Local Press Specialist

Organization: Pennsylvania House Democratic Campaign Committee
Title: Local Press Specialist
Position type: Full-time, temporary
Duration: June 1 - November 15, 2024
Location: Philadelphia, Harrisburg, or Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Salary: $5,500 per month

About the PAHDCC and this role:

The Pennsylvania House Democratic Campaign Committee (PAHDCC) is seeking Local Press Specialists through the November 5 election to support Democratic House candidates in Pennsylvania. Each Specialist will provide communications support for multiple candidates, including building relationships with the candidates and key reporters, identifying and executing earned media opportunities, and drafting press releases and other materials as needed.

Candidates should be based within commuting distance of Philadelphia, Harrisburg, or Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania or be willing to relocate. A relocation stipend can be available.

People of color, people with disabilities, women, and LGBTQI+ candidates are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities include:

• Perform daily communications functions, including media monitoring; drafting press materials including advisories, press releases, statements, and op-eds; and preparing candidates and other spokespeople for media events
• Manage campaign media lists and develop relationships with key reporters
• Identify and execute proactive earned media and rapid response opportunities, including pitching and interfacing directly with reporters and producers on behalf of the candidates
• Conceptualize, organize, and manage press events
• Serve as spokesperson for the campaign as needed
• Coordinate with campaigns, state legislative caucuses, partner organizations, and consultants on a regular basis
• Provide support to battleground candidates' campaigns by identifying endorsement opportunities, drafting materials for endorsement applications, and rollout of received endorsements
• Aid other members of the team in creating talking points and concise language to be used both in newsletters, traditional media and social media, as necessary

Qualifications and requirements:

• 2-5+ years of communications experience required, prior campaign experience preferred
• Strong writing and interpersonal skills, and comfort working in fast-paced environment
• Strong knowledge of the current media landscape, including a sense of what’s newsworthy, an understanding of a wide range of news outlets and journalists, and experience directly interacting with reporters
• Technical fluency with tools such as Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite
• High level of organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and an ability to multitask

Strongly preferred but not required:

• Work experience in or deep familiarity with Pennsylvania
• Work experience in a state legislature or state legislative campaign
• Spanish language fluency

Position details:

• Full-time, beginning in June and ending mid-November, including night and weekend work, as necessary 
• Salary: $5,500 per month, plus additional benefits
• Location: Philadelphia, Harrisburg, or Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with some in-state travel required
• Please note: This role requires access to a vehicle and a valid U.S. Driver's License
• Reports to: Local Press Director

To apply, please include a cover letter that references any relevant experience, resume, and writing sample.

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