Press Coordinator

PCI Government Services LLC; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

PCI Federal (PCIF) seeks a Press Coordinator to support the Department of State’s Africa regional messaging, reporting to the Program Manager. The role is 100% on-site in Washington, DC and requires coordinating with AF/PDPA and interagency partners to craft unified communications for domestic and international media.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in press communications, strong English writing, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while working with diverse stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen and able to obtain a Secret clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, International Affairs, Political Science, or related field.
• Five years or more work experience producing communications for domestic or international press.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and computer skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated sound judgment and ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to coordinate activities across multiple offices and locations and engage diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with media monitoring, communications, and collaboration tools.

Responsibilities

• Perform duties under the direction of the Bureau of African Affairs Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs (AF/PDPA) Spokesperson.
• Coordinate with Bureau of African Affairs offices, U.S. embassies and missions in Africa, and interagency partners to develop and deliver consistent, unified messaging in response to domestic and international media inquiries.
• Monitor regional and international media coverage related to Africa and provide timely updates, analysis, and briefings on emerging issues and breaking developments.
• Develop, coordinate, and clear press guidance, talking points, and media responses within the Department of State and across interagency stakeholders.
• Draft and edit press releases, media advisories, announcements, invitations, statements, speeches, and other public-facing and internal communications materials.
• Support media engagement activities, including press events, interviews, press conferences, and senior leadership communications.
• Maintain awareness of U.S. foreign policy priorities in Africa and ensure public messaging accurately reflects Department objectives and policy positions.
• Assist with strategic communications planning and execution to advance Bureau initiatives and public diplomacy goals.

Skills

Communications

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Multitasking

Cross-functional work

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications

Bachelor's degree in Public Relations

Bachelor's degree in International Affairs

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Summary

The Press Coordinator provides support to the Department of State's Bureau of African Affairs and reports to the Program Manager. The position is 100% on-site.

• Perform all duties under the direction of the Bureau of African Affairs Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs (AF/PDPA) Spokesperson.
• Coordinate with Bureau of African Affairs offices, U.S. embassies and missions in Africa, and interagency partners to develop and deliver consistent, unified messaging in response to domestic and international media inquiries.
• Monitor regional and international media coverage related to Africa and provide timely updates, analysis, and briefings on emerging issues and breaking developments.
• Develop, coordinate, and clear press guidance, talking points, and media responses within the Department of State and across interagency stakeholders.
• Draft and edit press releases, media advisories, announcements, invitations, statements, speeches, and other public-facing and internal communications materials.
• Support media engagement activities, including press events, interviews, press conferences, and senior leadership communications.
• Maintain awareness of U.S. foreign policy priorities in Africa and ensure public messaging accurately reflects Department objectives and policy positions.
• Assist with strategic communications planning and execution to advance Bureau initiatives and public diplomacy goals.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Perform all duties under the direction of the Bureau of African Affairs Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs (AF/PDPA) Spokesperson.
• Coordinate with Bureau of African Affairs offices, U.S. embassies and missions in Africa, and interagency partners to develop and deliver consistent, unified messaging in response to domestic and international media inquiries.
• Monitor regional and international media coverage related to Africa and provide timely updates, analysis, and briefings on emerging issues and breaking developments.
• Develop, coordinate, and clear press guidance, talking points, and media responses within the Department of State and across interagency stakeholders.
• Draft and edit press releases, media advisories, announcements, invitations, statements, speeches, and other public-facing and internal communications materials.
• Support media engagement activities, including press events, interviews, press conferences, and senior leadership communications.
• Maintain awareness of U.S. foreign policy priorities in Africa and ensure public messaging accurately reflects Department objectives and policy positions.
• Assist with strategic communications planning and execution to advance Bureau initiatives and public diplomacy goals.

Education And Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen and possess or be able to obtain a Secret clearance. Preference will be given to those with active security clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, International Affairs, Political Science, or a related field.
• Five years or more work experience producing communications for domestic or international press.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills, including the ability to draft and edit professional communications products.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and computer skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet competing deadlines.
• Demonstrated sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to coordinate activities across multiple offices and locations and effectively engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and team-building skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with media monitoring, communications, and collaboration tools.

PCI Federal (PCIF) and its subsidiaries are an equal-opportunity employer. PCIF does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, national origin, religion, marital status, sexual orientation or identity, Veterans or Disability status.

Preference may be extended to qualified Native American Indian candidates in accordance with applicable federal law.