Press Secretary

SUMMARY

Better Markets and its team of subject-matter experts is a widely quoted, high-profile, highly sought-after economic and financial reform advocacy organization seeking an experienced communications professional to manage, maintain, cultivate, and expand our substantial, fast-paced communications operations, including print, online, radio, TV, and social media. This is a fantastic opportunity to lead the fight to de-rig the economy for hardworking Americans against the wrong priorities and predatory activities of the biggest banks on Wall Street and to get finance to support the real economy and jobs while reducing inequality and poverty. Anyone with a credit card, debit card, bank account, loan of any type, or who uses any financial product or service is impacted by Better Markets’ work. 

The Press Secretary will develop and implement a creative, proactive, and comprehensive media relations plan across all platforms to drive our message on economic, financial, and financial reform issues. In conjunction with the Director of Communications, the press secretary will lead overall media engagement strategy; coordinate press inquiries and interviews; draft op-eds, press releases, and talking points; craft social media posts; and coordinate media events as necessary. Additional responsibilities include basic website updates and other duties as assigned. The candidate must be digitally savvy, organized, resourceful, and flexible, with a proven track record of crafting and executing media strategies, excellent writing skills, and a top-notch understanding of the news cycle and media environment.

The Press Secretary will report directly to the Director of Communications.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with the Communications Director on day-to-day media outreach.
• Proactively, creatively, and quickly identify and respond to breaking and daily news where Better Markets can impact the news story, public debate, regulator deliberations, and policy decisions.
• Proactively pitching print, TV, radio, etc., stories, and monitoring the news as it relates to economics, finance, financial reform, and Better Markets’ work.
• Respond to media inquiries and draft/edit press releases, media advisories, articles, opinion pieces, newsletters, and blog posts, and social media channels.
• Support Better Markets spokespersons through the total lifecycle of media engagement opportunities, including pitch/inquiry, scheduling, interview preparation, and follow-up.
• Cultivate and expand Better Markets’ extensive media relationships, including digital media outlets and professionals.
• Track media mentions and accomplishments and measure the effectiveness of activities and efforts.
• Maintain and update media distribution lists.
• Assist with drafting press releases, statements, and talking points.
• Integrate the organization’s communications strategy across all digital platforms, including Better Markets’ website and social media accounts.
• Be available after business hours, as needed, to keep pace with the busy news cycle.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of five years of experience working with media and a demonstrated record of building productive relationships with reporters and producers.
• Superior attention to detail, organization, and accuracy; ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Exceptional writing skills, including the ability to make complex subjects understandable and craft nuanced messaging.
• Strong oral communication, relationship-building, and interpersonal (“people”) skills; obsessively detail-oriented.
• Ability to think creatively about how to effectively engage the media, the general public, and the legislative, regulatory, and policy community.
• Demonstrated initiative, creative problem-solving, ability to work independently, and a track record of fostering a collegial work environment.
• Tech-savvy, with hands-on experience using social media platforms, digital PR tools, and basic website posting; familiarity with contact database management.

PREFERRED/VALUED EXPERIENCE

The following experience is preferred but not required; candidates who do not meet all of these criteria are still encouraged to apply.

• Existing relationships with national reporters and/or on-the-record media experience.
• Experience with Cision, WordPress, or comparable tools.
• Prior experience working on Capitol Hill, including in a Senate or House office.
• Familiarity with economic, financial, or banking policy matters (including the Dodd-Frank Act) or with policy-centered nonprofit organizations.

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

Better Markets is the leading non-profit, non-partisan, and independent organization in Washington DC fighting for a financial system that supports the real productive economy, jobs and growth. It was founded in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis to promote the public interest in the financial markets, support the financial reform of Wall Street, and make our financial system work for all Americans again. We pursue these goals through a variety of advocacy and activities, including throughout the rulemaking process at all the financial regulators, in-depth research reports, litigation in the federal courts, and through all mainstream and social media channels. 

SALARY

The salary range is $90,000-$120,000, depending on qualifications and experience. We offer an excellent benefits package including no-monthly-contribution health insurance (dental and vision included), short- and long-term disability, a 401(k) plan with a 5% annual employer contribution, tax-deferred flexible spending accounts, vacation and sick leave, family leave, a monthly home office allowance, and commuter benefits. 

LOCATION

Better Markets’ office is located in downtown Washington, DC, near the Blue, Silver, and Orange line stations at Foggy Bottom and Farragut North. This position is hybrid, offering both in-office and work-from-home options, but the successful candidate must be based in D.C.