House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Incoming Majority (Democratic) Staff seeks Communications Director to serve as spokesperson and primary communications advisor to the incoming Democratic Chairman. Qualified candidates will have significant on-the-record press experience, a demonstrated understanding of veterans’ issues, superior written communications skills, and a demonstrated ability to craft and execute a strategic communications plan. The office is an equal opportunity employer and encourages women, minorities, and LGBTQ candidates to apply. Veterans are also strongly encouraged to apply. Please submit cover letter and resume to hvactransition@gmail.com with "Communications Director” in the subject line.
Position Summary:
The Communications Director will serve as the spokesperson and primary communications advisor to the incoming Democratic Chairman. They will be responsible for managing the execution of the committee’s strategic communications plan and overseeing day-to-day press activities, which include responding to media inquiries, booking the Chairman for interviews, pitching news stories to media outlets, working with policy leads to develop core messaging and talking points, and producing press releases, speeches, and op-eds that are at or near finished product. The Communications Director will also oversee other Committee press staff.
Essential Job Functions:
Craft and execute the committee’s strategic communications plan and core message
Speak to the media on the record, while maintaining a good working relationships with veterans reporters, and pitch members of the press promoting the Chairman’s agenda
Remain abreast of current legislative and non-legislative issues about which the Chairman may be questioned
Evaluate current events and news reports across the country for their impact on the Chairman
Provide ideas and advice on the optics of the Chairman’s actions and legislative activities
Produce press releases, media advisories, briefing materials, talking points, op-eds, and speeches
Work closely with Chairman’s personal office staff to get official press statements out the door
Be innovative, think outside of the box for messaging opportunities, be willing and capable of engaging new media (YouTube, video news platforms like NowThis, podcasts, etc.) as well as traditional press
Be able to see a thorough press roll out of legislation or high profile committee hearings through completion (including traditional press releases, digital messaging, and story placements)
Develop proactive press events in conjunction with legislative staff to convey the Chairman’s message and engage key constituencies
Staff the Chairman at press events
Oversee the collection and tracking of press clips
Track communications goals
Manage communications budget
Support staff in developing their own communications skills
Oversee the Press Assistant and Digital Assistant
Qualifications:
3-4+ years’ experience as a Communications Director, Press Secretary, or similar public relations role
Ability to engage with stakeholders/VSOs to get the Chairman’s/Committee message out there and keep the public informed and work hand in hand with policy team to move legislative priorities forward.
Experience crafting and executing an effective, fast-paced communications strategy
Previous on-the-record press experience
Superior writing, editing, and proofing skills
Demonstrated ability to dissect complex topics and make them relevant to a wide audience
Previous military service and/or strong familiarity with veterans’ issues
Willing to execute day-to-day tasks and work successfully within a team
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, prioritize tasks, and adapt quickly and easily for rapid response.
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