November 06, 2017

Myers Joins AHLA from NCGA

Jennifer Myers headshotFirst reported in the Politico Playbook Power Briefing, Jennifer Myers has joined the American Hotel and Lodging Association as Senior Director of Communications for Government Affairs. She previously led policy communications for the National Corn Growers Association.

Myers previously worked at Edelman as a Senior Account Supervisor, as Communications Director for Jon Bruning for Governor (R-NE) and as Project Director for Public Opinion Strategies.

She is a 2004 graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University and holds a Masters in Media and Public Affairs from The George Washington University. (Politico / PF reporting)

June 20, 2017

JOB OF THE WEEK: ITIF, Communications Director

The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) seeks a communications director to increase its exposure in the press, expand its social media footprint, and enhance its reputation as America’s most influential science and technology think tank. This position reports to ITIF’s chief operating officer.

ITIF logoITIF has earned its standing as one of the world’s foremost thought leaders on technology and innovation policy by nimbly producing high-caliber research reports, policy analysis, and commentary, and by staging a rich program of panel discussions and other events, which it hosts in its Washington, DC office and other locations. The communications director’s primary responsibility is to publicize all this activity. This is an exciting opportunity for an energetic media-relations and strategic-communications professional with previous experience in public policy to deepen their expertise while helping to influence debates on important technology-related issues.

Duties:

  • Plan and execute an ongoing communications program that enhances ITIF’s reputation as a thought leader among U.S. and international policymakers through media relations, digital media, events, and direct outreach.
  • Measurably increase media coverage by cultivating new relationships and deepening existing ones with reporters, commentators, editors, and producers in the business, technology, and political press—including national newspapers, trade publications, broadcast outlets, and influential blogs.
  • Drive promotion of ITIF reports, place op-eds, and build press interest in major ITIF events.
  • Expand the organization’s social media footprint, including on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
  • Partner with ITIF’s COO to manage editorial calendar of reports, op-eds, blog posts, and other content, and to produce ITIF’s widely disseminated weekly email newsletter.
  • Partner with ITIF’s event coordinator to execute public events.
  • Partner with ITIF’s design and digital media manager on collateral materials and website updates.
  • Track media coverage and other communications performance metrics, and provide regular reports to staff and ITIF’s board.

Qualifications:

  • A minimum of five years’ experience with increasing levels of responsibility for planning and executing robust communications programs.
  • Strong track record of achieving measurable results through media outreach, including placing op-eds and generating coverage for topical research reports and events.
  • Hands-on experience with media-engagement software such as Vocus, knowledge of technology issues, and existing relationships with technology, business, and economic policy reporters is preferred.
  • Strong writing and editing ability is essential, including sharp press releases, blog posts, and op-eds.
  • Thorough understanding of digital communications is a must, including the fundamentals of website content management.
  • Practical experience and sound judgment using social media to raise the profile of an organization and engage in public issues.
  • Strong understanding of public policy is essential. Previous experience on Capitol Hill or in the Washington office of a public relations or public affairs agency would be a plus.
  • A personable and collaborative team player with exceptional organizational habits and a proven ability to handle multiple communications projects at once.

Salary and benefits: Competitive salary is commensurate with experience and includes a health benefits package, generous paid vacation, annual performance-based bonus, and public transportation benefit.

TO APPLY: Please send a résumé and cover letter to [email protected]. Please note in your subject line that you are applying for the “communications director” position, and please explain in your cover letter why you are interested in joining ITIF and how your experience and qualifications align with the goal of enhancing ITIF’s reputation through an ongoing strategic communications program. (PF tipster)

July 20, 2015

JOB OF THE WEEK: National Retail Federation, Director of Media Relations

NRF logoThe National Retail Federation (NRF) is seeking a Director, Media Relations to develop and execute short and long-term media campaigns to garner press coverage and awareness of NRF’s policy and advocacy agenda and support the organization’s strategic goals.

Responsibilities

  • Proactively builds press awareness of NRF campaigns, issues and events
  • Writes press releases, media advisories, Op-Eds, blog posts and executive briefing documents
  • Develops and maintains relationships with Washington, D.C. media contacts from traditional and emerging media outlets
  • Identifies targeted media opportunities to increase brand awareness and profile of the NRF brand and its senior leadership team
  • Maintains an acute understanding of policy issues including their history, current activity and future developments
  • Works with policy team to develop and maintain content to support PR and Advocacy sections of NRF website
  • Represents NRF to the public through a variety of media outlets as an association spokesperson
  • Manages the tracking and reporting of NRF media hits
  • Offers insight and understanding about leveraging new and emerging media technology to strengthen public awareness of key issues among target audiences
  • Performs other related duties as assigned

Qualifications:

The successful candidate will have:

  • A Bachelor’s degree in Communications/Journalism.
  • A minimum of 5 years’ experience in increasingly responsible staff positions handling multiple media relations duties on a full-time, daily basis with comparable direct experience handling federal government and policy issues.
  • Must have a portfolio of successful past media placements, specifically demonstrating results with political and government media.
  • Established relationships with Inside the Beltway and national media – including print and television producers.
  • Demonstrated ability to understand and analyze complex issues and situations and to provide thoughtful media relations strategy.
  • Outstanding judgment, writing, speaking, organizational and interpersonal skills; Must communicate effectively and persuasively in a variety of environments.
  • Ability to write about a variety of legislative issues for diverse audiences through multiple channels.
  • Background experience working on a political campaign, on Capitol Hill, at a trade association, and/or in print/broadcast media experience is a plus.
  • Understanding of social media platforms to enhance overall reach and breadth of messaging.
  • Proven excellence in successfully juggling multiple and often high-pressure deadlines with an extraordinary attention to detail.
  • Some travel required.

TO APPLY: Send a resume and one-page letter summarizing your interest, qualifications and salary expectations. Please reference the Director, Media Relations position in your cover letter. Please email your application to [email protected] or mail to: VP, Human Resources, NRF, 1101 New York Ave., NW, Suite 1200, Washington, DC 20005.  (PF tipster)

April 29, 2015

JOB OF THE WEEK: Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), Communications Director

2015-Final-Square-LogoThe Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) seeks a Communications Director to increase its exposure in the press, expand its social media footprint, and enhance its reputation as America’s most influential science and technology think tank.  This position reports to ITIF’s chief operating officer.

The communications director’s primary responsibility will be to publicize all of this activity. It is an exciting opportunity for an energetic media-relations professional to deepen their policy expertise and influence important public debates.

Duties:

  • Plan and execute an ongoing media-relations program that enhances ITIF’s reputation as a thought leader among U.S. and international policymakers by measurably increasing its press exposure.
  • Build new relationships and deepen existing ones with reporters, commentators, editors, and producers in the business, technology, and political press—including national newspapers, trade publications, broadcast outlets, and influential blogs.
  • Drive coverage of ITIF reports, place op-eds, and build press interest in major ITIF events.
  • Partner with ITIF’s digital media specialist to expand the organization’s social media footprint, including on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Qualifications:

  • A minimum of five to seven years’ experience with increasing levels of responsibility for planning and executing robust media-relations programs.
  • Strong track record of getting measurable results through media outreach, including placing op-eds and generating coverage for topical research reports and events.
  • Hands-on experience with media-engagement software such as Vocus, knowledge of technology issues, and existing relationships with technology, business, and policy reporters is preferred.
  • Strong writing and editing ability is essential, including sharp press releases, blog posts, and op-eds.
  • Proven ability to handle multiple communications projects at once.
  • Thorough understanding of digital communications is a must, including the fundamentals of website management.
  • Practical experience and sound judgment using social media to raise the profile of an organization and engage in public issues.
  • Strong understanding of public policy is essential. Previous experience on Capitol Hill or in the Washington office of a public relations or public affairs agency would be a plus.

Salary and benefits: Competitive salary is commensurate with experience and includes a health benefits package, generous paid vacation, annual performance-based bonus, and public transportation benefit.

TO APPLY: Please send a résumé and cover letter to [email protected]. Please note in the subject line of your email that you are applying for the Communications Director position, and please explain in your cover letter why you are interested in joining ITIF and how your experience and qualifications align with the goal of enhancing its reputation through an ongoing media-relations program.  (PF tipster)

December 10, 2014

JOB OF THE WEEK: American Medical Association, Director, Leadership Communications (Chicago, IL)

AMA logoThe American Medical Association (AMA), the nation’s largest professional Association of physicians, has a dynamic opportunity for the right individual as the Director, Leadership Communications in Enterprise Communications and Marketing (ECM).

This person will:

  • Provide strategic communications support to senior management and AMA Board of Trustees.
  • Write and manage other writers in the creation of speeches, presentations, talking points, scripts, blogs, op-eds, white papers and other communications, as needed.
  • Assist senior executives to succeed with internal and external communications that position them as thought-leaders, engage employees and external audiences, and solve their business and communications challenges.

Specific responsibilities will include:

  • Researching and identifying appropriate speaking venues in which to place the president or other senior executives;
  • Developing and/or overseeing development of speech outlines for executive approval and write, edit and guide others in writing speeches that compel audiences to think, feel or act in alignment with organizational goals;
  • Researching audience expectations, event agenda, topics and remarks of other speakers, physical space and need for audio/visual support, and assisting executives in focusing the purpose of each speech to tailor messages for audience appeal and impact
  • Working with ECM team to develop plans to expand reach of speeches to additional audiences via digital and print channels to increase range, penetration and reinforcement of messages, resulting in greater message visibility, recall and buy-in by targeted audiences

Requirements

To qualify for this position:

  • A minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in communications, speech and/or creative writing.  Master’s degree preferred.
  • Minimum 10 years of executive speechwriting with some experience in the health care industry strongly preferred.
  • A minimum of 7 years management experience in positions of increasing responsibility with a demonstrated record of success.
  • Proven expertise and experience in managing strategic communications including demonstrated examples of being immersed in a specific industry and accessing the history, products, services and corporate social responsibility activities of such industry.
  • Excellent relationship building skills and strong problem solving, written, verbal communications and presentation skills.
  • Best-in-class capabilities to remain current and aware of future-leading material for executive speeches, articles or op-ed pieces, by identifying and culling industry think tank and thought-leadership websites and publications.

TO APPLY: External applicants may apply by going to www.ama-assn.jobs and submit a resume. (PF tipster)

October 22, 2014

JOB OF THE WEEK: National Association of Manufacturers, Director of Media Relations

NAM logoThe National Association of Manufacturers, headquartered in Washington, DC is seeking an experienced Director, Media Relations to join its award-winning and nationally recognized Communications Department. Details of this exciting opportunity are below. 

SUMMARY

The Director, Media Relations reports to the Senior Director, Media Relations and is an exempt level position in the Communications Department. This position is an integral part of the strategic communications team who acts as a spokesperson for the NAM. Under the direction of the Senior Director of Media Relations, the Director collaborates with all divisions of the NAM, including the Manufacturing Institute, and understands how to marry the NAM’s goals and messaging with a dynamic news cycle. The Director possesses strong relationships with reporters, columnists, editorial writers, producers, bookers and bloggers. In addition to building and maintaining a press network, the Director is a fast, savvy writer who drafts releases, blog posts, tweets and other communications for the NAM’s diverse audiences. This position requires good judgment, agility and discipline in order to juggle multiple internal clients, projects and deadlines. Candidates with on-the-record experience and a successful track record of working with reporters, producers and bookers will be given strong preference.

Additionally, the Director participates in the NAM’s numerous issue advocacy campaigns by developing and implementing press strategies that will increase the level and quality of the campaigns’ visibility or legislative advocacy. These tactics are measured by earned media coverage, which the Director will track. The Director also will work with the team to make recommendations on adjustments to campaign and legislative communications strategies as needed – drawing from a strong sense of how to package a story based on publication and reporter, tailor messages to target audiences, and utilize NAM member companies and third party surrogates. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

They include but are not limited to the following. 

  • Works with policy staff to develop and communicate manufacturers’ positions on public policies to members of the media.
  • Build and manage relationships with press corps covering issues on which the NAM is engaged; field and evaluate requests from national and regional media; seek out opportunities to generate earned media opportunities for NAM executives and policy experts.
  • Understand all social media platforms and use them effectively.
  • Writing and editing with skill and speed whether press releases, blogs, opinion editorials, letters to the editor, briefing memos, or tweets.
  • Demonstrate ability to translate information about complex issues for broad audiences quickly and succinctly.
  • Develop relationships with key NAM staff, representatives of member companies and policy coalitions, master subtle nuances of policies and advance the NAM agenda.
  • Serve as staff support to NAM President and other senior officers during press events, which may include travel.
  • Work collaboratively, perform well under pressure, and manage multiple priorities and projects effectively.
  • Show attention to detail and accuracy, as well as good judgment in situations with the media, NAM leadership, staff and member companies.
  • Provide strategic communications advice and earned media support.
  • Set up and manage press events.
  • Track media coverage in real-time and manage NAM earned media records.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Bachelor’s degree in journalism, political science, English or related discipline;
  • 5-8 years of communications experience;
  • Experience as a press secretary and familiarity with both legislative and executive branches preferred, but not required;
  • Collaborative style and demonstrated effective written and verbal communications skills essential;
  • Experience interacting with and briefing high ranking officials and executives;
  • Ability to work as part of a team and handle pressure in a deadline driven environment;
  • Ability to travel domestically in support of NAM principals.

TO APPLY: Click here.  (PF tipster)

August 24, 2014

Kirby Departs Hastings’ Office for IPAA

Neal KirbyNeal Kirby, Press Secretary for Congressman Doc Hastings (R-WA), the chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee, announced he is leaving after five and a half years to become Manager of Public Affairs and Communications at the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA).

He is a graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi and a native of Mandeville, LA. (PF tipster)

July 28, 2014

BRT Promotes Boulanger to Senior Vice President of Communications

Business Roundtable LogoBusiness Roundtable President John Engler announced that Jessica Boulanger has been named Senior Vice President of Communications. Boulanger joined the Roundtable in October 2012 as Vice President of Communications.

In her new role, Boulanger will lead all of the Business Roundtable communications strategy, including directing the association’s media relations, digital outreach, advertising and member communications efforts.

Since joining Business Roundtable, Boulanger has been integral in advancing the Roundtable’s campaign for comprehensive tax reform, has positioned the Roundtable as a leader on immigration reform, and led communications for workforce and education issues at the state and national levels. She has also shaped the association’s digital media strategy and oversaw the redesign of its website.

Before joining Business Roundtable, Boulanger served for four years as vice president at New Media Strategies, a Washington, DC-based online marketing firm, where she worked to integrate digital strategy into public affairs campaigns for some of the nation’s leading industries. Prior to that, Boulanger worked on Capitol Hill for House Republican leaders, including four years as press secretary to then-House Majority Whip, now Senator, Roy Blunt (R-MO) and stints in the press shops of then-Conference Chairman Deborah Pryce (R-OH) and Majority Whip Tom DeLay (R-TX).

Her experience also includes communications director for the National Republican Congressional Committee, a regional press secretary for the Republican National Committee, and head of communications for Progress for America. Earlier in her career, Boulanger worked at Prism Public Affairs and Robinson, Lerer & Montgomery in New York City. Boulanger earned a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University.  (PF tipster)

May 12, 2014

Alety Departs FSR for Rep. Royce

Saat AletySaat Alety, the Digital Media Manager for Financial Services Roundtable (FSR), started Monday as Communications Director for U.S. Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA).

He previously worked as Nevada Digital Director for the Romney presidential campaign and U.S. Rep. Judy Biggert (R-IL).

He’s a 2010 graduate of Loyola University of Chicago.  (PF tipster)

May 05, 2014

Elmore Moves from AAFA to ACI-NA as VP Comms & Marketing

Scott ElmorePer Politico’s “Influence,” Scott Elmore has left the American Apparel & Footwear Association, where he has served since 2009 as Senior Director, Communications and Marketing, to become the Vice President of Communications and Marketing for Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA).  He starts Monday.

He previously worked in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and for U.S. Rep. Ric Keller (R-FL).

He earned a Master’s in Mass Communication from the University of Central Florida in 2008 and a Bachelor’s in History and Communication from Mount Vernon Nazarene University in 2005.  (Politico’s “Influence” & PF reporting)

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    Blain K. Rethmeier is currently the Senior Vice President for Public Affairs for the American Insurance Association (AIA). Rethmeier joined AIA from the White House where he served as Special Assistant to the President for Communications and directed communications for the National Economic Council and Homeland Security Council. Prior to joining the White House, Rethmeier served as Press Secretary for the Senate Judiciary Committee.
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