Press Secretary

The Office of Representative Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Co-Chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee and Co-Founder of the Black Maternal Health Caucus, is hiring a Press Secretary. This is an in-person position located in our Washington, D.C. office, with occasional travel and telework opportunities. 

Core responsibilities of this role include:

• Drafting high-quality written materials in the Congresswoman’s voice or other preferred style in line with all congressional rules and regulations, including press releases, speeches, talking points, email newsletters, talking points, website content, and logistics memos. 
• Pitching and staffing traditional media interviews, managing press inquiries and proactive media monitoring, maintaining press lists, and building and maintaining district and national press relationships. This includes assisting the Creative Director with capturing video and photos of the Congresswoman in D.C. for social media and for events. 
• Managing logistics and tech for town halls, press conferences, and other public-facing events, both virtual and in-person.
• Working with the Creative Director to manage staff assistant and intern press duties, including overseeing daily press clips. 
• Collaborating with the Member and staff to proactively identify messaging strategies and opportunities that help us serve our district and elevate the Congresswoman’s work to our constituents.  

This is not an entry-level position. Essential qualifications for the role include:

• Minimum 1-2 years of on-the-record experience, with a proven track record of successfully leading work and building relationships with reporters, bookers, producers, and members of the traditional media. 
• A strong working knowledge of Capitol Hill norms and processes, including at least one year of experience as a full-time staffer in a congressional office. 
• Excellent organization, writing, editing, and proofreading skills, including the ability to write in a principal’s voice. 
• The ability to juggle multiple competing projects and produce high-quality work under tight deadlines with strong attention to detail in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. 
• Curiosity, commitment to public service, and a strong interest in media, writing, and storytelling.

The annual salary range for this position is $70,000 – $95,000, dependent on experience and qualifications. The position offers health coverage; comp time; retirement benefits with an employer match; paid sick, bereavement, and vacation leave; paid parental leave; paid FMLA leave; access to life insurance coverage; and access to the Student Loan Repayment Program. 

The office is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, age, disability, military status, marital or parental status. Women, people of color, and other members of traditionally underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

To apply, please email Underwood.CommsJobs@mail.house.gov with “Press Secretary” in the subject line and the following application materials attached as one combined PDF:

• Résumé (Required)
• Cover letter (Required)
• 2-3 professional references including name, current title and organization, phone number, email, and a one-sentence description of your relationship to the reference. Of course, we will not reach out to these references without separately obtaining your permission. (Required)
• Examples or a link to a portfolio of your photography, videography, or digital content work (Optional)