Communications Director

Job description

Position: Communications Director
Location: Florida
Reports to: Executive Director
Schedule: Full Time

The Florida Democratic Party (FDP) is seeking an experienced Communications Director to run a successful Communications Department. The Communications Director will be responsible for leading the development of an aggressive messaging and communications strategy, act as spokesperson for the FDP when appropriate, develop and grow relationships with the local, state and national press, and work with Democratic elected officials, party officials and allies to hold Republicans accountable while sharing Democratic priorities and messages.


This position will oversee all internal and external communications and execute plans that raise the Democratic Party's profile, strengthen the Democratic Party's narrative, drive earned media and rapid response efforts to communicate the Party's message. The Communications Director will also be expected to contribute on several office-wide projects including web management, large events and fundraisers, elections, and other tasks as assigned.

Essential Functions

Direct + Manage
• Developing and implementing overarching communications strategy, plans and messages for the State Party;
• Ensuring message continuity across all Party programs;
• Creating and implementing a communications calendar;
• Managing Communications Department staff, including a press secretary and social media content manager, as well as interns and volunteers in the planning and execution of communications efforts and press events;
• Drafting press and issue memos with information and research, provide verbal and written briefings to Party Chair and senior leadership.

Surrogates + Partners
• Working across departments to develop an aggressive statewide surrogate program;
• Providing media and messaging training to Party surrogates and partners;
• Acting as point of contact with allied campaigns, elected officials and candidates for communications strategy, plans and events.
• Providing briefing documents and talking points, and attending to other special requests for guest speakers;
• Working with the Democratic National Committee and its press team to ensure that messaging and priorities align;

Social Media + Web Presence
• Developing and managing a robust social media program;
• Partnering with content creators and influencers to execute digital events to drive online engagement;
• Coordinating across departments and with external vendors to manage, update and maintain FDP's website to ensure information is accurate and engaging;
• Coordinating across departments and with external vendors to provide messaging guidance for the digital fundraising program;


Press + External Comms
• Monitoring local and national press for breaking news, relevant stories and developments;
• Writing and editing external communications, including talking points, statements, scripts, press releases, presentations, op-eds and other media outreach materials for the Chair and ED of the FDP, as well as our Democratic leaders when needed;
• Maintaining and updating media lists;
• Aggressively seizing opportunities to generate earned media that appear on the local, state, and national stage, to promote the values and candidates of the Florida Democratic Party;
• Serving as spokesperson for the Florida Democratic Party, when directed;
• Maintaining and growing strong relationships with other communications stakeholders locally, statewide and nationally, including reporters.

Logistics
• Position is based in Florida
• Must have a valid driver's license, reliable mode of transportation and the ability to travel extensively at times throughout the state for more than a day at a time
• Must be able to travel often for several days at a time
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
• Excellent time management and problem-solving skills
• Must be a U.S. citizen or green card holder, per FEC regulations

The Florida Democratic Party offers a competitive salary and benefit package with the opportunity for growth. Position includes full health, dental, and vision benefits.

The Florida Democratic Party is committed to diversity among its staff, and recognizes that its continued success requires the highest commitment to obtaining and retaining a diverse staff that provides the best quality services to supporters and constituents. The FDP is an equal opportunity employer and it is our policy to recruit, hire, train, promote and administer any and all personnel actions without regard to sex, race, age, color, creed, national origin, religion, economic status, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity or expression, ethnic identity or physical disability, or any other legally protected basis.