Media Strategist

Position description

Established in 2004, Culmen International is committed to enhancing international security, strengthening homeland defense, optimizing government operations and providing humanitarian assistance around the world.  We provide technical and management expertise, develop innovative technology solutions, and deliver youth care services, logistics, training and language services worldwide.  With experience in over 126 countries, Culmen supports our clients to accomplish critical missions in challenging environments.

Culmen is seeking to hire a Media Strategist to work part time in Washington, D.C. for the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. 

Roles & Responsibilities

• Identify pitching opportunities by researching trending stories and building/maintaining media lists. Lists should capture reporters that reach key DFC stakeholders, including the business, development, and foreign policy communities.
• Support pitches for the CEO and other senior leadership for interviews and briefings with top-tier national and international media, with a focus on reaching key U.S. audiences.
• Support the writing and clearance of DFC press releases and develop/maintain media lists for targeted distribution of those releases.
• Support the planning and execution of regular relationship building/background briefing activities with targeted media.
• Develop and maintain a database of strategic messaging for use in media interviews, responses to media inquiries, and open-press events. Examples include talking points on DFC’s work, tailored for each major stakeholder group, priority region, and priority sector; “if-asked” Q&A on timely issues and events; and reactive statements in anticipation of crisis situations.
• Organize and coordinate media interviews, thoroughly vetting opportunities and setting ground rules in advance.
• Draft responses and respond to daily media inquiries after liaising with relevant stakeholders, including other departments within DFC, U.S. Government counterparts, and clients, to fully understand the issues at hand. Manage necessary approvals, both internal and external, of draft responses
• Develop briefing materials to prepare CEO and other senior leadership ahead of media interviews, including identifying key messaging objectives, developing strategic talking points, providing background information on the reporter and outlet, and outlining the run-of-show.
• Proactively identify and evaluate emerging issues and current events and provide recommendations for DFC to provide a response, when necessary. Lead in crafting responses.
• Provide staff support for senior leadership during press interviews and engagements and advise on topic issues.
• Manage coordination with clients and U.S. Government counterparts, including U.S. embassies, seeking to amplify DFC’s investments through media engagement, such as through press releases and media interviews, to ensure accuracy and appropriateness of messaging.
• Support other public affairs activities as needed. Responsibilities could include drafting factsheets, brochures, and other marketing materials; writing remarks and op-eds; developing social media content; updating web content; and supporting the execution of high-profile events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, English, communications, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in media relations, preferably in a communications
  or journalism role.
• Excellent grammar, spelling, and punctuation skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to multitask.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Direct experience working with the U.S. national and top tier media is preferred.

Top Tier Benefits Package

• Exceptional Medical/Dental/Vision coverage with 100% of the premiums paid by the company for all employees and their eligible dependents
• 401k – Vested immediately and 4% match
• Life insurance and disability paid by the company
• AFLAC Available
• Tuition Assistance
• 12 Paid Holidays

Application instructions

Please be sure to indicate you saw this position on tendersglobal.net