The responsibilities of a press assistant are largely determined by the nature of the job. A press assistant is a position that helps manage the press machines that print the publication by replacing supplies and watching the machine operate, as advertised in a print publication. However, a more general job context exists in the field of communications. A press assistant is hired by for-profit and nonprofit organizations to assist with communications and to work as an adjunct to a director of communications, public relations manager, or press secretary.
A press assistant is typically hired to assist a communications executive or to provide administrative support to a communications department. Writing, speaking, and organizational skills are required for this position. It may also necessitate a basic understanding of computers, Internet applications, and office administration. He is frequently involved in the organization’s social media implementation and must be up to date on the latest communications trends.
A press assistant may be required to draft press releases and official statements on a daily basis. He’ll almost certainly need to compile and maintain a press contact list. Assistants may be given the opportunity to write stories and pitch them to other members of the department. During special events and events designed specifically for the media, the assistant acts as a media event coordinator, making phone calls to ensure media attendance, preparing media kits, and providing support as needed. He may be asked to manage aspects of the organization’s social media effort, such as contributing to blogs or managing networks, in some cases.
Internally, a press assistant is frequently tasked with conducting research to keep the company informed about any media mentions of its personnel, business practices, products, or services. The assistant may be asked to contribute to internal documents and attend training sessions aimed at teaching employees proper media etiquette. Internal communications protocol and drafting copy for marketing materials, newsletters, and websites are likely to be a press assistant’s responsibilities.
A press assistant can be hired in the political arena to work with a press secretary on campaigns and as part of the permanent staff in incumbents’ offices. In this situation, the politician’s assistants help craft the politician’s public message and manage the information that is released to the press. This type of assistant’s responsibilities are usually more narrowly focused on media management rather than general communications. Because political information is frequently sensitive and time-sensitive, the work can be more stressful.