U.S. House of Representatives
Baumgartner, Michael - Communications Director - WA05
U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, DC, United States
Background:
This job posting is intended to collect resumes for candidates who are interested in serving as a Communications Director in an office for a New Member of Congress. The expectations, duties, and skill areas of the position represent a sampling of what may be expected in a Congressional office. Actual job expectations, duties, skills, and other requirements for a Communications Director position may vary by office. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter by March 7, 2025. Once the application period closes, the office will contact the best qualified candidates to begin the interview process.
Sample Job Expectations:
The Communications Director is expected to work closely withthe Chief of Staff, Legislative Director, and District Director to develop andexecute a coordinated plan to inform constituents and the media on issues thatare important to the Member. The Communications Director will review, draft,and finalize all statements, press releases, media advisories, and othermessaging (e.g., social media). Finally, the Communications Director will havedirect supervision over other staff on the press team.
Sample Job Duties:
This job posting is intended to collect resumes for candidates who are interested in serving as a Communications Director in an office for a New Member of Congress. The expectations, duties, and skill areas of the position represent a sampling of what may be expected in a Congressional office. Actual job expectations, duties, skills, and other requirements for a Communications Director position may vary by office. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter by March 7, 2025. Once the application period closes, the office will contact the best qualified candidates to begin the interview process.
Sample Job Expectations:
The Communications Director is expected to work closely withthe Chief of Staff, Legislative Director, and District Director to develop andexecute a coordinated plan to inform constituents and the media on issues thatare important to the Member. The Communications Director will review, draft,and finalize all statements, press releases, media advisories, and othermessaging (e.g., social media). Finally, the Communications Director will havedirect supervision over other staff on the press team.
Sample Job Duties:
- Develops and implements media and communications strategy for the Member
- Serves as the formal spokesperson and media liaison for the Member
- Organizes and coordinates events with the media
- Drafts speeches, press releases, media advisories, op-eds, and Congressional Record statements for the Member
- Maintains and updates office website and social media platforms
- Organizes and distributes the daily news clips for the Member and office staff
- Experience developing communication strategy for a Member of Congress, elected official, Federal agency, private, and/or non-profit organization
- Able to make split-second decisions and develop communications under tight deadlines
- Politically savvy and comfortable navigating difficult situations with press and staff
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Expertise in advising others on a communication strategy and influencing the actions of others
- Time management skills, ability to work under pressure, and comfortable balancing multiple responsibilities at once
- Ability to collaborate with issue experts and other coworkers
- Attention to Detail
- Experience building and maintaining relationships with members of local and national press
- Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, government, political science, public policy, or related field
- Journalistic experience
- A demonstrated interest in public service