Press Secretary

Media Research Center • Reston, VA

329d

About The Position

The Press Secretary will manage the press team and oversee all media relations across MRC brands, including NewsBusters, MRCTV, and Free Speech America. They will report directly to the Director of Marketing & Communications. The Press Secretary will directly handle TV bookings, top-tier radio, and major national print/online outlets. There is also the potential to phase-in being an on-the-record spokesperson for the MRC. The press secretary must be able to work in person at the MRC's Herndon, VA office (no remote candidates, please).

Requirements

• Media Relations Experience - Candidate must have 5+ years of prior experience booking media appearances for top conservative leaders and/or organizations.
• Strong Communication Skills - Candidate must have proven written and verbal communication skills. Accuracy and attention to detail are critical. Writing samples will be required.
• Commitment to Conservative Principles - Candidate must be a dedicated conservative with a passion for media bias and free speech. They must understand key conservative values and embrace the mission of the MRC.
• Engage Well with Others and Balance Priorities - Work with various teams to be aware of upcoming projects and promote all MRC brands through press channels, prioritizing the key items for the week.
• Media Contacts - Candidate should have contacts with leading conservative media outlets. They must also be willing to cultivate media relationships.
• Management Experience - Candidate preferred to have experience managing a team to handle all press inquiries, pitches, and media tracking.
• Experience pitching media stories or booking media appearances
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Organized and attentive to details
• Strong writing skills and ability to frame pitches, targeting the right outlets, and timely follow-up.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in the conservative movement, media outlet, public relations, campaign, or government press operation
• Use of Meltwater, Cision, or other reporter database

Responsibilities

• Oversee the press assistant and PR interns
• Submit and present reports for weekly senior staff meetings
• Have detailed tracking of media hits
• Work with marketing to make sure appearances are clipped and shared
• Book media appearances for top-level MRC spokesmen
• Develop ideas and work with departments to prepare earned media plans for major projects
• Pitch key daily pieces and work with the marketing team on promotion
• Look for opportunities to insert the MRC into the news cycle
• Cultivate and maintain conservative media relationships, focusing on TV and national radio/print/online outlets
• Share important upcoming stories and top past coverage with other departments
• Monitor and follow up with those doing media on staff
• Prepare talking points for MRC executives for media appearances
• Ability to jump in during off-hours for breaking news items

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services