Overview

The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is a 501(c)3 grantmaking foundation that receives an annual Congressional appropriation in excess of $310 million and is governed by a private, bipartisan Board of Directors. This unusual arrangement positions NED to play a unique role as America’s leading foundation for freedom, empowering the institution to be nimble, innovative, and risk-taking in support of democratic activists, civil society organizations, independent media, and the NED family core institutes (the International Republican Institute, the National Democratic Institute, the Center for International Private Enterprise, and the Solidarity Center). 
 
We seek an experienced, connected, and collaborative Press Secretary to build our network and strengthen the impact of our work and mission. This position is based in Washington, D.C.
 
Position Summary: 
A key member of the Communications and Public Engagement team (COMMS), the Press Secretary is an experienced communications professional who will design and implement a media outreach strategy to effectively communicate NED’s mission, grow our audiences, and increase external coverage of our work, partners, and experts. This role will work closely with the communications team, as well as the NED President and CEO, NED leadership, the government relations team, regional teams, and various initiatives to act as spokesperson, monitor our space, respond to media inquiries, manage crisis communications issues, build networks, draft press materials, and report on media coverage.
 
Responsibilities: 
  • Serve as a spokesperson for NED with media professionals and other organizations.
  • Develop and execute a media relations outreach plan working closely with the Director of Communications, Social Media Coordinator, other communications stakeholders at NED, as well as the NED President.
  • Build relationships with and develop plans to engage in NED’s programming domestic and international journalists, editors, producers, and other influencers working across print, broadcast, and digital media, editors, and producers.
  • Maintain detailed contact lists of relevant outlets, journalists, and interests.
  • Draft press materials, including talking points, press advisories and releases, op-eds, and memos in support of communications plans and goals.
  • Coordinate and support media engagements for the NED President and CEO, other members of leadership, and staff experts.
  • Develop a media engagement plan for fellows and partners to ensure global coverage reflects authentic local perspectives.
  • Identify opportunities to react to breaking news and connect NED experts and partners on the ground for interviews, comments, and other opportunities.
  • Manage media monitoring software and produce reports on media coverage to share across the organization.
  • Provide ongoing media and communications support and training to NED staff and grantees.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • The level of responsibility and independence in assigned tasks will increase with experience.
 
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree required, Masters preferred, but not required.
  • 8+ years of professional experience in media, communications, or public relations.
  • Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
  • Extensive network of media professionals covering foreign affairs, national security, international news, and other topics related to NED’s mission and work.
  • Demonstrated success pitching and securing media coverage.
  • Experience working and living outside the United States a plus.
  • Demonstrated experience with media placements and working with journalists, editors, editorial boards, columnists, producers, videographers, and other media professionals.
  • Exceptional writing skills for both press and general audiences.
  • Writing should be sharp, personable, and memorable, with the ability to write in the voice of others.
  • Familiarity and aptitude with using social media as an earned media tool.
  • Keen political judgment and ability to anticipate how others will respond to our work; familiarity with Congress and the US political environment.
  • Ability to establish and cultivate positive working relationships with the media.
  • Ability to work evening events when needed.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team.
  • Ability to work independently, juggling competing priorities with strict deadlines.
  • Proven track record as a self-starter.
  • Superlative organizational ability and attention to detail.
  • Passionate about NED’s mission.
  • Additional language is a plus.
  • Authorized to work in the United States.
 
To Apply:
Applications must include a cover letter, resume, desired salary, and contact information for three professional references, of which one should be a supervisor. Please, no phone call inquiries.

Located in Washington, D.C., the salary range for this role is $ 85,250 – 136,125 USD, plus benefits. The final offer for a successful candidate will be determined by a combination of factors, including, but not limited to, skill set, level of experience, education, and market considerations.

At NED, we recognize that our most important asset is our people. We value the diversity of skills and perspectives our team brings to our work. We believe an inclusive and supportive work environment fosters a culture of respect and appreciation for all individuals. NED is committed to creating a workplace that allows everyone to be their authentic selves and make meaningful contributions to our organization, our grantees, and our world.
NED strives to create a work experience that supports the well-being and healthy work-life balance of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package offers health insurance (includes no copay for mental health services), a generous retirement savings plan, paid parental, vacation, and sick leave, a hybrid workplace model, flexible work schedules, and wellness initiatives to ensure a positive work-life balance.

NED is dedicated to creating an environment of respect and collaboration where everyone is encouraged to participate and take ownership of their work. We offer flexible work schedules and, for most positions, the opportunity for weekly telework days. This hybrid approach allows our employees to balance their work and personal lives while still participating in the collaborative process at the heart of our mission.

The NED is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics covered by applicable law. The NED is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for all qualified individuals and bases all employment decisions on qualifications, merit, and business need. The NED believes that diversity and inclusion among our team members are critical to our success as an organization operating globally and seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.

For more information, please visit our website at www.ned.org  or careers@ned.org.
 
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