Press Secretary

Job Overview

Are you ready to be the driving force behind advancing fair maps, strengthening voting rights, and protecting democracy? Join us as a Press Secretary at the National Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC) and ignite change through compelling communications.

The National Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC) and its affiliate organizations are seeking a Press Secretary. The Press Secretary will contribute to the development and execution of a communications strategy that advances the organizations’ efforts to achieve fair maps across the country, strengthen voting rights, and protect democracy. The Press Secretary will work within the Communications Department and in collaboration with other departments to plan and execute an aggressive earned media strategy at the national and local levels. Daily responsibilities include pitching stories and interviews, preparing for and staffing interviews, writing and editing communications products such as press releases and talking points.

This position is perfect for someone who has a passion for voting rights, writing and editing, pitching and media relations, and translating complex, highly-nuanced topics into simpler terms.

We are looking for a candidate who is a team player with strong writing abilities, a strong rolodex of reporters, and excellent organizational skills. The job requires someone with a strong work ethic, a sense of humor, critical thinking skills, the ability to operate in a fast-paced environment and to juggle multiple projects at once, and strong attention to detail. This position reports to the Communications Director and is supported by the Communications Coordinator. This is a hybrid position that is based in Washington, D.C.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Communications Director to help raise NDRC and affiliates’ profile and raise awareness of redistricting and other voting rights issues in national and regional media
• Produce, edit, and manage extensive writing and editing responsibilities
• Engage directly with journalists on both reactive and proactive media relations

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in communications or press relations, preferably in a political or advocacy environment
• Exceptional writing skills, with the ability to create dynamic, persuasive communications materials – including press releases, talking points, speeches, op-eds, remarks, and briefing materials
• Experience or an interest in growing the national profile of organizations and principals to a wide range of audiences
• Experience producing quality products in close collaboration with a team
• Proven communication and media relations experience, with the ability to work effectively across various media and platforms
• A sense of humor and a willingness to work in an environment that can fluctuate between being a fast-paced, campaign-like environment to one that must maintain a steady drumbeat in the press
• Ability to multitask, operate under the pressure of tight deadlines as well as manage longer-term projects, and to always get the job done
• Strong interest in state and national politics, democracy, and voting rights

Preferred Qualifications

• On the record experience 
• Experience staffing a principal 
• Familiarity with redistricting and other voting rights issues
• Experience managing staff and/or mentoring junior-level teammates

Other Info

• This position is based in Washington, D.C. Although most of the job can be done remotely, there are some in-person components, such as staffing principals for interviews, building relationships with reporters, and helping set up press events as necessary   
• Given the nature of working with press, hours for this position can be unpredictable at times, sometimes requiring late nights and early mornings
• Some national travel and attendance at All Staff Retreats is also expected
• Benefits include paid time off, immediate access to the organization’s 401(k) program with a 4% match, health care, dental and vision coverage, along with a stipend for cell phone use
• Position will remain open until filled. Candidates who apply by Monday, February 5, 2024 will be prioritized

Equal Opportunity & Diversity

The NDRC is committed to building a staff that reflects the diverse communities that make up our country. The NDRC prohibits discrimination of employment, promotion, compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment on the basis of gender, disability, race, age, national origin, color, creed, sexual orientation, sex (including marital and parental status), gender identity and expression, religion, economic status, ethnic identity, veteran’s status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. This policy covers all programs, services, policies, and procedures of the NDRC, including opportunity for employment and treatment as a NDRC employee. The NDRC is an equal opportunity employer and will comply with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination in employment.