Press Secretary

About the Organization:

Patients For Affordable Drugs (P4AD) is the only national patient advocacy organization focused exclusively on lowering prescription drug prices. The bipartisan organization, founded by a patient with incurable blood cancer, amplifies the voices of Americans struggling under crushing drug prices to ensure policymakers and elected officials understand the toll of high drug costs. P4AD does not accept contributions from any organizations that profit from the development or distribution of prescription drugs.

About the Role:

P4AD is seeking a Press Secretary to help drive our communications strategy, execute media outreach, and amplify patient stories. This role is for a strategic, ambitious, and self-motivated communicator with strong writing skills and an ability to navigate a fast-paced media environment. The Press Secretary will be responsible for monitoring the news cycle, managing press outreach, pitching and placing stories, drafting press materials, and providing critical support for rapid response and campaign efforts.

This is a great opportunity for someone with experience in media relations, political or issue advocacy communications, or journalism who wants to help advance policies to lower drug prices. They will be flexible and creative, identifying proactive press opportunities, and responding to rapid response scenarios quickly with good judgment. A bilingual English/Spanish speaker is preferred but not required. People who have lived experience with high drug prices are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities:

• Media Strategy & Outreach:
• Help shape P4AD’s earned media strategy, ensuring the organization is consistently driving and influencing coverage of drug pricing issues.
• Pitch and place stories in top-tier national and local outlets, building strong relationships with health care, political, and investigative reporters.
• Draft and distribute press releases, media advisories, statements, and talking points.
• Manage and maintain P4AD’s press lists and tracking tools, ensuring organized and targeted press engagement.
• News Monitoring & Rapid Response:
• Oversee the daily collection and distribution of drug pricing news clips, ensuring timely updates.
• Monitor breaking news and coordinate rapid response efforts.
• Staffing P4AD Principals:
• Prepare P4AD’s leadership for media engagements, including interviews, panels, and events.
• Draft media prep documents, including anticipated questions, key messages, and strategic guidance.
• Lead internal media training efforts, ensuring P4AD patient advocates are prepared for public engagement.
• Coordinate logistics and staffing for interviews and public appearances.
• Messaging:
• Draft and edit op-eds, letters to the editor, and blog posts that align with P4AD’s advocacy and policy goals.
• Collaborate closely with the policy team to ensure messaging is accurate, persuasive, and effective.
• Other general expectations: 
• Work across departments to weave effective communications into the work of other departments and amplify their work to the press. 
• Effectively prioritize communications tasks.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience required.
• Experience: 3-5 years of experience with at least 2 years experience in media relations, political communications, issue advocacy, or journalism. 
• Writing & Editing Skills: Excellent writer with experience drafting press materials, op-eds, and strategic messaging.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to connect the dots between policy, media, and advocacy to drive narratives and elevate key issues.
• Self-Starter & Team Player: Strong interpersonal and communications skills, able to work independently while collaborating across teams.
• Attention to Detail & Organization: Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in media tracking tools like MuckRack. Experience with Mailchimp is a bonus.
• Spanish Fluency: Preferred but not required.
• Uphold P4AD values & contributes to a positive team environment

• Location: Based in Washington, DC., three days a week in office is required.
• The position is exempt, full-time, and reports to the Director of Media and Communications
• Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week). Occasional work outside traditional office hours may be required for conferences or events.

To apply: Please send resume and responses to the following two prompts to jobs@p4adnow.org - Why do you want to work for P4AD? Why are you a good fit for the role? Applications without answers will not be reviewed.