Application Guide
How to Apply for Press Secretary
at MoveOn
🏢 About MoveOn
MoveOn is the largest multi-issue digital-first political campaigning organization in the U.S., driven by millions of members to fight for progressive causes like democracy, health care, and economic justice. It’s a people-powered force that wields independent political power, making it a unique place where your work directly impacts rapid-response campaigns nationwide. If you’re passionate about leveraging media to drive social change, MoveOn offers a remote, collaborative environment with a mission that puts people over profit.
About This Role
As Press Secretary, you’ll be the voice of MoveOn, securing positive national and state-level media coverage for priority campaigns. You’ll craft press materials, book and prepare spokespersons, and design media plans that amplify the organization’s rapid-response work. This role is impactful because your media strategies will help shape public narrative on critical issues like democracy and economic justice, mobilizing millions of members to action.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with monitoring morning news clips and identifying opportunities to insert MoveOn’s message into breaking stories. You’ll draft a press release for a new campaign, coordinate with program staff to finalize talking points, and book a spokesperson for an afternoon interview. Later, you’ll pitch a story to a national reporter and update internal teams on media coverage via Slack, all while managing multiple deadlines in a fast-paced remote environment.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who MoveOn Is Looking For
- A strategic communicator with 4-5 years of media relations experience in political, electoral, or progressive issue campaigns, proven by a track record of securing positive national press coverage.
- An exceptional writer and copy editor who can produce polished press releases, talking points, op-eds, and slide decks under tight deadlines.
- A skilled spokesperson who is comfortable serving as an on-the-record representative and can prepare others for interviews and public appearances.
- Tech-savvy with proficiency in media monitoring tools, internal communications platforms, and internet-based research to track and respond to news cycles effectively.
📝 Tips for Applying to MoveOn
Tailor your resume to highlight specific examples of securing national press coverage for progressive causes—quantify results like media impressions or story pickups.
Include a cover letter that connects your experience to MoveOn’s mission and recent campaigns (e.g., their work on voting rights or Medicare for All).
Submit a writing sample that is not generic; choose an op-ed or press release you wrote for a political campaign or issue advocacy, preferably one that drove media engagement.
If you have experience with rapid-response or crisis communications, lead with that—MoveOn values the ability to pivot quickly in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrate familiarity with digital-first campaigning by mentioning tools like Muck Rack, Cision, or Slack in your application, and note any experience with remote collaboration.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Emphasize your passion for progressive politics and how your media relations work has advanced causes like democracy, health care, or economic justice.', 'Highlight specific wins in securing positive national press coverage, including the tactics you used (e.g., pitching to national outlets, building relationships with reporters).', 'Showcase your ability to work collaboratively with program staff to integrate media plans into broader campaign strategies.', 'Mention your comfort with rapid-response environments and your experience preparing spokespersons for high-stakes interviews.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read MoveOn’s recent press releases and media coverage to understand their messaging style and key campaign priorities.
- → Follow MoveOn’s social media channels (Twitter, Facebook) to see how they engage members and amplify media hits.
- → Review MoveOn’s annual reports or impact pages to learn about their strategic goals and how media relations fits into their theory of change.
- → Check out interviews with MoveOn’s current or past press secretaries to understand the day-to-day challenges and successes.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t submit a generic cover letter—failing to mention MoveOn’s specific campaigns or mission signals a lack of genuine interest.
- Avoid exaggerating your media relations experience; be honest about the scale of coverage you’ve secured (e.g., don’t claim national hits if they were local).
- Don’t overlook the importance of digital-first tools—if you’re not proficient in media monitoring or collaboration platforms, highlight your ability to learn quickly.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!