Brookings: Communications Manager Wanted

A Communications Manager position just opened at the Brookings Institution. Details below, but click here for more and how to apply. Good luck!

The Communications Manager will manage the implementation of the Engelberg Center for Health Care Reform (ECHCR) communications and outreach work. This includes management of external engagements (press, live and virtual events, online communications, partnership development); finding new ways to amplify ECHCR’s considerable research and expertise; and ensuring the Center’s externally facing material is executed at the highest level of rigor and quality. Successful implementation of ECHCR’s external relations program will reach and influence the press, policymakers, business leaders, research partners/grant makers, and health care practitioners. The Communications Manager coordinates and collaborates with the Economic Studies and Brookings Communications and web teams.

 

Media Relations in the Digital Age

There’s no way around it. Media relations remains at the core of what we PR folks do. So you want to learn how to do it best? Check out PRSA National Capital Chapter’s “Media Relations in the Digital Age” presented by its Professional Development Committee. The quick and dirty are below with more details here and registration here.

 
WHAT:  PRSA National Capital Chapter’s “Media Relations in the Digital Age”
WHEN:  8:00 – 10:00am, June 8^th
WHERE:  U.S. Navy Memorial & Heritage Center (701 Pennsylvania Ave., NW)
COST:  Cost: $35 PRSA, WWPR and BPRS /members; $55 non-members; $10 students/retirees

In this exciting workshop, you’ll walk away with invaluable new insight to enhance your career development:

• How to leverage today’s top news to get your client, or your boss, interviewed
• How to concisely articulate your story idea
• What it takes to get your calls returned and become a trusted source
• How to pitch a story in a 24/7, online news cycle
• Make great new contacts

Speakers:

• Jeffrey Ballou, Deputy News Editor – Al Jazeera
• Jennifer Bendery, Washington Correspondent – The Huffington Post
• Tony Capaccio, Pentagon Correspondent – Bloomberg News
• Lois Dyer, Futures Editor- CBS News
• Maggie Fox, Managing Editor of Technology and Healthcare – National Journal

Moderator:

• Aaron Cohen – Vice President of Media and Digital Communications, MSLGroup

Any questions, just give the chapter a shout: 703.691.8733

 

Cinco de Mayo. Mark you calendar.

The Masters. Cherry Blossoms. Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Kentucky Derby. And yes… Cinco de Mayo! What a fantastic time of year. Capitol Communicator is back at it with “Cinco de Mayo” 2011 for another great networking event and a perfect way to enjoy the warmer weather. Young MC will once again take part in the festivities, sharing a sponsor’s table with our good friends at Washington Women in PR.

Holding true to its name, the event is scheduled for Thursday, May 5^th at Local 16 with a start time of 6pm. Come on out to meet some new folks and swing by our space to say hello and cheers the evening—there are plenty of drink specials to enjoy!

Sign up early to take advantage of the discounted rate for Young Professionals. Look forward to seeing you all there!

WHAT: “Cinco de Mayo” 2011
WHEN: Thursday, May 5, 2011, 6 – 9pm
WHERE: Local 16 (16^th and U St. NW)

 

Eat. Chat. Learn.

A big thanks to Keith Blackman, principal of Blackman Media Solutions, for coming out yesterday to the National Press Club to chat with Young MC and WWPR members about new strategies for effective media training and improved executive visibility. Keith examined the important role proper media training plays in the context of the 24\7 news cycle and offered valuable insight into best-practice techniques to ensure a successful interview in any situation.

And thanks to all of you who joined us for the luncheon and participated in such a lively and engaging discussion. We look forward to partnering with WWPR again and appreciate NPC providing such a fitting and ideal space. Check out a few shots from the event!

 

How would you like your graphic design?

Not a jab at you graphic designers out there, just a little Wednesday humor that a fellow YMCer shared… Those of us who have had the pleasure of being involved in such projects, I’m sure you can appreciate this scientific analysis:

 

You’re Invited: Lunch with Keith Blackman

Young MC and Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) are pleased to partner and present a lively lunchtime discussion featuring Keith Blackman, principal of Blackman Media Solutions (BMS). Bring your lunch to the National Press Club (NPC) on March 3rd, and learn new strategies for effective media training and improved executive visibility. Keith will examine the important role proper media training plays in the context of the 24\7 news cycle. Attendees will also have an opportunity to tour NPC’s Broadcast Operations Center.

This exclusive member’s only discussion will take place at noon on March 3rd at the National Press Club. Seating is limited and on a first-come first-served basis, so please R.S.V.P. via the link below to immediately to secure your seat.

Learn more here and R.S.V.P here.

Where:  National Press Club, 529 14th St NW (14th and F Street, NW), at Metro Center
When:  Thursday March 3, 2011 from 12:00 to 1:30 PM

 

AS Opening at Jones PA

This just in: Jones Public Affairs seeks an Account Supervisor with agency experience, proven media relations skills and strong writing ability. Applicant should be detail oriented, demonstrate critical thinking, and possess an interest in the healthcare environment. 

Click here to apply or check out our Job Postings page for more detail.

 

Good businessman or sketchy journalist?

Beyond its fantastic title (“The Worldwide Leader in Dong Shots”), this GQ article offers an interesting and entertaining perspective on sports journalism and the ever-expanding boundary reporters will cross to get those few extra hits. With Editor A. J. Daulerio of Deadspin.com as the story’s protagonist (or antagonist?), you can’t help but admire his zeal for success but certainly question some of his tactics for getting there.

More than any other sports journalist in years, Daulerio has been redefining where that line is, and then crashing over it. His tactics—reporting rumors, paying for news, and making Deadspin’s money on stories that are really about sex, not sports—are questionable.

And here’s a little color to that:

He looked at the photos and listened to the voice mails. Once Daulerio was satisfied that the voice was Favre’s and the penis was, well, a penis, he and the source hopped in a cab and headed downtown to Gawker’s SoHo offices. Daulerio ran upstairs, got the envelope, and brought it down to the street, where the source was waiting. After counting the money, the source handed Daulerio a paper-clip-sized USB drive with the files.

What do you think? Good businessman or sketchy journalist?

 

Senior Digital Strategist Job Opp at PN

Porter Novelli seeks an experienced, insightful, and passionate Digital Strategist to join its Digital Team in Washington, DC. They are looking for a pro-active individual who knows not only the Interactive space but the zeitgeist at large and who can translate trends into compelling, actionable, and effective Digital strategies. This individual can articulate the 30,000 ft. view as well as adjust and redirect movements on the ground. Visit their careers page and learn how to apply here.

Responsibilities

• Help plan our client’s communication programs and infuse smart, creative, and measurable digital components into integrated communication campaigns.
• Help evangelize Digital Strategy throughout and our agency and client work
• Establish digital benchmarks of success for each program
• Translate sets of data—whether its brand metrics, sales data, or web analytics—into meaningful insights and specific digital communication opportunities
• Work collaboratively with other team member, agency partners, and outside vendors.
• Speak at conferences and industry events.  Write articles and contribute to company blogs and publications.
• Help pitch and win new business, including contributing ideas to RFIs / RFPs and participating in new business pitch.

Requirements

• Strong analytical and strategic planning skills
• Exceptional writing, presentation and interpersonal communication skills
• Deep understanding of the principles of social media and experience with components in the interactive space, including site design, email CRM, mobile, blog, game design, animation, video and wikis
• At least 5 years agency experience as strategist and with a background in digital, advertising/marketing/pr, and/or research.
• Experience working with top-tier brands/companies/institutions. Consumer, healthcare, tech, and public advocacy experience is a definitive plus.
• Ability to moderate and lead group discussions.
• High proficiency with MS Office applications is required. Familiarity with HTML, Visio/In Design, Photoshop/Fireworks/Illustrator is a plus.
• Travel up to 20% of the time

 

Be an Adult

I get it. The food industry does have some sort of responsibility to help ensure the precious children of this great nation are healthy, eating right and grow up to solve our world’s crises. But is suing McDonald’s for offering Happy Meals to youngsters really the best approach? Apparently, to one mother involved in the lawsuit, it is: “We have to say no to our kids so many times and McDonald’s makes that so much harder to do.” Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t realize making it difficult for you, as the authority, to say no to your child was a crime.

It’s a fast food chain. It ain’t a pack of cigs. It ain’t healthy. And they’re kids. If you don’t want them to eat Happy Meals, then don’t buy them Happy Meals. If you’re taking your kids to McD’s in the first place, chances are you’re not putting a walnut salad or apple slices in front of them. So exercise your right as a parent, as an adult, and don’t allow your kids to eat whatever they want.

Yeah, those Happy Meals are marketed towards kids. The toys inside sure aren’t meant for me when I stop at the burger joint during road trips. But is this promotion of a tiny burger, a handful of fries and a Diet Coke (if you so choose) an “unfair, deceptive and illegal” practice as Michael Jacobson, executive director of the Center for Science in the Public Interest describes it? I can see both sides of the debate, but would agree with McDonald’s position:

We stand on our 30-year track record of providing a fun experience for kids and families at McDonald’s. We listen to our customers, and parents consistently tell us they approve of our Happy Meals. We are confident that parents understand and appreciate that Happy Meals are a fun treat, with quality, right-sized food choices for their children that can fit into a balanced diet.

You tell me.