Press Officer

Department/Program Summary:

GMF’s Communications Team works to elevate the organization’s position as a leading platform for transatlantic engagement and cooperation and to ensure that the organization’s voice and the voices of GMF’s experts are heard in international policy conversations.

Job Summary:

The Press Officer will lead efforts to elevate GMF’s profile in American media and leverage events and activities of GMF’s Washington office and European network to create communications opportunities. The individual will cultivate relationships with key members of American media on behalf of GMF and develop strategies for enhancing media coverage of GMF across target markets. S/he/they will act as a contact person for American media, providing accurate and timely response to press requests and keeping the press database up to date. The position also has responsibility for developing and implementing communications strategies for GMF’s events and other initiatives, including the annual Brussels Forum conference, and participating in creation of content for GMF’s digital channels.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities (in order of importance):

Identify and develop relationships with key journalists covering foreign policy and other relevant subject matter in target United States markets, particularly Washington, DC.

Develop and implement new strategies for drawing media coverage of GMF experts and initiatives.

Identify opportunities for press coverage around events and specific publications and collaborate with colleagues to optimize coverage. Advise on how best to structure events, publications, and other initiatives to represent GMF brand and maximize press attention.

Advise GMF leadership, fellows, and experts on best practices for engaging with media. Advise on formulating GMF outputs so as to optimize media relevance.

Contribute to written and multimedia content creation for GMF’s digital channels, including press releases.

Secure top-level journalists as event moderators and steward their involvement with GMF.

Respond to media enquiries, setting up interviews, manage media logistics at events and monitor media coverage of GMF.

Develop toolkit for measuring and analyzing GMF’s media impact, provide regular reporting to Communications Director and Senior Staff.

Develop original products for engaging journalists with GMF content.

Maintain the organization’s database of media contacts and identify gaps in the organization’s engagement with specific outlets and journalists and seek to develop new relationships.

Internal/External Contacts:

The position has wide latitude to make contact with internal staff and external media in conducting the duties.

Autonomy and Responsibility:

The position requires the ability to operate and make recommendations on behalf of GMF with considerable autonomy and the judgment to decide when to involve the Communications Director and/or other leadership in decision-making. The individual may manage trainees and influence the work of other communications staff.

Knowledge and Skills Needed:

Knowledge of American media landscape and established network amongst Washington-based foreign policy media; knowledge of European media a plus.

Ability to manage communications and workflow across time zones.

Excellent academic and journalistic writing skills.

Native-speaker level written and spoken English.

Interest in international relations, particularly American and European foreign policy.

Experience with podcasting and digital media a plus.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree required.

Experience:

Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience.