Press Specialist
Position description
The Press and Media Specialist works under the direct supervision of the Deputy Public Affairs Officer (or PAO designee). Oversees press and media operations for the Mission, promoting understanding of and support for U.S. policy. Serves as chief advisor to the Mission on policy advocacy through media engagement. Identifies long-term trends and emerging policy-relevant issues and advises Mission leadership on strategies for promoting accurate, balanced Belgian press and media coverage of U.S. foreign policy and American interests; correcting misinformation; and countering disinformation. Monitors, analyzes and reports on Belgian press and media coverage of issues of importance to the U.S. Builds productive relationships with press and media professionals, including media owners, editors, producers, and journalists. Develops and coordinates media tours and exchange programs.
Press and Media Engagement Operations
Advances U.S. foreign policy objectives through engagement with opinion leaders in the media and information spheres. Oversees press and media operations for the Mission, to explain and advocate for U.S. policy positions in Belgian broadcast, print, and online media. Serves as chief advisor to the Mission on media engagement, the Belgian media landscape, and issues relevant to U.S. policy and interests reflected in the media. Advises the Ambassador, Deputy Chief of Mission and senior Mission leadership and Washington policy offices on strategies for communicating U.S. policy effectively in Belgium. Leads efforts to ensure balanced and informed coverage of all aspects of the United States, such as U.S. foreign policy, economy and trade, culture, society, and education. Advises on tact and tone for Mission/U.S. Government responses to breaking stories, misinformation, and dis-information in traditional and online media.
Strategic Planning
Recommends communications strategies to shape Belgian opinion and affect behavior of Belgian policymakers using the full range of U.S. Government communications tools, both at post and in the broader geographic region, and among interagency partners. Designs and recommends Mission strategies to engage effectively with the press and media, both in response to Belgian coverage and to initiate dialogue on specific issues. Recommends media engagement strategies for the Ambassador and other Mission leadership, based on analysis of individual skill, language ability, portfolio, experience and expertise.
Intra- and Interagency Coordination
Develops and recommends Mission-wide press strategies and activities, and coordinates press and media engagement for all Mission agencies on judicial, legal, consular, economic, political, cultural, military, security and other issues. Plays a leadership role in ensuring that messaging and engagement are consistent across all Mission sections and agencies.
Administrative Functions
Prepares, manages and tracks annual budgets for press and media related activities; monitors and tracks USG funds allocated to counter disinformation and for media grants; ensures appropriate accountability measures are in place, USG branding requirements are observed; Recommends audits to prevent misuse of resources and contributes to the overall PD Resource Allocation Module (PDRAM), in consultation with the Resource Coordination unit.
