Michael Ongstad Email & Phone Number

Alexandria, Va

Lead speech writer contracted to the office of the Director of the National Science Foundation.

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.

Writing and editing op-eds, emails, letters and press releases. Distributing organizational statements and pitching and responding to media inquiries. Overseeing social media accounts, developing communications strategies, and drafting, reviewing, or approving all external communications. Strategic planning for future media projects and platforms and brand building initiatives.

Dc Office Of Employment Services

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.

Drafted official statements, op-eds, and press releases.Led rapid response process, coordinated media hits, and managed press conferences.Researched policy issues and drafted position papers and briefs for principals.

Alexandria, Va

Drafting official statements, op-eds, and press releases. Also revised policy documents and researched issues. Led Comms Department’s rapid response process to quickly address breaking news or controversies. Drafted candidate’s Cyber Security Policy Plan, including writing and placing the corresponding op-ed. Coordinated with social media team to produce content and communications strategies and helped operate debate night “war room.” Oversaw junior communications associate.

Primary subject matter expert regarding identity management, biometric technology, social media, counter-terrorism, installation security, and cyber-security policy. Develop and deliver briefings for in-office training initiatives and inter-agency conferences. Lead reviewer of draft departmental directives and author of several office policies, memoranda, and news articles. Also responsible for reviewing draft legislation, executive orders, and government-wide policies involving privacy, free speech, social media, and cyber-security. Create and distribute a weekly news bulletin of current events affecting privacy and civil liberties to over 50 stakeholders and leaders across the department, and managed the implementation of the office's social media strategy.

Leader of 4 person contracting team within the Department of Defense, Defense Privacy Office. Advised the Director on privacy and civil liberties related legislation before Congress, as well as provided analysis regarding internal DoD policy proposals. I also serve as the primary writer and editor for office publications and correspondence.

Drafting, editing, and steering messages for the 5th highest ranking Senator. Work included nationally circulated articles and televised speeches to audiences from small crowds to full stadiums. During my tenure the Senator was named the fourth most eloquent Senator by the Washingtonian's "Best and Worst of Congress '08."​ I also helped write a comedic address for the Washington Press Club's Annual Congressional Dinner.

Receptionist for the office, and head of out-of-state e-mails and all flag requests. Responsible for sorting emails and responding to select issues.

Master’S Degree, International Security Studies

Activities and Societies: Golf Society

Ba Liberal Arts, Classical Literature And Philosophy With History Of Math And Science

Activities and Societies: St. John's Search and Rescue Team: '02-'06 St. John's Search and Rescue Executive Board: VP '04, Pres. '05