The Press and Media Coordinator works under the direct supervision of the Public Diplomacy Officer SCC/Media) or PAO designee. The position has no supervisory responsibilities. Monitors Kenyan press and media coverage of issues of importance to the U.S. Identifies and advises Mission leadership on strategies for promoting accurate, balanced Kenyan press and media coverage of U.S. foreign policy and American interests; correcting misinformation; and countering disinformation. Builds productive relationships with press and media professionals in person and online.
Key Responsibilities
Press
and Media Engagement Operations (60%)
- Designs and implements press and media activities for the Mission to
promote balanced and informed coverage of U.S. policy, respond to breaking
stories, correct misinformation, and counter dis-information.
- Recommends and organizes Mission initiatives to engage effectively
with the press and media, whether in response to Kenyan coverage, or to
initiate dialogue on specific issues. Assesses the news cycle for best
timing of media interactions, specific points to be made (or not made),
the appropriate protocol level, and other means for conveying information
on- or off-the-record.
Strategic
Planning (20%)
- Develops and recommends strategies for Mission engagement with
Kenyan press and media. Analyzes media’s audience, geographic reach,
political tendencies, and credibility. Recommends priority engagement with
outlets that reach audience groups of greatest importance to Mission
priorities.
- Recommends media engagement strategies for the Ambassador and other
Mission leadership, based on analysis of individual skill, language
ability, portfolio, experience, and expertise. Cultivates professional
relationships with key media outlets and journalists, editors, and
commentators for optimal coverage of U.S. and Mission priorities.
Intra-
and Interagency Coordination (10%)
- Advises Mission colleagues on how best to promote U.S. policy
positions with press, media, and online outlets, to maximize accurate and
balanced coverage. Coordinates press and media engagement for all Mission
agencies, and advises Mission personnel on optimal press and media
strategies for judicial, legal, consular, economic, political, cultural,
military, and other issues.
- Recommends Mission press and media responses to sensitive issues, in
coordination with Department public affairs offices. Represents the PD
Section at internal meetings to contribute press/media analysis to Mission
strategies and events. Coordinates with the Strategic Content Coordination
team to repurpose press and media guidance for non-press/media audiences.
Administrative Functions (10%)
- Budgeting and Financial Resources: Prepares, manages and
tracks annual budgets for press and media related activities, and
contributes to the overall PD Tools , in consultation with the Resource
Coordination unit.
- Grants: Serves as Grants Officer Representative (GOR), if required,
for press and media training grants/cooperative agreements, with
responsibilities as indicated in Delegation of Authority
letter.
- General: In coordination with the Resource Coordination team, maintains
office records and files, and ensures that press and media activities and
initiatives are recorded in PD Tools and contact databases as
needed.
- Note: Job holder will perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Requirements:
- All selected candidates must be able to obtain and hold a: [HR
DELETE THE OPTION THAT DOES NOT APPLY]
- security certificate; or Public Trust security
clearance. Education Requirements:
- A university degree in Journalism, Communications, International
Relations, Political Science, Economics or closely related is
required.Evaluations:
- You will be evaluated against the qualifications and requirements in
this vacancy announcement.
- You may be asked to complete a pre-employment language or skills
test.
- You must complete the application form and provide the required
documents. Your application must address all the position
qualifications and requirements including education, experience, language,
and any knowledge/skills/abilities listed. If you fail to submit a
complete application, then your application may be disqualified for this
position.
Experience:
- A minimum of four years of progressively responsible experience in a
media outlet, think tank, university, NGO, international organization,
foreign embassy, government office or corporation is required, with
responsibility for public relations, public affairs, journalism,
communications, marketing, managing public relations, outreach events,
press conferences, and other media interactions as significant parts of
the job.
How to Apply
