Press Secretary

Office of Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20)

PRESS SECRETARY – The Office of Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a permanent member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC) and ranking member of the House Veteran Affairs Committee (HVAC) seeks a strategic, detail-oriented, hardworking, and highly-organized Press Secretary to lead and manage the Member Office’s media efforts.

The Press Secretary will work closely with the Chief of Staff, Legislative Director, Communications Director, and the District Team on a weekly basis to ensure all media needs are met. Candidates must have stellar writing and verbal communication skills, exceptional organizational skills, be detail oriented, and enjoy working in a fast-paced team environment. The ideal candidate will have proven knowledge of the congressional work setting, ability to balance competing demands, and possess sound political judgement. The position requires a willingness to work non-traditional hours when required. Hybrid work options are available during non-session weeks. Understanding of House franking rules is required. A minimum of 2-4 years of relevant Capitol Hill, administration, or campaign experience strongly preferred. South Florida ties and a sense of humor are pluses. 

 The ideal candidate is a team player and strategist, skilled listener and communicator, detail-oriented and organized, responsive and accessible, a creative problem solver and self-motivated.

This position is based in Washington, DC and reports to the Communications Director. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Develops and executes the office’s national and local press strategy;
• Works directly with the Congresswoman to prepare and staff her for interviews, speeches, press conferences, public events, roundtables, and other opportunities; 
• Creates and leverages opportunities in print, broadcast and unconventional media;
• Prepares written materials including backgrounders, press statements, quotes, speeches, remarks, op-eds, talking points, press releases and advisories;
• Designs creative media plans to effectively roll out legislation, letters (including 499 program), and other policy initiatives that include press components, and events (i.e. CODELs);
• Manages a robust and data-driven online communications program, alongside the Communications Director; 
• Oversees the weekly press clips to ensure the Member is aware of top stories;
• Briefs the Member on top stories of the day and proposes recommendations on key issues, on a daily basis;
• Supervises and mentors the Press Assistant, other junior comms staff and interns;
• Works collaboratively with the District Office to ensure a strong local media and digital presence;
• Collaborates with the legislative team on a daily basis;
• Participates in the senior leadership team along with the Chief of Staff, Legislative Director, Communications Director and District Team;
• Performs special projects assigned by the Congresswoman or Chief of Staff;

·      Maintains a good working relationship with the Congresswoman, Chief of Staff, department staff, and constituents;

·      Accepts performance-based criticism and direction;

·      Possesses a temperament to communicate with a variety of personalities in a tactful, pleasant, and professional manner;

·      Meets attendance requirements as established by the office;

·      Works well under pressure and handles stress;

·      Works a flexible schedule including nights and weekends as needed according to the Congressional schedule;

·      Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

·      The ideal candidate works well in a demanding and fast-paced environment, and anticipates problems, takes initiative, and offers solutions. Previous Congressional or related press experience is required. This is not an entry-level position.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Salary: 57-60K, annually. The position offers health coverage; retirement benefits with an employer match; paid sick, bereavement, and vacation leave; 6-12 weeks of paid FMLA leave; transit or parking benefits; access to life insurance coverage; and access to the Student Loan Repayment Program. The office is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, disability, age, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender, LGBTQ identification, family status, or military status. Women, people of color, and other members of traditionally underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

TO APPLY:

This is an urgent hire. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The office will contact the best qualified candidates to begin the interview process. To apply, please email FL20Jobs@mail.house.gov with “Press Secretary” in the subject line and the following materials: (1) cover letter, (2) resume, (3) transcript, (4) two references including name, current title and organization, phone number and email.