DiNapoli for New York: Communications Director

DiNapoli For New York: Communications Director

Location: NY

Salary: $8,000 - $10,000 (Monthly)

Company: DiNapoli For New York

Department: Communications

Employment Type: Campaign

Application Instructions: Please email resume, writing samples, and references to View email address on click.appcast.io

Job Description

Position: Communications Director

Campaign: Tom DiNapoli for New York State Comptroller (Reelection)

Location: New York State (NYC/Albany preferred; hybrid with statewide travel)

Compensation: $8,000–$10,000/month, commensurate with experience

Reports To: Campaign Manager

Position Overview

Tom DiNapoli's reelection campaign is hiring a full-time Communications Director to lead and execute the campaign's message, media, and rapid response operation.

The Communications Director will be responsible for telling the story of Tom DiNapoli's record and vision in clear, compelling terms across earned media, digital, and surrogate channels. This is a senior leadership role for someone who can both set strategy and do the daily work: pitching, drafting, prepping, and responding.

There is a strong preference for candidates with previous New York experience, especially with Albany, statewide, or New York City press and political media.

This position runs through Election Day 2026

Key Responsibilities

Message Development & Strategy

Lead development of the campaign's core narrative, message architecture, and talking points for the Comptroller and key surrogates.

Translate Tom DiNapoli's record on fiscal responsibility, accountability, and protecting taxpayers into plain-language, voter-facing messages.

Align the message across paid media, field, digital, and political teams

Press Relations & Earned Media

Build and maintain strong relationships with New York political, statehouse, and local reporters, editors, and producers.

Proactively pitch stories, editorials, and segments that highlight the campaign's priorities and contrast with opponents.

Draft and distribute press releases, media advisories, statements, and op-eds.

Coordinate press conferences, editorial board meetings, and media availabilities.

Rapid Response & War Room

Monitor media, social, and opposition activity; identify opportunities and threats in real time.

Draft and clear rapid response statements, fact checks, and aggressive pushback as needed.

Prepare internal guidance when news breaks, ensuring staff, surrogates, and allies know how to respond.

Candidate & Surrogate Prep

Prepare the Comptroller for interviews, debates, forums, and major public appearances with briefing memos and Q&A prep.

Develop talking points and prep materials for surrogates, allies, and validators.

Content & Digital Coordination

Work with digital staff or consultants to turn communications priorities into content: video scripts, graphics copy, email language, and social posts.

Ensure that high-value media hits are amplified to volunteers, donors, validators, and voters.

Qualifications

Must-Haves

2–4+ cycles of communications experience in campaigns, government, advocacy, or related political work, including at least one at a senior or lead level (Comms Director, Deputy Comms, or equivalent).

Demonstrated experience managing press relationships and placing stories in competitive media environments.

Excellent writing skills: fast, clean, and adaptable (releases, talking points, memos, op-eds, social copy).

Strongly Preferred

Previous New York experience

Comfort briefing and prepping a principal for high-visibility interviews and debates.

Additional Skills

Calm under pressure, disciplined with message, and able to say "no" when needed.

Highly organized, with strong attention to detail and ability to juggle multiple deadlines.

Ability to travel within New York State as needed.