Federal Position Descriptions
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Assistant to the President and Director of Communications

Assistant to the President and Director of Communications, White House
Responsibility
Management Scope

As of 2012, has overseen and managed a staff of approximately 24 people.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develops communications strategy, messaging and long-range planning
• Advises the president on communications and media issues
• Coordinates communications across Cabinet departments and agencies
• Oversees presidential speeches, radio addresses, video tapings and messaging events
• Prepares the president for press conferences, media interviews and other media events
• Manages a 21st-century proactive communications shop using all forms of traditional and new media
• Serves as a presidential spokesperson3

Strategic Goals and Priorities
[Depends on the policy priorities of the administration.]
Requirements

• Strategic communications planning expertise and experience
• Understanding of presidential policy initiatives and political sensitivities
• Press and/or media-relations experience

Competencies

• Management skills
• Strong written and oral communications skills

Past Appointments
  • Jen Psaki (2015 to 2017) – State Department Chief Spokeswoman; White House Deputy Communications Director; Spokeswoman for Senator Obama’s campaign for President4
  • Jennifer Palmieri (2013 to 2015) – White House Deputy Director of Communications; President of the Center for American Progress Action Fund; National Press Secretary for the 2004 Edwards for President campaign and the National Press Secretary for the Democratic National Committee in 20025
  • Daniel Pfeiffer (2009 to 2013) – Member, Obama Transition Team; Deputy Communications Director, Obama For President; Traveling Press Secretary, Obama for President; Spokesman, Senators Tim Johnson, Tom Daschle and Evan Bayh; Spokesman, Vice President Al Gore6
AGENCY

Executive Office of the President

Mission: The Office of Communications crafts the message the president delivers to the world, from inception to execution. From planning an address to the nation to working closely with local newspapers, the Office of Communications collaborates with media of all types to advance the agenda of the president.1

COMPENSATION

$174,714 in 20162

REPORTS TO

White House Chief of Staff

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Footnote
  1. https://www.whitehouse.gov/participate/internships/departments#Comms
  2. https://www.whitehouse.gov/21stcenturygov/tools/salaries
  3. Romney Readiness Project
  4. http://www.nytimes.com/politics/first-draft/2015/02/19/jen-psaki-to-succeed-jennifer-palmieri-as-white-house-communications-director/
  5. https://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/author/jennifer-palmieri
  6. Romney Readiness Project
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