Communications Director - Maine Speaker of the House
Ryan Fecteau
The ideal candidate values public service and is enthusiastic about supporting the important work of the Maine Legislature; has a college degree and preferably five years of relevant experience; has strong knowledge of the political and media environment in Maine; has appropriate technical expertise and knowledge; is a collaborative problem-solver; possesses exceptional interpersonal and English language skills; and is able to work evenings and/or weekends depending on legislative or operational needs.
Examples of Duties
- Develop and manage communications strategy for the Speaker of the Maine House
- Serve as on-the-record spokesperson for the Speaker of the House
- Prepare House Speaker for media interviews with national, state, and local press
- Plan and execute special events, including press conferences, forums and tours to promote the Speaker's agenda and policy priorities
- Develop and maintain relationships with state and national political and government reporters; pitch news stories to raise the profile of the House Speaker and advance key initiatives
- Draft speeches, press releases, fact sheets, columns, letters-to-the-editor, talking points and background materials on legislation and policy priorities
- Maintain relationships and coordinate with advocates to support legislative priorities
- Create and manage website content and social media efforts on behalf of the House Speaker and in support of legislation
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree and preferably five years of relevant experience, or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Advanced knowledge of the legislative process and associated technical language.
- Strong working knowledge of the political and media environment in Maine.
- Exceptional interpersonal and language skills.
- Ability to communicate, coordinate and work effectively with the public, members of the legislature, legislative staff and executive branch.
- Advanced computer skills, including email, calendar and graphics tools and programs.
- Experience with digital media content creation and ability to master new programs and software
- Ability to work in a highly challenging, complex and fast-paced environment.
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package. Salary starts at $80,000 and is negotiable based on experience. The bi-weekly dollar values of some State-paid benefits for full-time employees include: $14.60 for dental insurance; 14.11% of employee’s pay towards retirement; and, depending on the employee’s annual pay, at least 85% ($400.34) of health insurance premiums (more information is available here). Participation in the Health Premium Credit Program can decrease the employee’s cost of health insurance by 5%.
The position will close once a suitable candidate has been found. Qualified applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to Megan Rochelo, Chief of Staff, at megan.rochelo at legislature.maine.gov. Application questions should be directed to Megan Rochelo at 207-287-1300. Full job posting here: https://phf.tbe.taleo.net/phf01/ats/careers/requisition.jsp?org=MAINELEGIS&cws=1&rid=118