Press Secretary

Subject: Proposal to Publicize Job Announcement for Media Secretary

Sponsor: Mike Feinstein

Time Requested: 15 minutes

Background and Purpose: GPCA Media Secretary Cres Velluci resigned from the position of Media Secretary in July 2011, after the GPCA 2011-2012 fiscal year had begun and the position been funded. Prior to Velluci's resignation, a draft Media Secretary was circulated within the Media Committee, in order to comply with the GPCA Personnel policy, which states that all staff members and independent contracts must have a contact.

Since then, the Media Committee has considered and revised the contract in a few places, and the text below is now submitted to the CC to authorize an announcement of the job opening. This proposal recommends that the CC publicize the job opening by authorizing release of a job announcement on the GPCA updates list and on the GPCA web site. Funds to fund the position remain in the GPCA FY2011-2012 budget, with some months unspent as a result of Velluci's resignation.

Below is the text of the draft contract developed by the Media Committee. Between now and the CC meeting, actual text for the job announcement will be developed and sent to the CC.

Proposal: That the CC publicize a job announcement for GPCA Media Secretary on the GPCA updates list and on the GPCA web site and do so based upon the draft contract forwarded from the Media Committee, with the understanding that the hiring process may involve negotiating some changes to contract to the mutual agreement of both parties.

Implementation/Timeline/Resources: Publishing on the GPCA updates list and on the GPCA web site. Work by Personnel Committee and Media Committee to review applicants.

References: Text of Draft Contract

http://wiki.cagreens.org/index.php/Press_Secretary_Job_Description_and_Contract

Independent Contractor Agreement for Press Secretary

This Agreement is made between Green Party of California ("GPCA") and ________.

I. Services to be performed

The Press Secretary agrees to perform the following services on behalf of the GPCA:

1-1 Coordinate the researching, writing and distributing of GPCA press releases and advisories

1-1.1 Research and develop press release topics;

1-1.2 Establish time tables for writing and distributing releases;

1-1.3 Coordinate the release of press releases.

1-1.4 Write draft GPCA press releases for approval by the Media Committee. Circulate drafts for input within the Media Committee and to other GPCA Standing Committees or Working Groups and/or individual GPCA members when relevant. Plan ahead where possible to maximize opportunity for this input. Provide editing support for drafts written by others.

1-2 Develop and maintain positive press relationships on behalf of the GPCA

1-2.1 Serve as a GPCA press contact, along with GPCA Spokespersons and others designated by the GPCA Media Committee. Answer press inquires and arrange for responses;

1-2.2 Organize GPCA press conferences;

1-2.3 Develop connections with editors and reporters.

1-2.4 Work with the Media Committee to develop and maintain its media contact data base.

1-2.5 Contribute to the creation of, and perform any special duties required by, Media Committee yearly workplans.

II. Payment

In consideration for the services to be performed by the Media Coordinator, GPCA agrees to pay the Media Coordinator $300 per month. The Treasurer of the GPCA will make a monthly payment within the first week of each month for services rendered in the previous month.

III. Expenses

GPUS shall not be responsible for Contractor’s phone/fax distribution, travel and miscellaneous expenses related to work performed under this Agreement.

IV. Client Obligations

The Media Committee will supervise and direct the Press Secretary’s work day-to-day as appropriate. A written performance review shall be conducted annually by the Media Committee. The Press Secretary shall submit an annual report to the Media Committee summarizing work performed under this agreement. A summary of the performance review shall be forwarded to the Coordinating Committee.

V. Term of Agreement

Term of service begins on October 18th, 2011. This agreement shall become effective when signed by both parties and will terminate at the conclusion of the last day of the GPCA's 2011-2012 Fiscal Year.

VI. Terminating the Agreement

The GPCA or ________ may terminate this Agreement at any time by giving 30 days written notice of termination. The Contractor shall be entitled to full payment for services performed prior to the date of termination.

VII. Independent Contractor Status

7-1 The Press Secretary and Green Focus Design Layout Manager is an independent contractor, not a GPCA employee. The Press Secretary and Green Focus Design Layout Manager and the GPCA agree to the following rights consistent with an independent Contractor relationship:

7-1.1 Contractor has the right to perform services for others during the term of this Agreement. The GPCA shall not require Contractor or Contractor’s employees or subcontractors to devote full time to performing the services required by this Agreement.

7-1.2 Contractor has the right to hire assistants as subcontractors, or to use employees to provide the services required by this Agreement with his own personal funds.

7-1.3 Neither Contractor nor Contractor’s employees or subcontractors are eligible to participate in any employee pension, health, vacation pay, sick pay or other fringe benefit plan of GPCA.

7-1.4 Neither Contractor nor Contractor’s employees or subcontractors shall receive any training from the GPCA in the skills necessary to perform the services required by this Agreement.

VIII. Local, State and Federal Taxes

8-1 Contractor shall pay all income taxes and FICA (Social Security and Medicare taxes) incurred while performing services under this Agreement. The GPCA will not:

8-1.1 Withhold FICA from Contractor’s payments or make FICA payments on Contractor’s behalf

8-1.2 Make state or federal unemployment compensation contributions on Contractor’s behalf, or

8-1.3 Withhold state or federal income tax from Contractor’s payments.

IX. Exclusive Agreement

This is the sole and entire Agreement between Contractor and the GPCA.

X. Applicable Law

The laws of the State of California will govern this Agreement.

XI. Signatures

GPCA: Green Party of California

Signature: ____________________________

Title: Treasurer, Green Party of California Date: ________________________________

Contractor:

Signature _______________________________

Title: Contractor Date: ___________________________________