US PRESS SECRETARY

 

ONE is a global advocacy and campaigning organization backed by more than 2 million people from around the world dedicated to fighting extreme poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa. ONE has offices in Washington, DC, London, Berlin and Abuja.  This position will work out of our DC location.

 

The US Press Secretary is responsible for advancing ONE's goals by increasing public awareness and understanding of these issues through US media coverage. The US press secretary works as part of the Communications Team, implementing the media strategy under the supervision of the Director, US Communications.  In addition to forming and managing relationships with key US reporters covering relevant issues of importance to ONE, the press secretary will track and fulfill media inquiries and manage proactive outreach in support of ONE's goals. The US press secretary will work closely with ONE's policy and government affairs teams, as well as, with communications staff in our London and Berlin offices.  Exceptional writing skills are essential for this position.

 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Develop and implement proactive media strategies to support ONE's policy objectives, as well as broader issue advocacy campaigns. This includes:
    • Briefing journalists, staffing interviews by ONE leadership, arranging and managing press conferences
    • Hands-on media work at events
    • Representing ONE in NGO networks and media working groups
  • Write press releases, background briefings, issue papers, talking points and  content for the website
  • Remain current on policy issues related to ONE's work
  • Maintain a positive working relationship with reporters, media, and ONE partners and allies
  • Log and track media inquiries.
  • Ensure media contact system is maintained and oversee production/distribution of daily media clips
  • Act as spokesperson and media liaison for ONE, where needed

 

SPECIFIC TYPES OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILL & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

  • Bachelor's degree and at least 5 years experience working as a spokesperson with the media, with a proven record of performance in the Washington DC media environment
  • Strong communications skills
  • Exceptional writing skills, including an ability to write effective press releases, talking points and background materials
  • Solid understanding of print, broadcast, and online media
  • Ability to think quickly and pitch complex policy ideas in an accessible form
  • Experience interfacing between communications and policy staff
  • Must be able to work effectively in a team and independently
  • Able to work a flexible schedule including long hours
  • General interest and dedication to the mission of ONE