Pennsylvania State Senate Campaign -- Communications Director

[Lee Sova-Claypool]

Pennsylvania State Senate

 

Job Posting: Communications Director

 

Summary

 

The Communications Director will build relationships with the press, set up interviews, identify media opportunities and communicate with the media as the key spokesperson for the campaign. The Communications Director is responsible for pitching stories and editorials, developing timely and creative messages, drafting press releases, op-eds, talking points and other outreach material, managing press conferences and other earned media events, and establishing and maintaining relationships with members of the media in key markets throughout the city. In addition, they will lead the writing and developing of campaign literature, draft speeches for the candidate, and create copies for the campaign website. They will also be responsible for preparing the candidate for interviews, speeches, and other public speaking engagements. This position will be based near Philadelphia, PA and will require some travel.

 

Qualifications

 

·      At least one cycle of political communications experience or 2-4 years relevant work, including past on-the-record experience;

·      Experience developing and managing campaign messaging efforts;

·      Experience developing relationships with media personalities representing all different genres of media (including reporters, DJ's, bloggers, etc).

·      Exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with senior leadership, staff and volunteers;

·      Self-motivated and willing to work long hours (including nights and weekends) in a collaborative, fast-paced, high-stress environment;

·      Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment with respect to prioritization of and recommendations on appointments;

·      Temperament to communicate with a variety of personalities in a tactful, pleasant, and professional manner;

·      Can-do attitude and a sense of humor

 

Skills & Knowledge Required

 

·      Strong telephone skills;

·      Strong written communication skills—for press releases, op-ed pieces, newsletters, feature articles, fact sheets, speeches etc.

·      Strong organizational and project management skills;

·      Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint);

·      Thoroughness and careful attention to detail;

·      Ability to execute rapid response efforts;

·      Ability to develop and implement media strategies that target both traditional mainstream media as well as online and new media, including organizing news conferences, media briefings, and teleconferences

 

Skills & Knowledge Preferred

 

·      Management experience—candidate should be good with people, and good at focusing a team;

·      Experience with online politics and technology; knowledge of what a good online campaign looks like;

·      Experience on television and with sound bites;

·      Experience with grassroots organizing and other aspects of electoral work;

·      Experience in advocacy work—power mapping, policy battles, etc.

·      Bi-lingual in Spanish (reading, writing, and speaking)

 

Education/Experience

 

Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree. Journalism, Communication, and Political Science majors are encouraged to apply. Experience with local government and basic knowledge of Philadelphia politics preferred.

 

For more information, or to apply, submit a resume and cover letter to: phillysta...@gmail.com