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.
Apply Now
This announcement will remain posted until the position is filled. No phone calls, please.
Please note that only those individuals whose qualifications match the current needs of this position will be considered applicants and will receive responses from American Progress.
This is not a remote position.
Thank you for your interest in American Progress.
Additional information
American Progress operates two separate nonprofit organizations to maximize the progressive agenda: the Center for American Progress and the Center for American Progress Action Fund. This job posting refers collectively to the two organizations under the name “American Progress.” The Center for American Progress is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) tax-exempt research and educational institute. It undertakes research, public education and a limited amount of lobbying. The Center for American Progress Action Fund is a nonpartisan 501(c)(4) tax-exempt organization dedicated to achieving progress through action. It works to transform progressive ideas into policy through rapid-response communications, legislative action, grassroots organizing, political advocacy, and partnerships with other progressive leaders. The organizations share office space and employees.
American Progress is dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Diversity is more than a commitment at American Progress—it is the foundation of what we do. American Progress recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, marital status, veteran status, medical condition, and all the other characteristics that make us unique.
For more information on the Center for American Progress, please go to www.americanprogress.org. For more information on the Center for American Progress Action Fund, please go to www.americanprogressaction.org.