Communications Director

Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) seeks an experienced, proactive Communications Director. This full-time position is based in the Washington, D.C. office. The position requires some travel to the district to support media relations and press events.

This senior staff position is responsible for managing and overseeing the communications shop, including building a strategic mass communications plan, managing other press/digital staff, and ensuring an active presence in messaging to constituents and stakeholders with traditional and non-traditional press and communications. Additionally, this position will manage day-to-day communications such as drafting press releases, media advisories, op-eds, statements, talking points, speeches, and other forms of communication, as needed. The Communications Director is responsible for developing and executing press conferences on core messaging and should have an ability to build press lists and maintain national and local press relationships to pitch stories and bookings. An ideal candidate will understand the legislative process and franking, be a strong writer, and have a friendly and professional demeanor and an ability to exercise political savvy and discretion. Ties to Kentucky are a plus. 

The position is full time with federal benefits, including student loan repayment program (if eligible), transit or parking benefits, and annual salary range of $90,000-$100,000 commensurate with experience. 

Job Duties:

• Develops and implements media and communications strategy for the Member; including franked communications;
• Manages the day to day press operations and outreach, including additional members of the communications team;
• Serves as the formal spokesperson and media liaison for the Member;
• Pitches national and local media and organizes and coordinates events with the media;
• Updates and expands national and local press relationships;
• Drafts speeches, press releases, talking points, media advisories, op-eds, and statements for the Member;
• Executes any relevant press conferences or press events;
• Thinks creatively about engagement with traditional and new media; 
• Manages rapid response communications;
• Other duties as assigned 

Requirements:

• Experience developing communication strategy and branding for a Member of Congress, elected official, Federal agency, private, and/or non-profit organization;
• Able to make split-second decisions and develop communications under tight deadlines;
• Politically savvy and comfortable navigating difficult situations with press and staff;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills;
• Expertise in advising others on a communication strategy and ability to work well on a team;
• Time management skills, ability to work under pressure, and comfortable balancing multiple responsibilities at once;
• Ability to collaborate with issue experts and other coworkers;
• Attention to detail and;
• Experience building and maintaining relationships with members of local and national press;
• The position requires the flexibility to work long hours, including nights and weekends.

PREFERENCES:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, government, political science, public policy, or related field
• Journalistic experience
• A demonstrated interest in public service

To Apply:

All interested candidates are encouraged to submit a resume, writing sample, and references to resumesky03@gmail.com with the subject line “Communications Director - [applicant’s last name]” The application deadline is 11/15/24. The office will contact the best qualified candidates to begin our interview process on a rolling basis. Please, no phone calls or drop ins. 

Our office is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including marital or parental status), national origin, age, disability, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Candidates of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.