Communications Director

State of Wisconsin Division of Personnel Management

$77K — $117K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Degree in Journalism, Public Relations, or Communications, or equivalent experience
  • 2-4 years of communications experience with media outlets
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to handle multiple projects in a fast-paced setting
  • Skilled in meeting deadlines under pressure
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Professionalism and discretion required, with willingness to work long hours

Responsibilities

  • Manage all external communications for the Senate Democratic Leader's office
  • Write press releases, speeches, statements, and talking points
  • Oversee social media platforms and website maintenance
  • Coordinate press conferences, media briefings, and interviews
  • Provide strategic communications support to Democratic Senate offices
  • Lead meetings for Communications Directors and caucus-wide messaging
  • Develop and oversee long-term communication plans and projects

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work directly with senior leadership and influence public policy
  • Dynamic work environment with fast-paced challenges
  • Collaborative team setting with diverse roles
  • Chance to engage with media and public on significant state initiatives
  • Professional development in public relations and communications strategies
Full Job Description
Position Summary

The Communications Director manages all external communications for the Senate Democratic Leader's office. This includes writing press releases, statements, columns, speeches & talking points for public appearances and/or floor sessions, overseeing social media platforms, caucus video and audio productions, office website development and maintenance, and rapid response communications.

This position will work with the Deputy Communications Director to complete all tasks and projects. The position also includes working with the Graphic Designer in the development of graphics and other printed materials.

The Communications Director oversees media relations for the Senate Democratic Leader's office and Senate Democratic Caucus, which includes coordinating press conferences, media briefings, interacting with members of the press, and interviews on legislative initiatives both in district and throughout the state.

The position provides communications support and strategic guidance to Democratic Senate offices, including editing and reviewing communications materials, drafting talking points and messaging guidance on complex policy issues, leading Communications Directors meetings, coordinating caucus-wide messaging, and proactively identifying communications opportunities for members.

The Communications Director works with the senior leadership team to plan and execute long term communications plans, often overseeing multiple plans simultaneously.

This position will often be communicating complex policy information, therefore previous experience working with policy issues or in the state legislature is preferred; however, those with a strong desire to learn are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

  • A degree in Journalism, Public Relations, or Communications, or, relevant communications experience;
  • 2-4 years of communications experience, with demonstrated expertise in working with media outlets;
  • Strong verbal and written communications skills;
  • Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment and prioritize simultaneous competing projects and duties;
  • Ability to be highly productive and meet deadlines under fast-paced conditions;
  • Excellent organizational and follow-through skills;
  • High degree of professionalism and an understanding of discretion, attention to detail, and the occasional long hours needed to effectively staff a state legislator.

How To Apply

We are seeking candidates who are legally authorized to work in the United States and will not require employer visa sponsorship now or in the future. A background check will be conducted on all finalists prior to an offer of employment.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references to [redacted]

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