National Press Secretary

Office of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY); Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Office of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) seeks a National Press Secretary to lead the Office's national press operations in Washington, DC. You will work with the Communications Director to shape events, manage reporter relationships, and serve as the spokesperson for the Leader's agenda.

The role requires strong writing, media strategy, and the ability to coordinate with policy and digital teams to advance priorities through earned media, including on-the-record, background, and

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible communications or press experience in government, political campaigns, journalism, public affairs or a related field.
• Experience serving as a spokesperson and communicating with reporters on the record, on background and off the record.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills with demonstrated experience writing in the voice of a principal.
• Strong existing relationships with reporters, editors, producers, and bookers.
• Demonstrated success managing rapid response and high-profile media events in a fast-paced political environment.
• Ability to manage multiple high-priority projects simultaneously while exercising exceptional political judgment and discretion.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with senior leadership, policy staff, digital teams and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Manage media inquiries, coordinate interviews and press events, develop media guidance, cultivating relationships with reporters, and serve as a day-to-day spokesperson in on-the-record, on-background and off-the-record communications.
• In conjunction with the Digital Engagement Director and other colleagues, coordinate rapid response efforts during breaking news, legislative developments, and major political events by developing timely messaging, statements, talking points, press guidance and communications strategies.
• Draft, edit, and distribute press releases, statements, speeches, media advisories, op-eds, talking points, newsletters, and other communications products written in the Leader's voice, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with national reporters, editors, producers, and bookers by proactively pitching stories, facilitating interviews and identifying opportunities.
• Monitor national news coverage, political developments and public sentiment to recommend proactive media strategies.
• Collaborate with policy, digital, scheduling, leadership, and Democratic Caucus communications staff to ensure coordinated messaging across earned media, digital platforms, public appearances and legislative initiatives.

Skills

Senior communications experience

Spokesperson experience

Excellent writing

Media relations

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Job description

Summary

The National Press Secretary serves as a senior advisor and manages the Office's day-to-day national press operation. Working closely with the Communications Director, the National Press Secretary develops and executes media events, manages relationships with national reporters, drives rapid response efforts, and serves as a spokesperson for the Office.

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

Open to the public

Duties

Overview:

The National Press Secretary serves as a senior advisor and manages the Office's day-to-day national press operation. Working closely with the Communications Director, the National Press Secretary develops and executes media events, manages relationships with national reporters, drives rapid response efforts, and serves as a spokesperson for the Office. This position regularly represents the Office in communications with reporters, including on-the-record, on-background and off-the-record conversations, and plays a central role in advancing the Leader's legislative priorities through earned media.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage media inquiries, coordinate interviews and press events, develop media guidance, cultivating relationships with reporters, and serve as a day-to-day spokesperson in on-the-record, on-background and off-the-record communications.
• In conjunction with the Digital Engagement Director and other colleagues, coordinate rapid response efforts during breaking news, legislative developments, and major political events by developing timely messaging, statements, talking points, press guidance and communications strategies.
• Draft, edit, and distribute press releases, statements, speeches, media advisories, op-eds, talking points, newsletters, and other communications products written in the Leader's voice, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with national reporters, editors, producers, and bookers by proactively pitching stories, facilitating interviews and identifying opportunities.
• Monitor national news coverage, political developments and public sentiment to recommend proactive media strategies.
• Collaborate with policy, digital, scheduling, leadership, and Democratic Caucus communications staff to ensure coordinated messaging across earned media, digital platforms, public appearances and legislative initiatives.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

• USAJobs Conditions of Employment

Qualifications

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible communications or press experience in government, political campaigns, journalism, public affairs or a related field.
• Experience serving as a spokesperson and communicating with reporters on the record, on background and off the record.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills with demonstrated experience writing in the voice of a principal.
• Strong existing relationships with reporters, editors, producers, and bookers.
• Demonstrated success managing rapid response and high-profile media events in a fast-paced political environment.
• Ability to manage multiple high-priority projects simultaneously while exercising exceptional political judgment and discretion.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with senior leadership, policy staff, digital teams and external stakeholders.

Salary

Competitive and commensurate with experience.

Additional information

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Help

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated using a structured interview process.

Required Documents

resume, cover letter, 2-3 writing samples

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

Next steps

Qualified Candidates will be contacted directly.