Assistant Press Secretary or Press Secretary (commensurate with experience)

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. Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that people from marginalized communities are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At HRC, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Position Summary:

The Assistant Press Secretary salary range is $55,100 - $63,000. This position will be considered for hiring as a Press Secretary if you have at least four years of experience. Press Secretary salary range is $60,800 - $76,000.

The Assistant Press Secretary is a member of HRC’s political communications team and is responsible for ensuring the organization’s work is delivered effectively to the media. They are responsible for drafting press materials, conceptualizing and pitching stories, booking media appearances and executing rapid response communications. The Assistant Press Secretary will ideally have pre-existing relationships with reporters and work to create opportunities to drive the narrative around key issues for the organization. They must have a working knowledge of communication strategies to serve political and advocacy goals and an interest in leveraging HRC’s strengths and communication tools to impact policy, educate the public and expand awareness of the organization. This position will be based in Washington, DC.

Position Responsibilities:

• Develop proactive media strategies for HRC’s work with a focus on political work at the state and federal levels;
• Monitor, research, analyze, and respond to breaking news on LGBTQ+ matters;
• Work with media in positive and adverse situations, including extensive pitching of story ideas to large and small press outlets;
• Monitor as news related to HRC’s work unfolds and produce draft messaging including talking points, statements and press releases and engaging with the media;
• Facilitate interviews with print, TV and radio for HRC spokespeople;
• Act as a background and on-the-record source as necessary;
• Manage execution of in-person and virtual events including press conferences, media availabilities, editorial board meetings, and other communications-related events;
• Work collaboratively with other departments and disciplines, including political, programs and research teams;
• Work cooperatively with others across the communication team;
• Create effective partnerships at all levels of the organization;
• Other duties as assigned.

Position Qualifications:

• At least three years of professional experience in media relations, preferably in political or advocacy settings;

• Those with at least four years of experience will be considered for hiring at the Press Secretary level with a salary range of $60,800 - $76,000.
• A passion for politics and for leveraging the media to advance political and social change;
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills with a 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;
• Strong interpersonal skills and professional demeanor;
• Strong skills with Microsoft Office applications (Word and Outlook), Google Apps (Gmail, Google Docs and Drive), and social media;
• Flexibility with work schedule; this position requires occasional evening and weekend work to respond to breaking news;
• The ability to travel 10-15% of the time will be required;
• 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;
• An understanding of LGBTQ+ and progressive issues and a personal interest in and commitment to LGBTQ+ equality.

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.