Deputy Press Secretary at Accountable.US in Washington, Washington DC

Job Description:

About Accountable.US
Accountable.US is a nonpartisan watchdog organization that shines a light on the corrupting influence of powerful corporations and special interests on public policymaking. Our work helps pave the way for policies that advance the interests of all Americans, not just the rich and powerful. If you're looking for a growing, fast-paced organization that invests in its people and strives to create more equitable and inclusive communities, then Accountable.US could be the place for you. We offer competitive salaries, exceptional benefits, and we encourage a healthy work/life balance for our staff.

Position Summary
Do you thrive on the fast-paced, rapid-response nature of the news cycle? Do you love the thrill of pitching a reporter and successfully getting a story placed? Do you have a knack for turning research reports into catchy press products, and prepping spokespeople for interviews? A.US seeks a Deputy Press Secretary to help drive our work. The ideal candidate is a savvy media professional and team player who is comfortable getting on the phone with reporters to pitch stories and help drive a narrative. This position requires incredible attention to detail, superior organizational abilities, and excellent written and verbal communication skills. Some night and weekend work is required in this fast-paced, dynamic position.

What You'll Do
Core Responsibilities
Media Pitching and Story Placement: Engage with reporters to pitch stories and secure media placements that reflect Accountable.US's priorities and narrative goals.
Strategic Media Monitoring and Opportunity Identification: Monitor news trends to identify timely opportunities that advance Accountable.US's values, brand, and positioning in the media.
Research Translation and Press Product Development: Convert research reports and findings into compelling press materials, such as press releases, media advisories, and fact sheets.
Content Creation and Editing: Draft and edit talking points, press releases, op-eds, memos, and other communications to support key messaging and campaign goals.
Spokesperson Preparation and Media Training: Develop talking points and prepare spokespeople for press opportunities, offering support with media coaching and message refinement.
Rapid-Response Media Engagement: Act swiftly to shape media narratives in response to breaking news, often within high-stakes and time-sensitive scenarios.
Media Contact Management: Build and maintain a comprehensive database of reporters, editors, and producers to facilitate consistent media outreach and relationship-building.
Cross-Channel Media Coordination: Partner with digital colleagues to draft and adapt content for social platforms, blog posts, website updates, and other digital channels.
Mass Communication Distribution: Coordinate the distribution of press releases, mass emails, and online postings to amplify key organizational updates and announcements.
Partner Engagement and Representation: Represent Accountable.US at partner meetings and on conference calls, ensuring strong collaboration and shared messaging.
Project Reporting and Analysis: Produce detailed reports on project activities and media outreach to measure success and inform future strategies.
Additional Responsibilities
Relationship Building with Media Contacts: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with reporters and media outlets to facilitate ongoing coverage opportunities.
Detailed Project Management: Maintain meticulous organization across all tasks, coordinating with internal teams and tracking deadlines for various media initiatives.
Flexible Schedule Availability: Be prepared for occasional night and weekend work to support media needs and rapid-response efforts as news developments arise.

Who You Are
You're a mission-driven communicator with a strong commitment to progressive values, including diversity, equity, and inclusion. With experience in the political or advocacy space, you thrive in fast-paced and changing environments, building media relationships and crafting impactful messages that resonate. You're a self-starter who's collaborative, adaptable, and not afraid to try innovative approaches. Your exceptional communication and writing skills, strategic use of research, and dedication to cross-functional teamwork make you a valued partner in advancing Accountable.US's mission and values.

Desired Experience & Skills
Education: Bachelor's degree in communications, political science, public relations, or a related field preferred.
Experience: Minimum of four years of communications experience required, with at least 2 years in a political or advocacy setting, such as a political campaign, committee, advocacy organization, government, or Capitol Hill.
Knowledge: Demonstrated expertise in media relations, including relationship-building with reporters, creating effective pitch angles, and developing press materials that attract attention. Experience using research to inform and drive impactful communications and campaign strategies.
Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment; strong cross-functional collaboration and relationship-building abilities; a proactive, innovative approach, with flexibility and adaptability to test new ideas.
Values: A strong commitment to progressive values, including diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, and alignment with Accountable.US's mission.
What We Offer
The salary range for this position is $70,000 - $90,000. Exact compensation package is commensurate with experience. Our excellent benefits package includes health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, a 401(k) match, generous paid time off, professional development opportunities, and more. Accountable.US is currently operating in a hybrid work environment and requires employees to be in the office a minimum of 2 days per week, although this requirement is subject to change. Some weekend work may be required.

A Note to All Applicants

Accountable.US is committed to attracting, developing and retaining exceptional people, and to creating a work environment that is dynamic, rewarding and enables each of us to realize our potential. Our work environment is safe and open to all employees and partners, respecting the full spectrum of race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other classifications protected by law in the locality and/or state in which you are working.

A Note to Candidates: Studies have shown that women, nonbinary folks, and People of Color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization and we are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. That candidate may be one who comes from a background less traditional to our field of work, and that's okay. We would strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of the qualifications described.

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