Press Assistant

Reports to: Senior Director of Broadcast Communications

Staff reporting to this position: None

Department: Communications

Position classification: Exempt, full time; Union - Level 2

Compensation range: $55,000–$63,250 per annum

Work site: On-site (Washington, D.C., office)

Summary

American Progress has an immediate opening for a Press Assistant on the Press team. The Press Assistant will have two distinct portfolios of work. About 75 percent of the Press Assistant’s time will be spent helping American Progress experts reach targeted audiences through media outreach, including assisting Press team members with research, writing, and editing materials for a media audience.

About 25 percent of the Press Assistant’s time will be spent helping the team with administrative duties, including leading the Press team’s daily morning meeting, coordinating emails, and assisting with the organization’s daily clips email.

Responsibilities:

Media relations and research

• Work under the direction of the Senior Director of Broadcast Communications and other members of the Press team to coordinate outreach to the press.
• Assist in researching, drafting, and editing press releases, advisories, op-eds, pitches, social media posts, talking points, briefing memos, and other projects for a media audience.
• Build and maintain press lists for the team.
• Assist in managing and responding to press inquiries.
• Assist in longer-term institutional and research projects as needed.

Administrative

• Monitor the news and compile daily press clips.
• Lead the Press team’s morning meeting and maintain the Press team’s daily calendar.
• Provide additional administrative capacity to support the team’s work as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements and qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• One to two years of experience, which may include internships, in communications, media relations, government, nonprofit work, or a related field.
• Excellent writing and editing skills and a desire and willingness to stay on top of the daily news cycle.
• Strong interest in politics, news, and policy.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well on a team.
• Ability to multitask, initiate new projects, meet tight deadlines, and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Creative and entrepreneurial with strong problem-solving skills.
• Possession of good news and editorial judgment.
• Strong organizational skills and close attention to detail.
• Familiarity with WordPress, Cision, the AP Stylebook, and Adobe Audition or other audio software is a plus.
• Commitment to American Progress’ mission and goals.

American Progress offers a full and competitive benefits package. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by IFPTE Local 70.