SUMMARY OF POSITION:
We are seeking a highly motivated Member Support Specialist to collaborate with the entire communications office to conceptualize and execute creative communications solutions to be used across various media platforms for multiple members of the caucus.
The ideal candidate is a creative, proactive individual with well-developed critical thinking skills who is able to both plan ahead and solve problems as they arise, sometimes unexpectedly. The Member Support Specialist should be able to manage multiple concurrent projects, write quality material quickly, and meet deadlines.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
- Proactively work with member offices to promote legislators, their issues, and their legislation.
- Research, write, distribute and publish engaging materials related to legislative and public policy, initiatives and events of members and the caucus, including but not limited to media releases, op-eds, speeches, email campaigns, website content, social media content, scripts and other electronic outreach, and direct mail and other publications.
- Guide members in effective communications with the media and the public.
- Coordinate media and public outreach events for members in Harrisburg and their districts, including media events, press conferences, public events, and related digital content.
- Follow relevant legislative activity in Senate committees, on the Senate floor, in House committees, and on the House floor.
- Create, edit and/or review content for member e-newsletters, including content specific to a single member and content that could be used by multiple members.
- Work with member offices to build and maintain relationships with relevant media outlets.
- Maintain member-level media lists, ensuring all relevant media outlets are included, working with member offices.
- Working with other Member Support Specialists, with support from Administrative Assistant, maintain statewide, regional and topical media lists, ensuring all relevant media outlets are included.
- Identify strengths and weaknesses in members’ media outreach.
- Work with member offices to strengthen ongoing relationships with local media outlets and specific reporters.
- Work with member offices to build and maintain contact lists of relevant local elected officials, business groups (e.g., chambers of commerce, downtown groups) and nonprofit organizations (e.g., volunteer fire companies, veterans’ organizations). Help create and distribute relevant messages to those groups.
- Using a calendar of the effective dates of relevant upcoming laws, work with member offices to maximize media coverage and digital exposure.
- Collaborate with colleagues in the Communications Office to increase online impact of press conferences and other media events.
- Meet regularly with appropriate staff in member offices to update comms efforts.
- Review member social media feeds and e-newsletters regularly. Report items of interest to Social Media Specialist and others in the comms office as appropriate.
- Work with member offices and Caucus Services on communications efforts such as the caucus texting program, Tele Town Halls, etc.
- Travel as needed to attend legislative activities and handle media events.
- Other work-related duties as assigned.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Fast-paced, creative, collaborative and challenging.
- Requires flexibility, prioritization and multi-tasking.
- Rewards self-starters who can take direction and work closely with others.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field.
- 3+ years of experience preferred.
- Comfortable with Microsoft Office products.
- Demonstrated ability to produce quality press releases and other written material.
- Ability to review and constructively edit work written by others.
- Willingness to learn and adapt as communications needs evolve.
- Knowledge of state government.
Pay: $55,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
