Communications Director

Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee The DLCC’s sole mission is to win Democratic majorities and build Democratic power in state legislatures. To grow governing power, we battle to win and hold majorities, build their capacity to be self-sustaining, and expand the map cycle over cycle to shape the future of this country. As the official party committee dedicated to state legislatures, we also represent and elevate our ballot level on the national stage to bring more attention and resources to this ballot level. Over the last decade, a reimagined and reinvigorated Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee has reversed electoral trends and shifted the competitive state legislative map in this new decade. While fighting from behind due to Republicans’ massive war chest, rigged maps, and focus among Democrats and progressives on the federal level, the DLCC has won back a dozen majorities in the states – including a historic midterm election cycle in 2022 when Democrats flipped four chambers red to blue, and the President’s party did not lose a single chamber for the first time in modern history. The DLCC is an all-of-the-above committee that operates year-round, providing funds for the full scope of campaign work and running significant independent advertising to win races. The data, targeting, organizing, digital, communications and fundraising support, and strategic expertise we provide to states is invaluable. Winning state legislatures doesn’t happen in a single election — they are multi-cycle plays, and the DLCC’s work with our caucuses to lay the groundwork for future Democratic wins. And when the DLCC secures new majorities, Democrats move quickly on an agenda that protects fundamental freedoms and builds an economy for all. The DLCC has momentum in our strategy for the decade, and we cannot let up. Extreme MAGA Republicans are showing no signs of slowing down their anti-democratic crusade and there’s a long fight ahead of us that will require more investment, attention, and resources for state legislative races. Every victory at our level of the ballot is a win for the future of the Democratic Party, and this year, we’re capitalizing on our progress so far to defend our ground and keep expanding the map for Democratic power. Alongside our mission, we also value our team. We are explicit about our culture and values and how they impact our work and collaboration with others. The DLCC staff, along with our Board of Directors, are committed to holding ourselves to a standard of respect, inclusion, growth, and performance that meets the political and organizational requirements of the future we want to build. Communications Director The Communications Director supports the development and execution of DLCC’s communications strategy to increase the engagement of the press, influencers, and donors with DLCC and our ballot level. They are responsible for building and leading the media relations vertical, ensuring a press strategy that can advance the work and position of the DLCC and state legislatures among audiences interested in politics, democracy, or policy. They collaborate across verticals to analyze and recommend cohesive content and surrogates, create written communications products that drive national messaging, and provide coaching and training support to staff and others in collaboration with the VP of Marketing and Communications and other senior-level staff. This role reports to the Vice President, Marketing & Communications and will have at least two direct reports. The DLCC is located in Washington, DC, and our office has taken on a hybrid model for staff effective January 2022. This position is eligible to be permanently remote or for flexible work arrangements and requires occasional travel with DLCC principals and for organizational meetings and events. The Communications Director is expected to model the values of the DLCC: CREDIBILITY: We are respected and trusted in words and actions. INCLUSIVE: The DLCC values the unique experience and perspective of all who work here. We strive to make all contributors feel welcomed, valued, and respected. We focus on outcomes, recognizing different people approach opportunities and challenges differently. INITIATIVE: We exhibit high levels of creativity in our work and need all team members to proactively contribute ideas to move our work forward. RESULTS DRIVEN: Our team undertakes projects professionally and executes them fully and to completion. RISK: We identify opportunities to employ new ideas and tactics and execute these ideas when we believe the potential reward outweighs the risk. We evaluate, learn, and improve our strategy, both when the risks pay off and when they do not. TEAMWORK: We work collaboratively, additively, and in sync with our colleagues. Our individual work considers the needs, capacity, and expertise of those we work alongside. Responsibilities Communications Strategy & Execution Collaborate with senior leadership to develop and execute an ambitious and comprehensive internal and external communications strategy to support DLCC’s overall strategic mission and objectives. Help define and implement a multi-channel content plan for the full Marketing & Communications department and oversee/advise on the creation of internal and external communications, including press products and media outreach, multiple social media channels, website and design, research reports, and other content. Serve as the strategic owner or advisor on major initiatives, working closely with senior leadership, delegating to department staff when needed, and providing or arranging for training and counsel for others. Advise and partner with the DLCC’s Political and Development teams to refine department strategies and ensure all external communication by the organization is cohesive and strengthens the DLCC’s brand and positioning – within both the state legislative and national political landscapes – driven by our increasing understanding of our current and prospective audience priorities. Work closely and serve as a main point of contact with external consulting partners to leverage their expertise to further DLCC’s communications strategy. Evaluate and act upon breaking news and electoral developments and oversee rapid response opportunities to further the narratives and storytelling that highlight the importance of DLCC and our level of the ballot. Cultivate new opportunities to elevate the committee’s communications strategy and further develop DLCC’s brand with current and developing audiences. Serve as an on-the-record spokesperson for the organization and coach and assist other DLCC staff, including communications department staff, the President, senior staff, and board members. Prepare and staff the President and other principals for interviews, press events, and speaking opportunities. Draft and edit external and internal communications, including but not limited to, press releases, talking points, memos, reports, op-eds, remarks, and other materials. Pitch the DLCC to national, state, and regional news and media outlets. Own and build relationships with key national reporters and media bookers in New York and Washington, DC, to ensure ongoing coverage of the President, key principals, and organization. Manage and build relationships with communications staff at sister Democratic committees, progressive organizations, and with our in-state partners to implement joint media outreach goals and messaging. Build relationships with key press partners and surrogates who are effective brand ambassadors for the committee. Perform other duties as needed. Team Management Supervised employees: National Press Secretary and Press Assistant. Oversee the press team as it grows and develops over the course of the cycle. Manage and lead press staff to successfully execute on incoming requests, proactive pitches, rapid response needs, and more. Regularly attend training and pursue continued education in supervision skills. Uphold DLCC expectations for supervisors and act with integrity and awareness of one’s power as a leader. Maintain a harassment-free and inclusive workplace for team members. Cultivate and guide the professional growth of the team by establishing and maintaining thoughtful opportunities to learn, grow, and receive constructive feedback. Ensure work is aligned and prioritized based on DLCC’s organizational strategy, coordinated-side political strategy, and priorities within any given state, chamber, and/or target. Outcomes The DLCC is positioned in the media as the leading actor in the state legislative space and among party committees. DLCC principals and surrogates are recognized and sought after as experts and thought leaders in state and local politics. The DLCC has a clear communications strategy and vision that advances both the committee’s short and long-term strategic objectives and is clearly understood by internal staff. DLCC’s communications strategy is increasing audience share and engagement by the media, influencers, and donors interested in politics, democracy, and policy driven by the states. The DLCC brand is consistent across all channels and DLCC staff and voices are aligned on messaging, talking points, and priorities. The DLCC and state legislative power are inserted into national narratives around politics and campaigns, and national press partners and surrogates are well-equipped to advance the committee’s interests. The DLCC’s director-level staff across departments are well-informed about the committee’s communications strategy. Internal and external written materials owned by the Communications Department are well-written, factual, and actively support the DLCC’s communication strategy. Junior communications staff are efficiently managed and well mentored in careers. Clear and transparent communications are provided to all stakeholders. Staff perform to a high standard, continuously improve, and have high levels of satisfaction. Qualifications 8+ years of prior relevant experience (campaign experience is a plus but not required). A demonstrated ability to think creatively and proactively to identify new opportunities to meet individual and team goals. A record of building trust and productive working relationships with a large and diverse team. The capacity to take smart risks and an eagerness to work collaboratively with DLCC staff and state/organizational partners. Critical thinking and excellent writing skills. The ability to work under tight deadlines and respond to rapid requests. The ability to translate complex topics and information into compelling messaging. Experience staffing and media training a principal. Experience managing and developing junior staff. Physical Requirements The DLCC is committed to supporting employees of varying abilities and to providing reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to thrive at the DLCC. The requirements of this role, related to its physical demands, described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. All DLCC employees must be able to operate a computer and use a cell phone. For roles at the DLCC that include frequent business travel expectations, we can discuss reasonable alternatives to travel in some instances. Most roles also require communicating with key external stakeholders of the organization in person, via the telephone, or via email. Applicants with questions about accommodations may request to speak with our ADA liaison, Nytoyia Laughlin. Essential functions of the role include: Working from a computer for long periods of time. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to communicate using the telephone, email, and in-person with stakeholders. This position anticipates 5-10% travel expectations if not located in Washington, DC. This position is also eligible for flexible work hour arrangements. How to Apply Salary for the Communications Director is $130,000-$155,000 on an annualized basis, commensurate with experience and qualifications. The DLCC offers a generous benefits package, including: More than 25 days of paid time off, including for Federal holidays, time off around Federal holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Years, vacation, sick, and personal days. Fully paid health/vision/dental insurance for the employee + spouse/partner + dependents. Up to 6% retirement employer contribution. Employer contribution of $500 to employee’s Flexible Spending Account and opportunity to withhold pre-tax income for Dependent Care Account. Up to $5,000 employer-paid Health Reimbursement Account for IVF-related costs or Adoption Assistance, and up to $2,500 for employer-paid Health Reimbursement Account for out-of-pocket dental and orthodontic expenses. Up to $2,500 in reimbursement for travel costs to access medical care. Monthly $100 student loan payment benefit. Monthly $100 mobile phone reimbursement. and more. To apply for this position, please complete an electronic application via www.dlcc.org/careers by December 13, 2024. The DLCC may review applications after this deadline in limited circumstances; however, this is not a guarantee that your application will be considered if it is not submitted by December 13, 2024. Only complete applications through the application portal will be accepted. You must also include a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to be considered for this position. When an applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an equal opportunity to compete for this position, they may request it in writing by emailing jobs(at)dlcc.org. No calls please. Applicants will be screened on a rolling basis. The DLCC is committed to an inclusive and equitable environment and diversity among its staff and recognizes that its continued success requires the highest commitment to engaging, retaining, and supporting a diverse staff that provides the best quality services to supporters and constituents. The DLCC 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, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, physical or mental disability, personal appearance, marital status, family responsibilities, genetic information, or any other legally protected basis. The DLCC will not tolerate any unlawful discrimination and any such conduct is strictly prohibited.