Media Relations Assistant

Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced Media Relations Assistant to support the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO), Southern District of Mississippi. This position plays a critical role in developing and executing strategic communications initiatives that increase public awareness of federal law enforcement efforts, Department of Justice priorities, crime prevention programs, and significant criminal and civil cases.

The successful candidate will serve as a communications professional responsible for managing media relations, drafting public information materials, coordinating press events, maintaining relationships with local and national media outlets, and supporting public outreach efforts across the district.

Key Responsibilities

Media Relations & Public Affairs

• Develop and implement comprehensive media relations strategies supporting the mission and priorities of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
• Draft, edit, and distribute news releases regarding criminal and civil cases, public safety initiatives, community outreach programs, and law enforcement achievements.
• Coordinate press conferences, media briefings, interviews, and public appearances.
• Serve as a liaison between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and local, regional, and national media organizations.
• Respond to media inquiries and assist in preparing official statements and responses.

Content Development & Communications

• Create and edit articles, fact sheets, talking points, newsletters, and public information materials.
• Develop messaging that promotes Department of Justice initiatives and community engagement efforts.
• Prepare press packets and communication materials for media distribution.
• Assist with speechwriting and presentation materials for leadership and public events.

Social Media & Digital Communications

• Manage and monitor social media platforms.
• Create content highlighting agency accomplishments, public safety information, and outreach initiatives.
• Track audience engagement and identify opportunities to increase public awareness.
• Recommend communication strategies to improve outreach effectiveness.

Community & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain productive relationships with media representatives, community organizations, and law enforcement partners.
• Identify opportunities for public speaking engagements and community outreach events.
• Promote awareness of agency programs, objectives, and accomplishments throughout the district.

Reporting & Analysis

• Monitor and analyze media coverage.
• Prepare weekly media exposure summaries and communication reports.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies and recommend improvements.
• Participate in planning meetings and advise leadership on media priorities and outreach opportunities.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in media relations, public affairs, communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing media and public communication strategies.
• Strong relationships with local, regional, and national media organizations.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Experience preparing press releases, media advisories, articles, and public-facing communications.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a federal background investigation and security clearance as required.

Preferred

• Experience supporting government, legal, law enforcement, or public-sector organizations.
• Knowledge of court procedures, legal terminology, and public information regulations.
• Experience managing professional social media accounts and digital communications campaigns.
• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, English, or a related field.

Desired Skills

• Strategic communication planning
• Public affairs and media outreach
• Press release writing
• Crisis communications
• Social media management
• Stakeholder engagement
• Event coordination
• Content creation and editing
• Public speaking support
• Media monitoring and analytics

Work Requirements

• Must reside within the Southern District of Mississippi and maintain an established presence within the local community.
• Ability to attend media events, public outreach activities, and meetings throughout the district.
• Ability to work independently while coordinating with federal leadership and stakeholders.

Pay: $23.62 - $28.44 per hour

Experience:

• Media relations: 10 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Drivers license (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Jackson, MS 39201

Salary : $24 - $28