Communications Strategist

Office of Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20)

Communications Strategist– The Office of Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick, a Ranking Member

of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s (HFAC) Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee and

Returning Member of the House Veteran Affairs Committee (HVAC) seeks a Communications Strategist to

lead the Member Office’s strategic communications efforts.

The Communications Strategist will serve in the capacity of Communications Director as the spokesperson

and primary communications advisor to the Member. They will be responsible for overseeing, developing,

and executing an aggressive strategic communications plan, including owned, social and earned media

(traditional and unconventional).

Candidates should have exceptional writing and organizational skills, be detail oriented, have sharp political

instincts, and be able to steer an aggressive communications plan. The Communications Strategist plays a

key leadership role in the office, working closely with the Member, Chief of Staff, and other senior staff to

execute on strategic goals, keep Floridians informed, and strengthen the Congresswoman’s voice and

presence as an effective leader.

The ideal candidate is a crisis manager, strategic thinker, advisor, team leader and player, strong

writer and researcher, skilled listener and communicator, detail-oriented and organized, creative

problem solver, and self-motivated.

This is not an entry-level position. This position reports to the Chief of Staff.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Develops and implements an aggressive and effective communications strategy for the Member by

working with office leadership to execute the Member’s strategic goals;

• Identifies and establishes the Congresswoman’s voice of authority and increase her profile through

national, local, unconventional media (i.e., daytime TV, podcasts, fireside chats, speaking

opportunities, press conferences, roundtables, strategic messaging events) and influencer

engagement;

• Evaluates current events and media reports in the district and the nation for their impact on the

Member;

• Ensures that the Member’s communications strategy is incorporated and/or translated into the

legislative plan and the district;

• Collaborates with the district office to identify key issues affecting the constituents (and proposing

key messaging);

• Works directly with the Congresswoman to prepare and staff her for interviews, speeches, press

conferences, public events, roundtables, and other opportunities;

• Develops or coordinates remarks and speeches for the Member;

• Oversees and approves all digital communications and social media content;

• Works with legislative staff and others to prepare the Congresswoman’s remarks for events;

• Leads and manages the Member’s communications team, including managing and overseeing the

performance of the communications team;

• Oversees relationship-building communications with other Congressional offices (i.e. birthday,

condolences, and holiday cards);

• Performs other duties as assigned;

• Accepts performance-based criticism and direction;

• Possesses a temperament to communicate with a variety of personalities in a tactful, pleasant, and

professional manner;

• Meets attendance requirements as established by the office;

• Works well under pressure and handles stress;

• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Strong crisis management skills ;

• Strong public relations skills;

• Master’s degree (preferred);

• 2-5 years of Capitol Hill experience (preferred);

• Strong writing, editing, researching and proofreading skills;

• Strong relationships with reporters;

• Strong ability and experience in storytelling;

• Strong understanding of print, digital, and broadcast media;

• Knowledge of current issues and events in which the Member is involved;

• Availability and accessibility during work hours and the weekend;

• Good working relationship with the Member, Chief of Staff and all staff;

• Understanding of House franking rules; and

• Ability to work well under pressure.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Salary is 90K/annually. The position offers health coverage; retirement benefits with an employer

match; paid sick, bereavement, and vacation leave; 6-12 weeks of paid FMLA leave; transit or

parking benefits; access to life insurance coverage; and access to the Student Loan Repayment

Program. The office is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race,

religion, disability, age, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender, LGBTQ identification, family status,

or military status. Women, people of color, and other members of traditionally underrepresented

communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

TO APPLY:

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The office will contact the best qualified

candidates to begin the interview process. To apply, please email FL20jobs@mail.house.gov

with “Communications Director” in the subject line and the following materials: (1) cover

letter, (2) CV, (3) transcript, (4) two references including name, current title and organization,

phone number and email.