Press Secretary

Press Secretary

State Parties are responsible for building infrastructure necessary for successful candidate campaigns up and down the ballot. Over the last few years, Ohio Democrats built a year-round organizing model driven by local community activists and volunteers. Ohio Dems are testing new technology and programs to build a modern, data-driven and nimble force to elect Democrats statewide now and in the future. In 2026, every statewide office will be on the ballot – including the governor's race and a special election to elect a U.S. Senator in the seat currently occupied by appointed Senator Jon Husted. With 3 DCCC Frontline Races to protect and 3 additional seats targeted by the DCCC, the path to a Democratic majority in the U.S. House and Senate will once again run through Ohio in 2026.

The Ohio Democratic Party is seeking a talented, passionate professional to serve as party Press Secretary and communicate ODP's priorities and hold Republicans accountable both with the media and with outside stakeholders. The Press Secretary will work closely with the senior staff and a number of campaign partners to support top-tier, statewide campaigns, organize press events to communicate the Party's message and values, respond rapidly to news of the day and press inquiries and keep stakeholders and allies informed of the work of the Party. The Press Secretary will report to the Communications Director.

Managing local and national reporter relationships, pitching stories, handling rapid response needs, and serving as an on-the-record spokesperson for the Party and point-person for press inquiries. Drafting and editing written materials such as press releases, op-eds, and additional external and internal communication materials as needed. Booking and staffing the Chair and surrogates for interviews along with preparing and executing earned media events with the Chair and surrogates from beginning to end – including advancing events when necessary. Supporting Party surrogates and coordinating with critical campaign partners, including with up-to-date talking points and remarks. Brainstorming creative tactics to further the communications department's short and long term goals. Managing and mentoring communications interns Other responsibilities as needed to support the communications department.

Ability to work with stakeholder groups to help spread a coordinated message statewide Familiarity with Ohio's media landscape and the unique needs of Ohio's diverse media markets and a knowledge of Ohio politics Campaign or legislative communications experience and past experience working with in-state and national media, including on-the-record experience Multitasker – able to juggle multiple activities yet not lose focus on top priorities or let something slip through the cracks Keen eye for identifying opportunities and potential risk Ability to work under tight deadlines and adapt quickly to changing work priorities Highly communicative – responsive and able to adapt with a quickly evolving news cycle High quality writer with a strong skill in proofreading as well as a high-level of accuracy in work Effective interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse internal and external constituencies. Self-directed learner and with the ability to network and to gain a deeper understanding of the state and our partners Committed to the values and practices of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace with the ability to take feedback and learn

Passionate and thoughtful about what and how they do work and whom they work with; Resilient, resourceful, and adaptive to priority shifts and change (big and small); Kind but willing to apply soft elbows when needed; Realistic but positive in outlook, not ego- or turf-driven, able to focus on opportunities when faced with challenges; Collaborative by nature; Fully invested in the success of Ohio Democrats.

The salary range will be $4,500-5,500 per month and full benefits, including PTO, health, dental, and voluntary vision insurance. The hourly expectation will fluctuate depending on the campaign cycle, but will be a minimum of 40 hours per week. Housing will not be provided. Applicants must live in or be willing to relocate to Columbus, Ohio.

Ohio Democrats recognize our success requires a diverse mix of talented people. We are focused on building a staff that is diverse in race, gender and gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin and all the other fascinating characteristics that make us different. Candidates of color, women, LGBTQI, and more are encouraged to apply. This is a cycle position and ends on December 31, 2026, with the potential to extend.