Senate Democrats Press Assistant

Department Information

Do not use online application submission options to apply for this position. Instead, please refer to the “How to Apply” section of this announcement for application instructions. This position is employed by the Colorado Senate. Legislative Council facilitates the posting of the position, but is not the employing department.

The Colorado State Senate Majority Office is seeking a Press Assistant to aid the caucus in executing our outreach, media, and legislative agenda. The Press Assistant will be an integral member of the communications team, and will support all 23 members of the Colorado Senate Majority.
In assisting the communications team, this position will help highlight the legislative accomplishments of individual members and the caucus throughout the legislative session.

***Equal Opportunity: We welcome applicants from all walks of life, and strongly encourage individuals of color, women, LGBTQ, immigrant, refugee, people with disabilities, and other communities to apply.***

Description of Job

In assisting the communications team, this position will help highlight the legislative accomplishments of individual members and the caucus throughout the legislative session. The Press Assistant will help draft a wide range of communications materials including press releases, op-eds, talking points, and media advisories, as well as helping plan and execute press events centered around raising awareness of the legislative process with the press corps and the public. This position will also assist in drafting the majority of the content for caucus social media channels, including copy, graphics, and videos, and will assist the communications team in documenting legislative activities through photo and video to be highlighted on social media, websites, and newsletters to constituents.
This position will also help monitor Colorado and national media to identify opportunities to engage with the news cycle and keep caucus staff aware of developments as they occur. The Press Assistant will also pitch in on caucus outreach efforts, including helping plan and execute Town Hall events, roundtables, and other public-facing political and legislative events, drafting content for member newsletters, assisting with stakeholder engagement, and working with legislative aides to achieve member outreach priorities as assigned.
Responsibilities Include:

• Assist in drafting a substantial amount of press releases, media advisories, letters to the editor and op-eds with clear, clean, concise, and accurate prose under deadline pressure
• Create and publish content for caucus social channels to highlight legislative accomplishments and advance the message of the caucus and/or individual senators
• Proactively identify state and national narratives/news cycles for the caucus to engage in
• Assist in the creation and editing of graphics, photo, and video content to highlight individual senator and caucus achievements
• Assist in designing social media packets, including sample graphics, sample posts, and videos, to promote and highlight priority legislation
• Document day-to-day legislative activities of members throughout the Capitol via photos and videos for use across multiple digital platforms including social media channels, websites, etc.
• Regularly monitor and aggregate local and national news including print, digital, TV and radio for relevant clips and updates for staff and caucus members
• Publish regular updates regarding caucus priorities to website pages (SquareSpace platform)
• Assist with organizing and staffing press events to highlight members legislative accomplishments
• Assist with planning and executing outreach efforts in members’ districts, including town halls, round tables, and other in-district events

Compensation
Compensation is commensurate with experience and within the range of $65,000-$70,000. We provide a competitive benefits package, including health and dental insurance covered mostly by the employer, life insurance covered by the employer, your choice of a Defined Benefit or Defined Contribution PERA retirement plan, 10 paid sick days and 12 paid vacation days, 10 state/federal holidays, a generous flex schedule during the legislative interim, and a free parking space.

How to Apply
To apply for this position, please send a resume and a cover letter explaining your interest in and qualifications for the position to Nina Krizman (nina.krizman.senate@gmail.com). Please put “Press Assistant” in the subject field of your email. The deadline to apply for this position is Sunday, November 3rd at 6pm, however applications will be considered on a rolling basis, so applicants are encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with impeccable attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to summarize complex ideas into concise and comprehensible bites
• Strong critical thinking skills with an orientation toward problem solving
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
• Experience in developing social media strategy to promote specific goals/priorities
• Experience in graphic design and video editing/creation
• Proficient in web design & development
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with an interest in working on a team
• Strong drive and self-motivation; a willingness to work long hours and under tight deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to be flexible and adjust to shifting priorities
• Proven track record of managing multiple projects at one time and prioritizing time effectively
• A passion for progressive politics