Communications Assistant

Washington, DC
Full Time
Communications
Entry Level
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:  Public Citizen’s Communications Office is seeking a Communications Assistant to join a creative, energetic and fast-paced team. The Communications Assistant will be responsible for publicizing and generating media attention for our cutting-edge work to hold elected officials accountable, end the scourge of money in politics, protect our climate, and much more. We seek someone bright and nimble, with a passion for public interest work and a solid knowledge of the political news landscape. We need someone who has strong writing skills, pays keen attention to detail, can work in a fast-paced environment, and enjoys collaborating with others. This person will be part of a communications team that works closely together to coordinate media outreach with social media, email activism, and communication to Public Citizen members. This position reports to the Director of Communications and works closely with the Deputy Director of Communications.  This is a 2 year position.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Build, maintain and update press lists for Public Citizen’s communications team.
  • Respond to reporter inquiries by directing them to the appropriate experts, setting up interviews, and assisting with messaging guidance.
  • Identify journalists who cover our issues, develop relationships and connect them with the appropriate policy experts. 
  • Write and edit press blog posts, op-eds, letters to the editor, press releases, press statements, media advisories, notes to reporters, editorial board memos, quote sheets, talking points, fact sheets and other written materials as needed. Materials should require only minimal editing.
  • Distribute press releases, notes to reporters, editorial board memos, media advisories and other materials to the media using our electronic distribution system (Cision).
  • Assist in planning and executing press conferences and teleconferences, media briefings and other press events, including preparing press kits and media lists, and calling journalists.
  • Keep up with breaking news and other news about our issues and assist daily in rapid response, identifying media opportunities to get out our key messages – e.g., search for and pursue op-ed, talk radio, local TV, LTE and other opportunities.
  • Post Public Citizen news releases and other documents on the web.
  • Take photos and videos at Public Citizen events.
  • Work with staff and interns to compile and distribute a weekly media hits report.
  • Write stories for Public Citizen News, the organization’s award-winning membership newspaper.
  • Other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS:
Education:  Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required. At least one year of relevant work experience.
Knowledge:  Must have general knowledge of national current events, particularly relating to issues involving money in politics, health and safety, government accountability, and other major issues of the day. Familiarity with Cision, Wordpress, and other similar platforms is a plus. 
Skills: Strong writing and editing abilities; comfortable with frequent on-background communications with reporters over phone and email; organized and conscientious. Ability to juggle many tasks simultaneously and under deadline pressure, and work with a wide range of people. Must enjoy working in a fast-paced and demanding environment.
 

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Competitive non-profit salary commensurate with experience; good medical and dental coverage; three weeks paid vacation for new employees.  Salary range: $65,227 to $86,909

Benefits include:
  • Great medical and dental coverage, 100% paid by PC, including full coverage for children 
  • Three weeks paid vacation for new employees, plus five personal days 
  • 401K plan with a 5% contribution from PC after one year of employment
  • 12 weeks of paid parental leave after one year of employment 
  • Sabbatical after 10 years of employment 
  • Student loan reimbursement program 

TO APPLY:
Please send cover letter and resume to Omar Baddar at [email protected].






Public Citizen is an equal opportunity employer. visit www.citizen.org
 
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