Deputy Communications Director

Washington, DC /
Communications – Communications /
Full -Time
/ On-site
The Democratic Governors Association (DGA), the campaign committee responsible for electing and supporting Democratic Governors, is seeking a Deputy Communications Director for the 2023-2024 cycle. The Deputy Communications Director is responsible for providing strategic guidance to gubernatorial campaigns while also building and sustaining positive narratives highlighting the individual and collective work of incumbent Democratic governors. The role will include direct interaction with both governors’ offices as well as state and national reporters. As a member of the Communications Team, the Deputy Communications Director reports directly to the Communications Director and closely collaborates with other members of the Communications Staff to meet the DGA’s ambitious Communications goals for the cycle.

We expect many well-qualified candidates to apply to this position, so please provide a resume and a thoughtful, one-page cover letter describing why you think you are the best person to fill this open position at the DGA. We welcome applicants with senior-level campaign/organizational experience to apply for this position. This is not an entry-level position. The expected salary range for this position is $100,000 - $115,000 annually before benefits, but salary is commensurate with experience.

This application will remain open until at least Wednesday, March 22nd, 2023.

Primary Responsibilities:

    • Provide strategic guidance to help campaigns build and execute winning communications strategies
    • Develop communications plans focused on highlighting governors’ top priorities and key wins;
    • Cultivate and maintain contact with key political and policy reporters both in DC and beyond the beltway;
    • Coordinate directly with governors’ offices to help promote their top priorities;
    • Organize press events, draft media pitches, reporter backgrounders, press releases, op-eds, social media content, and other materials as needed;
    • Work in tandem with the DGA Digital Department to utilize digital assets to reach broader audiences;
    • Work with other departments to efficiently use the time of governors;
    • Travel may be required to achieve goals and perform regular responsibilities;
    • Manage other special projects, assignments, and tasks as assigned by the Communications Director.

Minimum Qualifications:

    • At least six years or three election cycles of work experience in media relations, with at least one working in a senior role at a statewide level either in an official office or in a campaign capacity;
    • A demonstrated record of pitching stories, cultivating reporter relations, and staffing principals for interviews; on-the-record experience;
    • Ability to plan, prioritize, and organize a varied workload, with the flexibility to adapt to a changing media environment in order to take advantage of new opportunities;
    • Proven ability to collaborate and coordinate with the offices of multiple elected officials;
    • Create and distribute talking points and messaging based on research and policy analysis;
    • Strong writing skills;
    • Strong ability to write and edit on deadline;
    • Demonstrated interest and commitment to Democratic candidates and causes;
    • Must be comfortable with long, irregular hours during peak seasons.

Attributes:

    • Demonstrated passion and commitment to Democratic candidates and causes;
    • Energy, flexible, collaborative, creative, and proactive;
    • Extremely well-organized and detail oriented while moving in a fast-paced environment.
Diversity Practices
 
The DGA recognizes that its continued success requires a staff of hardworking, intelligent people from diverse backgrounds. The DGA is committed to ensuring equal opportunity employment regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or veteran status.
 
The DGA strongly encourages individuals with a diverse background to apply to this position and to share why your demonstrated commitment to diversity and experience working in diverse communities makes you a strong applicant as part of your cover letter.
 
Closing:
The DGA offices are based in downtown Washington, DC and we are currently in a hybrid in-person and remote work protocol due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The DGA will work with potential candidates to schedule remote interviews.
 
This position comes with 100% employer-paid health care for employee + spouse/partner + dependents, up to 4% 401(k) matching program, employer paid phone bill and other employee benefits.