Job Board

Director of State Communications

Description

BASIC PURPOSE:

The Director of State Communications, to be located in Tallahassee, Florida, manages and implements a comprehensive, multi-faceted communications plan for the work of the State Initiatives program. Duties will include drafting statements, speeches and opinion editorials; creating and disseminating press releases; coordinating interviews and media events; producing publications and managing projects as assigned. This position also includes developing template communications plans for state lawmakers and policymakers to use as they are adopting and implementing reform policies in their states. Interfacing with the state advocacy directors, the policy directors and the entire communications team on a regular basis is required for success.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop, organize, update, and articulate ExcelinEd’s key policy-related messages, including those both general and state-specific in nature.
• Develop and implement long-term communications strategies for state-based advocacy work.
• Draft, edit, and/or finalize press materials under strict deadlines and quick turnaround circumstances: pieces will include op-eds, press releases, media advisories, talking points, quotes, blogs, social media and web content.
• Develop and implement plan to ensure website(s) accurately and effectively showcases state work and achievement.
• Assist with other communications and external affairs efforts, including producing communications materials and media events supporting advocacy work in states.
• Collaborate with marketing staff to ensure consistency with foundation-wide style, format, and brand guidelines.
• Collaborate with stakeholders/staff to set and maintain timelines and manage the internal review/approval process.
• Support communications needs surrounding and during the Foundation’s annual summit.
• Monitor statewide and national media, and daily compile and e-mail relevant news reports to staff.

Qualifications

Position Requirements:

• Six to eight years of high level communications experience in an advocacy, non-profit, political, or corporate setting with significant writing responsibilities.
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of political communications, media relations, public relations, editing and marketing.
• Broad knowledge and understanding of state and federal policymaking processes and political environments.
• Experience pitching stories and developing strong relations with traditional and new media outlets.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and knowledge of the rules of grammar and punctuation.
• Proven ability to develop an effective communication plan to achieve organizational goals.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks while achieving a high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to assist in developing long range goals and objectives.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated experience using various social media channels and a vision for using them strategically to reach key stakeholder audiences.
• Excellent computer skills in a Microsoft Windows environment.
• Ability to travel to represent Foundation or facilitate meetings as requested.

Education and Experience:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in communications, journalism, political science or other relevant area of study.
• Experience with on-the-record media relations.
• Experience in executing earned media campaigns
• Experience in drafting speeches, opinion editorials, press releases and related marketing materials.
• Experience working with elected or appointed officials and high level staff.

How to Apply

Please email three writing samples (three different types of writing, including but not limited to: press releases, communications plans, media advisories, open letters, etc.) to info@excelined.org

Job Originally Posted on: Thursday, December 4, 2014