Media Specialist at United States Institute of Peace in Washington, Washington DC

Job Description:

Who We Are

Peace is our commitment. The United States Institute of Peace represents the American people’s shared values and commitment to peace worldwide. We know that Peace is Security – it advances both U.S. and international security by preventing, managing, and mitigating violent conflict.

We are an independent, non-partisan institution and are actively engaged with peacebuilding efforts worldwide. Together we tackle the most challenging problems and hold fast to the possibility of a more peaceful world. To learn more about USIP programs and job openings, go to https://www.usip.org/about/careers.

If you have a passion for making the world a better place and want to have a front-row seat on the world stage, USIP is the place for you.

 

JOB BRIEF

The Media Specialist (MS) works with the Senior Press Officer to fulfill USIP’s Communications Strategy. The MS will amplify the work of the Institute in traditional media (print, radio, television, and podcast) by identifying and engaging targeted media and assisting in the development of earned media for USIP activities. The Media Specialist will have an excellent understanding of international issues, the media landscape, the Institute’s experts, content, products, and how they fit into the news cycle. Public Affairs and Communications (PAC) provides public affairs, events and communications services and works closely with USIP’s Executive Office and every department in the Institute. The position is full-time, based in Washington, DC, and will report to the Senior Press Officer.

CLOSING DATE OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS 7/18/2024

TARGET SALARY

Grade 10 - $ 75,300- $77,800

The Institute uses the General Schedule salary tables for administering compensation. Offers are determined based upon candidate qualifications, related experience, internal equity, and the amount budgeted for the position.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Liaising with press, including fielding journalists’ requests for experts, and proactively pitching experts and USIP publications to media outlets.


• Coordinate and facilitate media interviews for USIP experts based on the news cycle related to conflict abroad, breaking news, and the release of USIP work products.


• Draft press releases, talking points, and other materials under tight deadlines.


• Coordinates virtual or in-person media briefings with USIP experts.


• Coordinate and facilitate media coverage and media attendance at USIP public events, both in person and virtual, including drafting media event advisories.


• Tracks interview and media clips.


• Update and maintain media contacts and lists in Salesforce.


• Oversee the "In the News" section of the website, including compiling clip reports daily, drafting the text for usip.org and posting the news hits to the USIP website.


• Draft a daily news e-mail that includes most recent media clips with hyperlinks to USIP related interviews, events, and publications among other information. Monday through Friday.


• Make recommendations on new opportunities for media outreach

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor’s degree with four (4) years of experience in journalism or communications or equivalent experience in a related field is required.


• A master’s degree with two (2) years of experience is a plus.


• Knowledge of and demonstrated interest in foreign affairs and international relations.

• Excellent communication (written and spoken), organizational, administrative, and time management skills, including cross-cultural, interpersonal skills; proven ability to engage effectively with partners at the lowest and highest political, social, cultural, and economic levels.


• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint) and databases and/or data management tools, especially with Cision and SalesForce.


• Project and task management – capacity to work on multiple, diverse and complex assignments, creatively problem-solve, and prioritize effectively with minimal supervision or collaboratively.


• Ability to work as a team player in an extroverted and entrepreneurial environment.


• Ability to draft clear, concise media pitches and press releases.


• Knowledge of AP style is a plus.


• Spanish, Chinese, or Arabic language skills a plus.

 

HOW TO APPLY
To be considered for this position, please submit a complete application package consisting of:
1.  Completed employment application
2.  Cover letter
3.  Resume 

 

Note: Only those applicants that are selected for further discussions will be contacted.  

USIP is an equal opportunity employer. USIP does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit-based factors.

 

 

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