National Press Secretary & Rapid-Response Spokesperson

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

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