Press and Media Coordinator

Key Responsibilities

Press and Media Engagement Operations (60%)

• Design and implement 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 disinformation.
• Organize Mission initiatives to engage effectively with the press and media, whether in response to local coverage or to initiate dialogue on specific issues.
• Assess the news cycle for optimal timing of media interactions and determine appropriate protocol levels for conveying information.

Strategic Planning (20%)

• Develop and recommend strategies for Mission engagement with Kenyan press and media.
• Analyze media audience reach, geographic coverage, political tendencies, and credibility.
• Recommend priority engagement with outlets that reach high-priority audience groups.
• Develop media engagement strategies for the Ambassador and other Mission leadership based on analysis of individual skills and expertise.
• Cultivate professional relationships with key media outlets, journalists, editors, and commentators.

Coordination (10%)

• Advise Mission colleagues on promoting U.S. policy positions with media and online outlets to maximize accurate coverage.
• Coordinate press engagement across all Mission agencies (judicial, legal, consular, economic, etc.).
• Represent the Public Diplomacy (PD) section at internal meetings to contribute media analysis to Mission strategies.
• Coordinate with the Strategic Content Coordination team to repurpose media guidance for broader audiences.

Administrative Functions (10%)

• Prepare, manage, and track annual budgets for press-related activities.
• Serve as Grants Officer Representative (GOR) for press and media training grants or cooperative agreements when required.
• Maintain office records and ensure activities are recorded in PD Tools and contact databases.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Education: A university degree in Journalism, Communications, International Relations, Political Science, Economics, or a closely related field is required.
• 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. Experience must include significant responsibility for public relations, public affairs, journalism, marketing, and managing outreach events or press conferences.
• Security Clearance: Ability to obtain and hold a Public Trust security clearance.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should apply online through the official U.S. Department of State Electronic Recruitment Application (ERA) portal. Visit the application link: U.S. Embassy to Kenya on erajobs.state.gov to submit your application. Ensure that your application addresses all the position qualifications including education, experience, and skills. Failure to submit a complete application may lead to disqualification.