Michael Ongstad
Alexandria
Summary
Seasoned political communicator, with more than 15 years experience in government, advocacy, and democracy reform. Skilled in leading a broad spectrum of communications needs including press relations, strategic messaging, creative writing, and social media. A proven track record of elevating principals and organizational news in traditional and new media.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Speechwriter/Communications Strategist (Contract)
FedWriters/National Science Foundation
02.2024 - Current
- Draft speeches and presentations for the Director, COO, and Assistant Director for Engineering, covering technical issues from AI and quantum computing to robotics and biotech.
- Advise senior leaders on messaging priorities and strategies including often politically sensitive concerns.
- Craft scripts for direct-to-camera videos by senior officials and oversee recording sessions to ensure the highest quality message and delivery.
- Liaise with host organizations and subject matter experts to ensure key messages are accurately and engagingly relayed.
- Strategize with Asst Director on speaking opportunities to identify and schedule high priority outreach speaking engagements.
- Ghostwrite opinion essays on critical subjects for the Foundation and Directorate.
Associate Director of Media Relations
The Forward Party
07.2022 - 05.2023
- Managed and executed nation-wide media relations program, overseeing staff, volunteers, and contractors to ensure coverage of principals and org news across all media, achieving multiple weekly mentions.
- Drafted, reviewed and edited statements, press releases, talking points, emails, website copy, and op-eds.
- Spoke with local, national, and international journalists on and off the record to pitch stories, shape coverage, and relay org message.
- Designed and led training programs for high level surrogates and volunteers to ensure message consistency.
- Crafted and executed major event media plans, including pitching, promoting, and liaising with the press.
- Strategized messaging, drafting official comments and framing responses to breaking news and key narratives.
Communications Director
Stand Up Republic/Renew America Movement
12.2017 - 07.2022
- Built and strengthened relationships with members of media in order to shape and increase coverage.
- Oversaw social media manager, driving follower growth and ensuring consistency in voice and message.
- Directed outreach to supporters to drive fundraising and activism.
- Scripted, produced and placed video and static ads through contractors.
- Managed media at major events, including two 'National Summits for Democracy.'
Policy Analyst (Contractor)
DC Department Of Employment Services
07.2017 - 12.2017
- Reviewed and revised all DOES policies to ensure accuracy and consistency with law.
- Drafted new policies to fill needs of department.
- Collaborated across offices to identify problems in current policies and recommend solutions.
Policy and Communications Advisor
2 Different 2016 Presidential Campaigns
11.2015 - 11.2016
- Drafted official statements, op-eds, and press releases.
- Led rapid response process, coordinated media hits, and managed press conferences.
- Reviewed foreign affairs & defense reports to disseminate news and update policy statements.
Senior Policy Analyst (Contractor)
Premier Analysis - DoD Privacy & Civil Liberties
08.2009 - 08.2014
- Led congressional affairs efforts.
- Recommended updates to current legislation, regulations, and policies to fit DoD needs and privacy laws.
- Primary subject matter expert for identity management, biometrics, social media, counter-terrorism, installation security, and cybersecurity.
- Developed and delivered internal trainings and inter-agency briefings.
Speech Writer
US Senator John Cornyn
05.2007 - 02.2009
- Planned, drafted and edited messages for 5th highest ranking Republican Senator, resulting in being named fourth most eloquent Senator by Washingtonian's "Best and Worst of Congress '08."
- Wrote nationally circulated articles and televised speeches to audiences from small crowds to full stadiums.
- Advised member on messaging strategies and communications plans.
Education
M. Litt - International Security Studies
University of St Andrews
St Andrews, Scotland08.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Arts
St. John's College
Santa Fe, NM06.2006
Skills
- Key Relationship Development
- Public Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Google and MS Office Suites
- Cision, Newswire and other PR tools
- TV Eyes and other media monitoring tools
- Basic video, photo, and audio editing
Timeline
Speechwriter/Communications Strategist (Contract)
FedWriters/National Science Foundation
02.2024 - Current
Associate Director of Media Relations
The Forward Party
07.2022 - 05.2023
Communications Director
Stand Up Republic/Renew America Movement
12.2017 - 07.2022
Policy Analyst (Contractor)
DC Department Of Employment Services
07.2017 - 12.2017
Policy and Communications Advisor
2 Different 2016 Presidential Campaigns
11.2015 - 11.2016
Senior Policy Analyst (Contractor)
Premier Analysis - DoD Privacy & Civil Liberties
08.2009 - 08.2014
Speech Writer
US Senator John Cornyn
05.2007 - 02.2009
M. Litt - International Security Studies
University of St Andrews
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Arts
St. John's College
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