Job Descriptions
Press Secretary
Legislative Assistant
*Job descriptions and applications below
Applicants should be aware that positions may not currently be available. We accept applications on a rolling basis, and applicants are still encouraged to submit resumes.
Communications & Technology Department
Press Secretary Job Description
Nature of Work
Press secretaries are public relations professionals who manage media relations for their assigned group of Republican state representatives. These individuals help their members and the caucus maintain a positive public image while effectively using traditional and new media to share information with constituents.
Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree is required to be considered for this position. A degree in public relations, journalism, telecommunications, marketing, communications or political science is recommended. Applicants should possess a high level of communication skills, both verbal and written. This job requires time management skills, the ability to prioritize tasks and work under tight deadlines. Communications staff must adhere to AP Style.
All House employees are expected to maintain high ethical and confidentiality standards consistent with office policies. A press secretary reports directly to the director of communications and technology, and he or she is subject to an annual performance evaluation.
Job Responsibilities
- Writing: Craft press releases, media advisories and e-newsletters for members, with strict adherence to AP Style.
- Media Relations: Pitch stories to reporters, coordinate local, state and national media interviews, and manage distribution lists. Press secretaries do not speak on the record or on behalf of their members.
- News Monitoring: Track media coverage of members through Google alerts, social media monitoring and staying up-to-date with local and state news. Distribute news clips to members daily.
- E-Communications: Craft and distribute weekly e-newsletters for members and manage distribution lists. Update and maintain member webpages.
- Publications: Create and update handouts for legislators to distribute during town hall meetings, school visits and other events.
- Audio/Video/Photos: Record, edit and distribute members’ audio soundbites to local radio stations. Work with trained staff or independently to record, edit and distribute video interview clips of members to TV stations. (Opportunities also available to script, edit and distribute the weekly caucus podcast.) Take photos of members during events and meetings for use on materials and online.
- Press Conferences: Plan and coordinate media availabilities and press conferences for members.
- Direct Mail: Assist with writing and coordination of member content for direct mail pieces, including post cards, surveys and newsletters.
To apply:
If you are interested in this position, please send your application and resume with writing samples to Molly Gillaspie, communications director for Indiana House Republicans, at molly.gillaspie@iga.in.gov. Click here to download the application.
Applicants should be aware that positions may not currently be available. We accept applications on a rolling basis, and applicants are still encouraged to submit resumes.
Legislative Operations
Legislative Assistant Job Description
Mission:
To assist legislators in successfully fulfilling their public obligations by providing support services in the areas of constituent communication, policy research, public relations and administration.
Core Values & Principles:
- Stewardship & Service: our dedication to providing quality service to Hoosiers.
- Loyalty & Commitment: our steadfast commitment to the caucus and principles instead of self-serving interests.
- Positivity, Patience, Perseverance: we maintain an attitude of positivity, we are patient, and we persevere.
- Honesty & Transparency: we honor the public’s trust and maintain that commitment at all times.
- Teamwork: we recognize that to be successful, we must work together as a team.
- Accountability & Adaptability: we hold ourselves accountable and adapt to all situations presented.
- Excellence & Efficiency: to always be efficient and provide excellent service no matter the situation.
- Professionalism: we are relatable and respectful to all individuals in all circumstances.
General Information & Requirements:
A legislative assistant must be able to work closely and professionally with elected officials and state representatives. They should have a general interest and knowledge in the legislative process and state government. Excellent communication, organization and people skills are essential to a legislative assistant. Customer service experience is preferred. A bachelor’s degree and proficiency in basic office computer and equipment is required.
While the legislature is in session, a legislative assistant must be able to handle working in a hectic, fast-paced work environment. A legislative assistant may be required to work over a normal eight-hour work day or on a weekend with little or no advance notice. All House employees are expected to maintain high ethical and confidentiality standards consistent with office policies. Limited travel may be required of a legislative assistant. A legislative assistant reports directly to the Director of Legislative Operations and is subject to an annual performance evaluation.
The Indiana House of Representatives is committed to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment, where all employees are treated with respect. Qualified employees will be hired without regard to age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion, or disability.
Job Functions: *these tasks may vary depending on the needs of individual legislators
- Constituent Correspondence: A legislative assistant acts as the liaison between the legislator and their constituents and is responsible for communicating, both orally and in writing, on a member’s behalf about legislation, the legislative process and the member’s opinions.
- Constituent Management: Legislative assistants must track constituent communication using the Intranet Quorum Constituent Management software provided by the House.
- Constituent Casework: Legislative assistants must be problem solvers who are able to navigate the inner workings of state government to manage constituent inquiries.
- Constituent Outreach: The legislative department is responsible for individualized constituent outreach programs designed to increase the name I.D. of our legislators through mass mailings, school programs, tour groups, etc.
- Committee Coverage: Each legislative assistant staffs at least one standing and several interim legislative committees. They are required to attend hearings, submit reports on legislation and write talking points.
- Research: Legislators frequently require policy research for constituent responses, new legislation, amendments, and remarks on the House Floor and in committee. This task may involve searching the Indiana Code, past legislation and national legislation databases.
- Tracking: Legislators often need assistance tracking legislative issues through the process. This may entail monitoring committee reports, using the IGA website and working with other legislative assistants.
- District Knowledge: Legislative assistants should be familiar with their legislator’s district and district specific issues. This may involve limited travel to the district.
- Town Hall Meetings: Legislative assistants may assist representatives in arranging, attending and tracking town hall meetings in and out of session.
- Organization and Preparation: During the legislative session, a legislative assistant provides organization support, i.e. preparing bills for session and committee.
- Scheduling: Legislative assistants may also be required to manage a representative's schedule, legislative travel and provide all materials.
- Intern Supervising: During session, legislative assistants are responsible for managing the work and daily responsibilities of an intern.
Additional conditions:
Part-time educational programs and/or second jobs must be approved by the Director of Legislative Operations. State employees are not permitted to engage in political activity during the work day and are subject to a state background check.
To apply:
If you are interested in this position, please submit your resume and application via email to Brittany Jenkins, director of legislative operations for the Indiana House Republicans, at brittany.jenkins@iga.in.gov. Click here to download the application.
Applicants should be aware that positions may not currently be available. We accept applications on a rolling basis, and applicants are still encouraged to submit resumes.
