Communications Director

Denver, CO
Posted on  

Job Description

Department Information

Colorado Senate Democrats

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.


Description of Job

Communications Director: The Colorado Senate Democrats are seeking a strategic Communications Director to amplify the successes of the Senate Majority at the Capitol. The Communications Director works with the President of the Senate, the Chief & Deputy Chief of Staff, Senate leadership, and the entire caucus to hone, develop, and disseminate caucus messaging. This consists of establishing our caucus narrative, developing strategic communication plans for legislative priorities, and driving media attention for the caucus.

The Communications Director fulfills a critical role for the Senate Majority. They serve as a resource for individual caucus members - offering media training, messaging guidance, and crisis support. They are responsible for interfacing with the press corps, as well as advocacy partners, the House communications team and the Governor's communications team, responding to media inquiries, and coordinating media related events. This role is best filled by someone who understands the power of persuasive language, can develop multi-faceted communications plans with an overarching narrative in mind, and is well versed in political messaging strategy. The Communications Director is a full-time position and reports to the Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Qualifications
  • At least 3 years of experience working in communications for political organizations, campaigns, government or media
  • Self-starter who shows strong initiative and sets high standards for individual and team performance
  • Outstanding written and oral communication skills, with an ability to write and produce content on a wide variety of issues and platforms
  • Exceptional “people skills” with an ability to work effectively with a variety of people and organizations
  • Unapologetic political news enthusiast with the ability to think critically and strategically; ability to proactively seize opportunities to move the Senate Majority message forward; adept at anticipating obstacles and can play effective defense when needed
  • Proven successful record working with and pitching press
  • Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills; a proven ability to effectively and independently manage projects with many moving parts to produce high-quality results on tight deadlines
  • Strong political sense and discretion
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively

Preferred Qualifications
  • Strong understanding of the Colorado political landscape
  • Sufficient fluency in spoken and written Spanish
  • At least 1-2 years of experience supervising staff.

Supplemental Information

Responsibilities include:
Strategy
  • Develop an overall communications and messaging strategy for the caucus
  • Provide strategic communications advice to individual members and assist with crisis management
  • Conduct media trainings and prepare members for interviews
  • Develop media campaigns for priority legislation
  • Be conversant with caucus priority legislation and policy positions
Press
  • Serve as the primary spokesperson and point of contact for media
  • Develop relationships with editors, reporters, producers, etc.
  • Pitch TV, radio, and print outlets on legislative business and accomplishments
  • Write releases, advisories, opinion pieces, statements, talking points, and speeches
  • Organize and execute press events such as press avails, press conferences, and rallies
Digital
  • Oversee the Press Assistant in the development of a caucus social media strategy and content, including graphics, videos, and written copy for social channels
  • Assist in the maintenance and development of senate and member websites
Administration/Management
  • Oversee the Communications team, including the Press Assistant and Deputy Communications Director, and any session only staff or interns
  • Oversee all internal communication functions and processes
  • Facilitate information flow to individual member offices and staff

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

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