Deputy Press Secretary, Politics

We strongly encourage people of color, transgender and non-binary people to apply. HRC is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone, including non-LGBTQ people, to join our team.

Position Summary:

The Deputy Press Secretary, Politics is responsible for working with communications leadership to develop press strategy surrounding HRC’s federal political priorities, including both rapid response to breaking news as well as proactive communications strategy. The Deputy Press Secretary’s day-to-day responsibilities will include responding to media inquiries, proactively pitching stories and editorials, engaging with reporters and drafting press releases and statements. This position will be based in Washington, DC.

Position Responsibilities:

• Earned media planning and execution: Proactively seek out news opportunities and creative placement strategies as part of short- and long-term planning in coordination with Communications leadership.
• Effective media relations and tactics: Develop and propose tactics to successfully pitch stories, including ensuring HRC’s placement in breaking news.  
• Produce outstanding written materials: Draft standard pieces such as press releases, media advisories, talking points, web content, and other materials. Synthesize research into appropriate messaging.
• Build and maintain relationships with key reporters, editors and producers in print, online, television and radio;
• Act as background source as necessary;
• Work with and coach spokespersons on effective interaction with press;
• Execute events such as press conferences, media availabilities and editorial board meetings;
• Research various issues in order to service media requests; 
• Other duties as assigned.

Position Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent in experience);
• At least four years of work experience in media relations with a preference for advocacy/political communications;
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills with a strong sense of urgency and the ability to work effectively under pressure;
• Proven writing skills as well as the communications skills necessary to elicit the right information from a variety of sources;
• Must be self-driven and well-versed in developing communication materials, eager to pitch extensively, and able to meet tight deadlines;
• Flexibility with work schedule; this position requires frequent evening and weekend work to respond to breaking news;
• Ability to travel 10-15% of the time;
• Familiarity with media contacts and media landscape;
• Must be comfortable working in a high-volume environment and have the ability to closely follow the messaging of the organization on a wide variety of issues;
• Personal interest in and commitment to LGBTQ rights required.

All positions at the Human Rights Campaign may require travel on a regular basis or periodically.  Where the need arises for business travel, appropriate compensation as outlined by the Fair Labor Standards Act will apply.

No phone calls or emails, please. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to queries about application status.