with key members of the media or other influencers, and should be able to expand that network/build new relationships as needed

-S/he should have proven ability to secure prominent media coverage on behalf of clients

-S/he should have strong writing skills

-S/he should have a background or strong interest in international relations and/or foreign policy

About the firm: Mercury is a high-stakes, bipartisan public strategy firm, providing a comprehensive suite of services that includes: public affairs, government relations, international consulting, digital influence, public opinion research, media strategy and a grassroots/grasstops network in all 50 states. Mercury has offices in Washington, D.C., New York, California, and 10 other locations across the U.S.

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

House aide Maloney Joins Sen. Murphy’s office as Press Secretary

Laura Maloney has joined the office of U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT) as Press Secretary.  She was previously Communications Director for U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Etsy (D-CT).

Maloney is a native of Wolcott, CT and a 2012 graduate of Colby College.  (PF tipster)