Deputy Press Secretary

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

Job Title: Deputy Press Secretary

Department: Communications

Location: Washington, DC

Reports To: National Press Secretary

Context: Provides strategic media planning, oversight, and implementation for Sierra Club communications, focusing on political issues and congressional accountability. Writes long-term and rapid-response media outreach tools to position the Sierra Club and promote its national and regional conservation campaigns. Oversees editorial production process for media communications, ensuring timely and accurate materials with a consistent tone and message. Develops relationships with regional and national reporters and producers, pitching stories, providing Sierra Club’s viewpoints, and serving as a Club spokesperson.

Scope: The Deputy Press Secretary acts as a media strategist for political and congressional accountability issues, identifying opportunities, and implementing media strategies. Also serves as a liaison between the Sierra Club and key media contacts, to develop relationships that advance the Sierra Club’s media coverage, serving regularly as a spokesperson. Researches and prepares reports for release to media, writes media messages, op-eds, press releases, talking points, and other materials, and coordinates media events as necessary. When needed, works with other environmental groups on political issues to guide the strategic objectives and communications tactics for political accountability and issues.

Job Activities:

1. Oversees Sierra Club’s rapid-response program for political issues, congressional accountability, and other issue campaigns as assigned; developing messages and writing op-eds, letters to the editor, talking points, and other media materials. Creates strategic media responses to published comments regarding the Sierra Club and to the positions of politicians, institutions, or groups.

2. Works closely with National Press Secretary to craft and implement strategy, messaging, and materials development for political issues, congressional accountability, and other issue campaigns as assigned.

3. Crafts long-term strategic vehicles for promoting Sierra Club messages and stories, including but not limited to writing letters to the editor, reports op-eds, radio actualities, press releases, fact sheets, and talking points.

4. Collaborates with the National Press Secretary, Communications Director, Deputy Communications Director, Political staff, and outside consultants to develop long-range and rapid response media strategies for political issues. Drafts communications plans and coordinates political communications work with web and social media teams, Sierra Magazine, Sierra Club productions, and other teams.

5. Develops relationships with regional and national reporters and pitches stories to those reporters.

6. Performs research and analysis using a variety of resources to craft appropriate media messages, write press releases, opinion editorials, and other materials. Collects and distributes media clips and news analysis on political issues.

7. Trains and coaches staff and volunteers in media skills.

8. Contributes to staff strategy meetings, and stays current on substantive and political developments in major conservation campaigns by monitoring media, attending meetings, and maintaining contact with relevant sources.

9. Works with Sierra Club staff to monitor and respond to media opportunities.

10. Performs miscellaneous duties as assigned.

Seasonal Activities:
Heavier seasonal workloads may occur as a result of project deadlines, staff absences and vacancies, and during peak activity periods. Frequent weekend and/or evening work required. Some travel is required.

Knowledge & Skills:

-- B.A. degree in communications, journalism, or a closely related field, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

-- 4 years prior experience as a journalist, media liaison, or other position involving media/press relations.

-- Excellent writing and verbal communications skills.

-- Demonstrated knowledge of environmental issues and national politics desired.

-- Ability to interact cooperatively and effectively with staff, volunteers, and the public.

-- Ability to meet strict deadlines and work under pressure.