Potomac Flacks

BPC Announces Comms Vet Traynham as New Vice President of Communications

The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) today announced the hiring of veteran communications professional Robert Traynham as Vice President of Communications.

Traynham will be responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive strategic communications program and leading a team to ensure BPC public relations, events, media, print and digital content are all aligned with the organization’s mission and to improve its reach.

He has previously worked in the private sector for Comcast as their Washington Bureau Chief and host of a public affairs show, and for 10 years in the U.S. Senate as a Deputy Chief of Staff and Communications Director for Sen. Rick Santorum (R-PA) and the Senate Republican Conference. He was also a senior advisor for Bush-Cheney 2004 re-election campaign.

He is a native of Yeadon, PA.  He currently serves on the board of trustees of his alma mater, Cheyney University and often appears on MSNBC as a political analyst. (PF tipster)

JOB OF THE WEEK: Aspen Institute, Senior Associate, Public Affairs & Social Media)

The Aspen Institute is an educational and policy studies organization based in Washington, DC. Its mission is to foster leadership based on enduring values and to provide a nonpartisan venue for dealing with critical issues. The Institute has campuses in Aspen, Colorado, and on the Wye River on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. It also maintains offices in New York City and has an international network of partners.

The Public Affairs office within the Communications Department is responsible for media relations and communications support of Institute programs. The team manages the external communications efforts including media placement and response, editorial writing, and communications counsel to Aspen Institute programs.

The Senior Associate, Public Affairs & Social Media supports the VP/Chief External Affairs Officer and Director of Communications & Public Affairs with all facets of social media, media relations, event planning and execution management, and external communications activities for the Aspen Institute at large and its programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Assist VP/Chief External Affairs Officer and Director of Communications & Public Affairs in all aspects of the Communications department’s work, with a particular focus on social media

• Create content and post/schedule multiple times each day to Institute Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and other social media accounts. During select seasons, manage and post to satellite accounts, including the Aspen Ideas Festival
• Co-manage regular meetings on social media content and strategy, in order to plan social media strategy for Institute at large
• Consult with various policy programs, in coordination with the Senior Manager, Public Affairs and Policy Program Communications, on their social media presences
• Lead meetings and instructional events to promote best practices among social media practitioners at the Institute
• Support social media needs for myriad public events, on and off site
• Coordinate with underwriters on social media plans and efforts
• Draft and distribute written materials such as news releases, press kit documents, fact sheets, bios, and related correspondence
• Help coordinate myriad events and symposia
• Support and assist programs with planning and executing their press outreach
• Perform research (fact checking, media information, etc.)
• Stay actively informed of activities of the Institute

Interacts routinely with Communications team members, Institute employees at all levels, members of the media, and external constituents.

Knowledge, Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, communications, political science, or related area, with two (2) to five (5) years of related experience
• Experience working on social media accounts in a professional capacity required
• Working knowledge of media directories, related services, and other media relations tools helpful
• Outstanding writing skills with a focus on detail and accuracy
• Strong organizational skills with ability to complete projects and handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Ability to work independently and well with a diverse group of people throughout the organization
• Demonstrated ability to work under tight deadlines
• Web savvy
• Flexible and versatile work style
• Superior computer skills: proficient Microsoft Office; desktop publishing skills a plus

Level of Authority:

• Non-supervisory position
• No budgetary authority

TO APPLY: Visit the Aspen Institute’s career page at www.aspeninstitute.org/about/jobs and follow the instructions to submit a cover letter and resume. The cover letter should highlight applicant’s specific qualifications for this position. Applications without a cover letter may not receive full consideration.

If you have trouble uploading any portion of the application processes, please try using the escape key to exit the screen. Your document should then safely upload.

No phone calls or emails. (PF tipster)

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)

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)

JOB OF THE WEEK: Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), Deputy Director of Communications (Washington, DC)

The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) seeks to hire a Deputy Director of Communications to provide strategic support and assist in day-to-day press operations.

S/he will help generate earned media and position FDD experts as thought leaders; evaluate content for our daily Hotsheet; prepare FDD officials for interviews; respond to incoming media requests; compose press releases and advisories; develop and maintain media lists; track press coverage; and lead projects as needed. S/he will also work closely with the executive team, senior fellows, and government relations department.

Qualifications include a minimum of 3-5 years of experience working in a political or policy-oriented communications capacity; an understanding of how print, broadcast and online media approach reporting; a track record of success in pitching print and broadcast media; excellent communication skills; strong analytical and organizational skills; and a strong interest in FDD’s areas of expertise. Detail oriented professionals with a commitment to accountability and a desire to work collaboratively will be successful in this role.

FDD is a non-profit, non-partisan 501(c)3 policy institute focusing on foreign policy and national security. Founded in 2001, FDD combines policy research, democracy and counterterrorism education, strategic communications and investigative journalism in support of its mission to promote pluralism, defend democratic values and fight the ideologies that drive terrorism.

TO APPLY: Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a cover letter and résumé to [email protected]. The cover letter should include what issues within FDD’s areas of expertise are of a personal interest. No phone calls, please. Salary commensurate with experience.  (PF tipster)

EXCLUSIVE: Former Rep. Noem flack McCarthy moves to Cato

Andrea McCarthy is the new Media Relations Manager at the Cato Institute.  In that role, she will be doing print media outreach, as well as editing and pitching opinion columns written by Cato experts.

She was previously Communications Director for Rep. Kristi Noem (R-SD), in addition to serving as Press Secretary for House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Deputy Press Secretary for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-CA).

McCarthy is a native of Red Bluff, CA and a graduate of Pepperdine University.  (PF tipster)

Heritage’s Cooper Named Communications Director for Majority Leader Cantor

Politico’s “Playbook,” reports that Rory Cooper has been named Communications Director for House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA), starting September 10.

Cooper is currently Communications Director at the Heritage Foundation.  He began his career at the Republican Governors Association and the National Republican Campaign Committee.

In 2011 Cooper was named a “Rising Star” by Campaign and Elections Magazine, an honor given to "a select group of operatives age 35 and under who have an established track record of achievement in political consulting or advocacy and the promise to achieve greatness."

Before joining Heritage in 2008 as Director of Strategic Communications, Cooper served for more than seven years in the administration of George W. Bush, completing his service as a senior policy adviser at the U.S. Department of Energy.

Between 2001 and 2004, Cooper was an aide in the Bush White House, first as associate director of policy and plans in the newly formed Office of Homeland Security, then as associate director of intergovernmental affairs for the Homeland Security Council.

In the wake of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Cooper was instrumental in formation of the Department of Homeland Security and production of the first National Strategy for Homeland Security. His initial administration post was as deputy White House liaison to Housing and Urban Development Secretary Mel Martinez.

Cooper also served at NASA as the first director of the space agency's newly created Division of Outreach and Intergovernmental Affairs, following an assignment with the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission.

Cooper holds a bachelor's degree in international relations and political science from Tulane University in New Orleans, La. He originally hails from Franklin, Mich., outside Detroit.  (Politico’s “Playbook”)

Cato’s Scoville Heads to CRAFT Media/Digital

First reported in Politico’s “Morning Money”, Cato Institute Manager of New Media George Scoville is departing for a new job as Senior Campaign Manager at CRAFT Media/Digital.

While at Cato, Scoville specialized in “new media communications and strategy, technology, regulatory, social and economic policy, and American politics”.

Scoville is also the Editor and Founder of a blog, the Dangerous Servant, a website dedicated to monitoring and reporting on government failures and abuses of government power.

Scoville holds bachelor’s degrees in philosophy and political science from Belmont University in his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee, and a master of public policy from American University.  (Politico’s “Influence”)

JOB OF THE WEEK: Heritage Foundation’s Center for Media and Public Policy, Investigative Journalist

The Heritage Foundation, through its Center for Media and Public Policy, is hiring an Investigative Journalist to conduct original reporting on policy issues.  The mission of the Center is changing to include a D.C.-based investigative reporter to join the Heritage team to help them become a leader in nonprofit journalism.

Full job posting here.

Here are a few highlights:

• Multitasking is essential for this position. Given the 24/7 news cycle, it’s no longer sufficient for an investigative reporter to spend weeks or even months on one story. Heritage is looking for a reporter who can consistently break news while also working on long-term investigative projects.

• Quality sources and solid research are essential. Heritage is seeking someone with a proven track record who can identify unique and interesting story ideas by combing through government documents and following up on story leads from Heritage’s policy experts.

• Reporters can’t be one-dimensional anymore. Over the past year, the Heritage Foundation has had great success with news-oriented videos on timely and relevant issues. They want to develop personal stories that communicate complex policy subjects.  (PF tipster)