About the Role
The Press Assistant will handle print and web pitches, assisting the Press Secretary with major outlets. They will also be in charge of radio appearances and our Meltwater database, including research, monitoring, and reporting. The Press Assistant will report to the Press Secretary. The Press Assistant must be able to work in person at the MRC’s Herndon, VA office (no remote candidates, please).
Duties & Responsibilities:
● Make daily pitches for radio, print, and web exposure
● Coordinate closely with the Press Secretary
● Book media appearances for MRC spokesmen across the MRC brands
● Promote daily pieces and major reports
● Cultivate and maintain conservative media relationships with radio, print,
and online contacts
● Manage Meltwater database to include research, tracking, and weekly
media reporting
● Track MRC appearances and mentions
● Monitor and follow up with those doing media on staff
● Ability to jump in during off-hours for breaking news items
Required Experience & Education:
● Strong Communication Skills – Candidate must have proven written and verbal communication skills. Accuracy and attention to detail are critical. Writing samples will be required.
● Commitment to Conservative Principles – Candidate must be a dedicated conservative with a passion for media bias and free speech. They must understand key conservative values and embrace the mission of the MRC.
● Engage with Other Departments – Work with various teams to be aware of upcoming projects and promote all MRC brands through available press channels.
● Media Relations Experience – Candidate should have some experience or a strong interest in booking media appearances on conservative issues.
● Media Contacts – Candidate should be willing to meet with and cultivate media contacts.
● Organized and detail-oriented
● Strong writing skills and ability to frame pitches, targeting the right outlets,
and timely follow-up
● Passion for analytics and reporting
Additional Preferred Skills (Not Required)
● Experience with Meltwater, Cision, or other reporter database
● Experience in the conservative movement, media outlet, public relations,
campaign, or government press operation
● Contacts with conservative media outlets
● Experience pitching media stories from a conservative viewpoint
Performance & Success Metrics:
● Set and meet goals for media appearances
● Provide timely updates when appearances are booked and changed
● Handle weekly reporting in a clear, concise, and timely fashion
● Be highly responsive to media outlets and staff
● Track results through weekly reports
Personality Profile
● Strong communications skills
● Outgoing and charismatic
● Self-starter and motivated
● Innovative and creative
● High integrity/trustworthy
● Results-oriented
● Timely and flexible in a fast-paced environment
● Strong work ethic