Media Specialist – MEDIA002024-00001

Who We Are

Peace is our commitment. The United States Institute of Peace represents the American people’s shared values and commitment to peace worldwide. We know that Peace is Security – it advances both U.S. and international security by preventing, managing, and mitigating violent conflict.

We are an independent, non-partisan institution and are actively engaged with peacebuilding efforts around the world. Together we tackle the most challenging problems and hold fast to the possibility of a more peaceful world. To learn more about USIP programs and job openings, go to https://www.usip.org/about/careers.

If you have a passion for making the world a better place and want to have a front-row seat on the world stage, USIP is the place for you.

JOB BRIEF

The Media Specialist (MS) works with the Senior Press Officer to fulfill USIP’s Communications Strategy. The MS will amplify the work of the Institute’s presence in traditional media by identifying and engaging targeted media and assisting in the development of earned media for USIP Programs. The Media Specialist must have an excellent understanding of international issues, the media landscape, the Institute’s experts, content, products, and how they relate to the news cycle. The Public Affairs and Communications (PAC) provides public affairs, events, and communications services to 350+ organizations and works closely with USIP’s Executive Office and every department in the Institute. The position is based in Washington, D.C., and will report to the Senior Press Officer.

TARGET SALARY RANGE

Grade 10- $68,000-$72,000

The Institute uses the General Schedule salary tables for administering compensation. Contractor offers are determined based on candidate qualifications, related experience, internal equity, and the amount budgeted for the position.

RESPONSIBILITIES
* Assist in liaising for the press, including fielding journalists’ requests for experts and proactively pitching experts to media outlets.
* Coordinate and facilitate media interviews for USIP experts based on current events, breaking news, and USIP study groups.
* Draft press releases, statements, talking points, and other materials under tight deadlines for both the general public and specialized target groups.
* Coordinates virtual or in-person media briefings with USIP experts.
* Coordinate and facilitate media coverage and attendance of USIP before, during, and after public events, both in person and virtual, including drafting media event advisories.
* Tracks interview requests. Facilitates and coordinates any requests for media at USIP headquarters.
* Update and maintain media contacts in Salesforce.
* Oversee the “In the News” section of the newsroom, including compiling clip reports daily, drafting the text for usip.org and posting the news hits to the USIP Newsroom.
* Draft a comprehensive morning news roundup of media clips with hyperlinks to articles before 7:30 a.m., Monday through Friday, including relevant opinion/editorial pieces as well as USIP events, experts, and reports in the news.
* Digital content contributor for media relations overseeing the USIP Newsroom and marketing e-mails.
* Make recommendations on new opportunities for media outreach.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
* A Bachelor’s degree with four (4) years of experience in journalism or communications or equivalent experience in a related field is required.
* A Master’s degree with two (2) years of experience is a plus.
* Knowledge of and demonstrated interest in foreign affairs and international relations.
* Excellent written and oral communication skills are required.
* Strong skills in the Microsoft Office Suite, particularly MS Word, MS Outlook, and MS Excel, are required. Strong computer skills in database usage are preferred.
* Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines.
* Ability to work as a team player with extroverted and entrepreneurial character traits.
* Ability to draft clear, concise media pitches and press releases.
* Ability to work early hours Monday through Friday.
* Knowledge of AP style, Salesforce, and Cision is a plus
* Spanish or Arabic language skills a plus

All USIP contract and employee positions are contingent upon the favorable completion of a suitability background investigation.

HOW TO APPLY
To be considered for this position, please submit a complete application package consisting of:

1. Completed employment application including titles, dates of hire and salary requirements.
2. Cover letter
3. Resume

For questions about this position, please email [email protected]. Do not send resumes or attachments to this email address.

Only those applicants that are selected for further discussions will be contacted.

No Phone Calls. Interviews will be scheduled by appointment only.

USIP is an equal-opportunity employer. It is the policy and practice of USIP to offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, age, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, political affiliations or belief, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law.