Media Relations Coordinator #770

Issues press credentials and administers workspace for the Congressional press corps. Advises gallery members on Senate (and House, where applicable) operations such as scheduling, procedure, floor strategy, committee structure and jurisdiction, and parliamentary procedures. Reviews membership applications, processes membership dues, and maintains membership database and files. Maintains records of Senate (and House, where applicable) proceedings in some galleries with particular emphasis on recording votes, logging time of votes, writing summaries, and issuing briefs on significant legislation and events. Responds to inquiries concerning legislative and public affairs; researches legislative issues for media and Senate offices. Monitors television and radio coverage of Senate committee hearings. Briefs members of the media on key legislative initiatives and public policy; monitors, tracks, and analyzes Congressional activities to update media representatives. Coordinates logistics of media events, including determining the number of media representatives allowed to be present, media set-up and arrangements, and issuing press passes. Attends events as a liaison to facilitate media coverage, including determining logistical arrangements such as seating, restricted access, security, lighting, etc. Works in concert with Congressional offices and the media to arrange interviews, press conferences, meetings, and related media opportunities; assists in planning, organizing, coordinating, and implementing media arrangements for quadrennial political conventions and inaugurals, Presidential debates, State of the Union addresses, major Congressional hearings, and related joint sessions or special events. Assists with planning, coordinating, and implementing media arrangements for quadrennial political conventions, Presidential inaugurals, State of the Union addresses, Supreme Court Justice confirmation hearings, other major Congressional hearings, joint sessions, impeachment trials, and special events. Other duties as assigned.

Conditions of employment

• For conditions of employment and citizenship requirements, please visit the job announcement on the United States Senate Career Page at https://sen.gov/YO0NL.

Qualifications

Required Work Experience

• At least two years of relevant experience.

Required Special Skills/ Knowledge

• Knowledge of Congressional operations, including Senate and House procedures, scheduling, floor strategy, committee structures, jurisdiction, and parliamentary processes.
• Basic understanding of legislative processes and vote procedures.
• Basic understanding of media relations practices, including press credentialing, media access rules, and journalist engagement standards.
• Knowledge of event logistics for Congressional and high-profile political events, including security, seating, lighting, and press arrangements.
• General knowledge of public policy and major legislative issues sufficient to brief media and respond to inquiries.
• Basic understanding of database and record-keeping systems.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, verbally and in writing, with journalists, Congressional staff, and internal colleagues.
• Ability to facilitate interviews, press conferences, hearings, and other media opportunities between Congress and the press.
• Ability to assist in planning and organizing large, complex events, such as inaugurals, debates, State of the Union addresses, hearings, and joint sessions.
• Ability to brief media representatives in a clear and concise manner.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in fast-paced, high-pressure environments during major legislative events and breaking news.
• Ability to make sound decisions regarding media access, logistics, and security considerations during live events.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, including vote logs, summaries, and documentation of significant Congressional actions.
• Ability to work collaboratively with media outlets, Congressional offices, and internal teams to support smooth operations and event execution.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances, such as shifting schedules, evolving legislative developments, or unexpected event requirements.
• Capacity to adapt to change, stay updated on customer needs, maintain knowledge of media trends, and drive innovation within the SAA.
• As part of our hiring process, we may conduct a skills assessment to better understand an applicant’s proficiency in key areas relevant to the role. 

Desired Qualifications

• Strong customer service skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in or understanding of media relations, including working with journalists and news organizations.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Working Conditions

• May occasionally be required to work long hours.
• Extended periods of standing may be required.
• Essential Services are functions and activities that are critical to the continuous operation, security, and support of the United States Senate. These services must remain operational without interruption to ensure the Senate can conduct official business. Positions supporting essential services require employees to be available and prepared to work, including during inclement weather, holidays, weekends, late nights, and overnight hours. Due to the nature of Senate operations, essential services, including network operations and infrastructure, cannot be suspended while the Senate is in session, and maintenance activities may be required outside of normal business hours.
• Excepted Services refer to functions and activities that are authorized to continue during a lapse in appropriations because they are necessary to the performance of the Senate’s constitutional functions, address emergency circumstances that imminently threaten the safety of human life or the protection of property, or directly support essential services of the United States Senate. Employees in excepted positions are generally required to work and remain operational during a lapse in appropriations to ensure continuity of critical Senate functions. These positions may involve working non-standard schedules, including nights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours, to maintain uninterrupted service and operational readiness.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your application will be evaluated by a panel on the quality and extent of your total accomplishments, experience, and education. Highly qualified candidates may be interviewed and a reference check conducted.

• Your resume should include relevant work experience, applicable education and your contact information. For current or previous federal employees, include the pay plan, series and grade.

Subject to background/security investigation.

Next steps