Communications Director

Rep. Brad Schneider has an immediate need to hire an experienced media relations professional to serve as the office’s Communications Director. This full-time position is primarily based in the Washington, D.C., office. However, the position requires some travel to the district to support media relations and press events. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter by 3/9/24.

Job Expectations: 

The Communications Director serves as the Member’s primary communications and media strategist. They work closely with the Chief of Staff, Legislative Director, and District Director to develop and execute a coordinated plan to inform the media on issues that are important to the Member and oversee day-to-day press operations. The Communications Director also manages and oversees the office’s communication team (e.g., Press Assistant). 

Salary Level/Range: Salary commensurate with experience

Job Duties:

·       Partners with the Member and leadership team to develop and implement media and communications strategies 

·       Identifies national and local opportunities to promote the Member’s policies and priorities

·       Monitors local, national, and digital media coverage to measure the overall effectiveness of the Member’s communications strategy and messaging 

·       Drafts the weekly newsletter, talking points, floor statements, newsletters, mailers, op-eds, press releases, media advisories, Congressional Record statements, and speeches to develop comprehensive communications for the Member

·       Prepares the Member for media interviews, press conferences, public events, roundtables, and other speaking engagements 

·       Acts as the spokesperson (on the record, on background, and off the record) to serve as a formal representative for the Member

·       Builds and sustains strong relationships with local and national reporters (including Capitol Hill reporters, local reporters, and issue-specific reporters at national outlets), editors, columnists, producers, bookers, and advocacy groups to maintain connections and coordinate events with the media

·       Coordinates with external parties to execute successful national press events with Senators, Congressmembers, advocacy groups, etc.

·       Organizes workload to prioritize tasks in accordance with varying deadlines and ensure work is completed in an efficient and effective manner

·       Understands differing perspectives and opinions to navigate conflicts and develop solutions effectively

·       Pitches reporters while also fielding and responding to press inquiries at the local and national levels

·       Assumes managerial responsibilities as necessary to oversee the work of the office's communication team staff

·       Manages end-to-end the weekly newsletter process and grows the subscriber base

·       Manages the franked/paid communications process end-to-end, works with the Chief of Staff to develop plan and budget

Featured Skills:

·      Strategic Thinking: Able to identify and articulate long-term objectives and develop clear messaging and specific action steps across all media channels to achieve team’s goals

·       Attention to Detail: Performs work thoroughly and accurately; acts conscientiously when attending to detail.

·       Decision Making: Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions. Commits to action to accomplish organizational goals. Maintains appropriate levels of confidentiality.

·       Media Relations: Works with various media outlets to effectively provide information on the Member’s objectives and activities.

·       Verbal Communication: Makes clear and convincing oral presentations that are appropriate to listeners and situations. Listens effectively, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.

·       Written Communication: Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience.

Preferences:

·       Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred

·      Experience developing and implementing communication strategy is preferred

·       3-5 years Capitol Hill or Hill-adjacent experience is preferred

·       Experience on campaigns (political, legislative, or issue-based) is preferred

·       Experience working with the press as a press secretary, communications director, or similar communications role is preferred

·       Experience writing in the voice of a principal (weekly newsletter, op-eds, speeches, statements, messaging, talking points, digital content, etc.) is preferred

·       Experience working across all media, directly with local and national reporters, bookers, and other members of the media to proactively pitch stories and respond to inquiries is preferred

·       Experience building relationships with national media is preferred

·       Experience with a weekly newsletter style content management process, and growing the subscriber base

·       Knowledge of committee and floor procedures is preferred

Applicant Instructions: All interested candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter and resume by 3/9/24 to il10.jobs@mail.house.gov

Notice: All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including marital or parental status), sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, or national origin.