Communications Director

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

MAINE STATE LEGISLATURE – OFFICE OF THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE

Augusta, Maine

The Maine Legislature’s Office of the Speaker of the House is seeking applicants for a COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR. This is full-time, year-round partisan position working under Democratic leadership.

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 with Grade 8 salary, which starts at $58,094.40. The bi-weekly dollar values of some State-paid benefits include: $14.60 for dental insurance; 13.16% of employee’s pay towards retirement; and at least 85% ($422.95) of health insurance premiums (more information is available here). Participation in the Health Premium Credit Programcan 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. Application questions should be directed to Bill Brown at 207-287-1300.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $58,094.40 per year