Communications Director
Washington State House of Representatives, Democratic Caucus
UPDATE: we are no longer accepting applications for this position
Reports to: Chief of Staff
Salary: Based on previous job experience and qualifications
To Apply: Send your cover letter and resume in one document to Rachel.Smith@leg.wa.gov by November 14, 2019
POSITION OBJECTIVE
Leads the House Democratic Caucus communications team, a workgroup that provides professional communications expertise and advice. Develops and drives the overall communication strategy and elevates the work of Washington House Democrats among the state and national press corps and communities across Washington.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The working environment consists of an office with regular works hours during legislative interims and longer hours during the legislative session. Session hours may be irregular and depend on schedules, and often includes nights and weekends. This job is primarily in Olympia during the legislative session and is a full-time position with benefits. Duties include:
- Lead the HDC communications team that is responsible for providing members with professional communications expertise and advice, and creating and publishing content for a wide variety of communications platforms
- Serve as principal advisor to the Speaker, caucus members, and Chief of Staff on communications strategies and policy issues
- Drive the development of an overall communications strategy that raises the profile and elevates the work of the House Democratic caucus
- Proactively identify and anticipate media opportunities and grow the caucus’ media footprint
- Serve as primary point of contact for and build and maintain strong relationships with reporters, editors and news directors. Respond to media inquiries on behalf of the caucus
- Plan, develop, administer, and direct communication plans based on internal and external communications needs of the caucus
- Monitor trends and incorporate new technologies and communications methods and work with members to craft and deliver messages across all media to their audiences
- Use discretion to triage confidential and sensitive information
- Able to fulfill high-volume role and multi-task and prioritize tasks within competing deadlines, and work the long, irregular hours common during legislative sessions
- Supervise the HDC communications team of 10-12 communications professionals, including typical management responsibilities such as hiring, coaching, and mentoring, decision making, running team meetings, delegating, understanding and providing direction on legislative ethics laws and House policies, conflict resolution, approving leave, professional development, travel, and expense reimbursement requests
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Required Education or Experience
- A bachelor’s degree involving major study in journalism, communications, public relations, or closely related field
- Four years of professional experience in information, journalism or public relations
- Additional professional experience in information, journalism, or public relations will be substituted, year for year, for education
Required Occupational Competencies
- Proven and successful record working with the press
- Exceptional people skills with an ability to work effectively with the press corps, House leadership and all members of the House democratic caucus, stakeholders, staff, and with the other legislative caucuses
- Experience leading, supervising, and building a strong communications team
- Outstanding political judgment and strategic thinking
- Excellent oral and written communication skills with an ability to write and produce content on a wide variety of issues and platforms and frame complex political issues in a coherent and simple message
- A deep understanding of:
- the legislative process
- public policy
- state government operations
- politics
- news industry
- digital media
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize, work well under pressure, and manage multiple projects and deliver high-quality results on tight deadlines
- Expertise in a wide variety of media and communication methods, and experience in analyzing data and analytics to measure effectiveness in delivering messages to intended audiences
The Washington State House of Representatives is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons over 40 years of age, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons of disability needing assistance in the application process or who need an application in an alternative format may call 360-786-7750 or TTD 1-800-635-9993.