Director of Communications

OFFICE:                               New Jersey Senate Democratic Office

POSITION TITLE:             Director of Communications

WORK WEEK:                   Full time, 35(+) hours per week

SALARY:                            Commensurate with experience

DATE POSTED:                 February 28, 2024

CLOSING DATE:              Open until filled

LOCATION:                       New Jersey State House, 125 West State Street, Trenton,

New Jersey, 08608

OFFICE DESCRIPTION: The New Jersey Senate Democratic Office offers comprehensive

                                               support from skilled policy, legal and communications staff to

Democratic members of the New Jersey Senate.

______________________________________________________________________________

Position Overview

The Communications Director is a member of the senior leadership team and plays a critical role in the operations of the Senate Majority Office. Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Communications Director assists in the development of platform messaging and the implementation of a comprehensive media strategy for the caucus membership through the use of print, television, radio, and digital/social media.

This is a significant career opportunity to gain experience working directly with senior governmental officials, engaging members of the press corps, and overseeing a team of communications professionals who are passionate about public service and improving the quality of life for all New Jerseyans.

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior communications advisor to Senate leadership as well as to all members of the Senate Majority Caucus
• Supervise all communications and outreach staff
• Collaborate with senior Senate Democratic Office staff as a member of the leadership team
• Monitor national, state, regional, and local media concerning New Jersey government, in particular those that relate to or focus on the work of the State Senate, General Assembly, and the Governor
• Work proactively on messaging on behalf of the Senate membership to for cast/pitch stories/ideas/content in line with the global policy strategy for the Senate.
• Write press releases, op-eds and/or letters to the editor
• Write speeches and prepare talking points, or testimony, as members require, for public appearances, including committee meetings and floor debate
• Oversee the creation of digital media content for social media platforms
• Cultivate professional relationships with members of the media
• Assist legislative district offices with press needs, including local press pitches and maintaining updated local press/media lists for legislative districts, as appropriate
• Provide public relations and media relations counsel to district office staff
• Work closely with policy staff and committee aides

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, Political Science, or a related field. Master’s Degree preferred.
• Experience managing and leading communications and/or campaign teams
• Proven ability to develop media and outreach strategies
• Strong writing and editing skills
• Ability to work on multiple tasks simultaneously
• Prior governmental or political communications experience a plus.

*This is a full-time position requiring a flexible schedule, especially when the Senate is in session.

**Starting salary is negotiable.