Press Assistant Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. req3846 Department House of Representatives
Salary $70,000.00 to $90,000.00 Grade 5 to 6
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 7/11/2025 Close Date 7/12/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

The office of the House Democratic Leader seeks a dynamic Press Assistant to join a fast-paced communications team. Qualified applicants must have strong writing skills under tight deadlines and be able to handle multiple assignments simultaneously. Early morning, evening and weekend work will be required as needed.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Open to the public

Duties

The office of the House Democratic Leader seeks a dynamic Press Assistant to join our fast-paced leadership communications team.

Qualified applicants must have strong writing skills, be able to edit and proofread under tight deadlines, handle multiple assignments simultaneously and stay on top of the news. Tasks include, but are not limited to, compiling a high volume of daily press clips, assisting with press events, website maintenance, research, managing the press intern program and drafting press releases and talking points. Early morning, evening and weekend work will be required as needed.

Essential Duties

Media Monitoring and Reporting:

  • Prepare Media Reports: Compile daily and weekly media reports summarizing coverage and public sentiment for the Leader and senior staff.
  • Monitor News Coverage: Track daily news coverage related to the Leader, the Democratic Caucus, and key policy issues.
  • Alert Team to Key Stories: Quickly alert the communications team to significant news stories or developments that require a response.

Drafting and Editing Press Materials:

  • Prepare Draft Press Releases: Assist in drafting press releases, media advisories, and other communication materials. that reflect the Leader’s positions and priorities.
  • Write Talking Points: Help develop talking points, speeches, and statements for the Leader’s public appearances and interviews.
  • Edit and Proofread: Review and edit communication materials to ensure clarity, accuracy, and alignment with the Leader’s messaging office style guide.

Administrative Support:

  • Clips and Transcribes: Collect and manage the repository of Leader’s speeches, remarks, and media interviews.
  • Media RSVP: Conduct outreach to invited media to ensure attendance at press events in the district, D.C., and nationally.
  • Manage Press Materials: Ensure press materials, including press releases, advisories, and statements, are organized and accessible.
  •  Maintain Records: Keep detailed records of media interactions, coverage, and communication activities while maintaining an up-to-date archive available to Jeffries team members.
  • Performs other official duties and projects assigned.

Essential Skills:

  • Ability to adjust approach to unforeseen challenges quickly to minimize disruption.
  • Ability to maintain consistent messaging, style, and formatting across communications.
  • Ability to ensure quality control processes and ensure high standards in communications.
  • Skilled in managing constituent/ stakeholder engagement, issue resolution, and feedback focuses on effective messaging.
  • Ability to proactively initiate projects, solve problems, assess progress, and improve workflow efficiency.
  • Ability to manage time to meet existing and emerging deadlines for press releases and communications.
  • Ability to analyze and identify relevant trends and patterns in communications needs.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with others to achieve common goals.
  • Ability to maintain positive relationships with media contacts and outlets.
  • Ability to analyze situations and provide advice and support to colleagues.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • USAJobs Conditions of Employment

Qualifications

Qualified applicants must have strong writing skills, be able to edit and proofread under tight deadlines, handle multiple assignments simultaneously and stay on top of the news.

Preferred Education

  • Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Political Science, Public Relations, or related
    field or equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred
  • Minimum of 1 -3 years of experience in communications, journalism, or public relations.
  • Internship in a political office.
  • Experience leading and managing people

Preferred Experience

  • Capitol Hill or Hill-adjacent experience is preferred
  • Experience in campaigns (political, legislative, or issue-based) is preferred
  • Experience working with the press as a press secretary, communications director, or similar communications role is preferred      
  • Experience building relationships with national media is preferred
  • Knowledge of committee and floor procedures is preferred
  • Familiar with working in a fast-paced environment and managing multiple complex issues
    simultaneously

This position is in an office setting that is adequately heated, lighted, and ventilated. Normal safety precautions apply. The work involves carrying light items such as books, papers, and small office equipment. The incumbent must be able to meet minimum physical requirements (e.g., lifting, bending, crouching, standing, etc.). Physical Requirements and work environment are subject to reasonable accommodation.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

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

You will be evaluated using a structured interview process.

Required Documents

Resume, cover letter and two writing samples

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates please submit your resume online by following the instructions in this link.

Agency contact information

Careers@mail.house.gov
Address
CAO
441 2nd St
Washington, DC 20515

Next steps

Qualified Candidates will be contacted directly.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.