Junior Publicist, MS NOW Prime

VERSANT is a leading force in news, sports and entertainment - home to iconic and trusted brands that inspire, inform, and delight audiences. Our unique combination of content, technology and services enriches the cultural fabric, igniting passions, sparking conversations, and connecting people to what they love most.

As an independent, publicly traded company, VERSANT brings together powerhouse cable networks - including USA Network, CNBC, MS NOW (formerly MSNBC), Oxygen, E!, SYFY, and Golf Channel - with dynamic digital and direct-to-consumer brands such as Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow, GolfPass, and SportsEngine. Together, these businesses reflect our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences across every screen and service.

VERSANT is an industry-changing media company fueled by innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit. With a strong foundation and a forward-looking vision, VERSANT empowers creativity, embraces change, and drives connection in an ever-evolving world.

The Jr. Publicist will support the MS NOW Communications team with day-to-day publicity across MS NOW’s Primetime programming. The Jr. Publicist will report to the Communications Manager for MS NOW’s Primetime shows and roster of hosts.

The role requires extensive organizational skills, creative and innovative thinking, proven written skills, and a strong interest in news, politics, media, and public relations. The role will largely involve support for communications and publicity campaigns for MS NOW’s Primetime programming and talent, but will also involve administrative support tasks across the larger MS NOW Communications team. 

Responsibilities

• Monitor and promote newsmaking interviews, exclusives, special coverage, and campaign strategies for MS NOW’s Primetime coverage, including “Deadline: White House,” “All In with Chris Hayes,” “The Briefing with Jen Psaki,” “The Rachel Maddow Show,” “The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell,” and more.
• Monitor and report daily media coverage of the MS NOW Primetime programming and show hosts. 
• Provide cross-team communication support for the overall PR team to align on priorities, schedules, announcements, events, and non-linear projects.
• Provide support with research projects, transcribing interviews, and other assigned press projects.
• Develop and maintain press lists and key media relationships.
• Assist with facilitating and staffing various press events, including interviews, press tours, and special coverage events.  
• Manage internal approval process and logistical details for executive and talent speaking requests and engagements. 
• Assist in managing the MS NOW Communications’ social media account, including monitoring and drafting tweets.
• Note: This position will require regular late-night hours, and at times travel and after-hours work.

• Must have at least 2 years of work experience in public relations or communications role.
• Must have strong interest in news, politics and media. 
• Must be available to work in New York. 
• Willingness to travel and work after-hours on short notice. 
• Ability to regularly work evening hours during MS NOW’s Primetime programming.

Desired Characteristics:

• Strong communication skills both verbal and written. 
• Excellent organization and interpersonal skills. 
• Should be able to work in fast-paced environment and meet crucial deadlines. 
• Robust understanding of television news and media industry.
• Willingness to work beyond regular hours, dependent on breaking news, big interviews, events and more.
• Ability to exercise a high level of discretion in handling talent, confidential and sensitive information.
• This position has been designated as hybrid, generally contributing from the office a minimum of three days per week

This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other discounts and perks.

Salary range: $60,000 - $70,000.

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with a VERSANT Media employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. VERSANT Media's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to [email protected].

VERSANT Media is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. We include a good faith pay range for each position to comply with applicable state and local pay transparency laws and to promote equity across our organization. Actual compensation will be based on factors such as the candidate's skills, qualifications, experience, and location and may include additional forms of compensation and benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, etc.

VERSANT Media is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at VERSANT via-email, the Internet, or in any form and/or method without a valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from VERSANT's Talent Acquisition team will be deemed the sole property of VERSANT. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by VERSANT as a result of the referral or through other means.