Follow LA Observed on Twitter here
In the Morning Buzz on Wednesday I mentioned that City Councilman Bill Rosendahl is looking for a communications deputy. Within hours I heard from Councilman Tony Cardenas' office that they too are looking to hire a deputy for communications. The job reports to Chief of Staff Jose Cornejo with a deadline of Friday to apply. Other details are after the jump.
Noted: UCLA's Anderson School of Management is looking for a director of media relations, and Spot.US is seeking a senior reporter for "an exciting new project covering overlooked, quality-of-life issues across Los Angeles, with a focus on health, land use and transportation with the support of the California Endowment."
Communications Deputy
(exempt, at-will position)
The Communications Deputy supports and raises the visibility of the Councilmember by responding to media inquiries and initiating proactive strategies that generate media interest.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
• Manage all communications with media and press
• Draft and distribute press releases
• Write and disseminate semi-monthly newsletter
• Collect and track news items relevant to Council District 6 and the Councilmember
• Relay information to the media in a timely and accurate fashion
• Field questions from the press corps and provide background information to reporters
• Set up and schedule interviews
• Prepare Councilmember for all television, radio, and phone interviews, including televised specialty shows or panels
• Follow up with reporter immediately to ensure the message of the Councilmember was expressed clearly
• Pitch stories to news directors, reporters, and editors on a daily basis
• Maintain an awareness of and involvement in district affairs and issues, and update the councilmember as appropriate
• Demonstrate teamwork by assisting staff with routine correspondence, telephone/e-mail inquiries and special events
• Plan and execute press conferences
• Track and organize Public Records Act requests
• Other duties, as assigned
SKILLS/COMPETENCIES:
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong presentation and public speaking skills
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with reporters, journalists, bloggers, and other media professionals
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and under deadline
• Knowledge of new and emerging media publicity strategies
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, internet research, data entry
• Experience with Adobe InDesign CS5, Pagemaker or similar desktop publishing program
• California Driver License
• Bachelors degree in Journalism, Communications, English Literature, Political Science, Public Policy or related field
• Proficiency in HTML coding or web design (desired)
• Fluency in a second language (Spanish - strongly preferred)
Availability on evenings and weekends is sometimes required.
REPORTS TO: Chief of Staff
SALARY: DOE
SEND RESUME AND COVER LETTER TO:
Councilmember Tony Cárdenas
Attn: Chief of Staff
200 N. Spring Street, Room 455
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Fax : (213) 847-0549
E-mail: jose.cornejo@lacity.org
cc: emily.williams@lacity.org
*Please write “Communications Deputy” in subject line.
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.
DEADLINE: September 24, 2010