Organization

U.S. House of Representatives, Member Office (Democrat)

Position Title

Communications Director

Position Type

Full-Time, on-site, offers partial remote flexibilities

Position Location

Washington, D.C.

Must already be within a commutable distance OR open to relocating without assistance.

Position Description

A Democratic Congress Member, a member of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and the Select Committee on China, seeks an experienced Communications Director to join their Washington, D.C. office. The position requires some travel to the district to support media relations and press events.

The Communications Director serves as the Member’s primary communications and media strategist. They work closely with the Chief of Staff, Legislative Director, and District Director to develop and execute a coordinated plan to inform the media on issues that are important to the Member and oversee day-to-day press operations. The Communications Director also manages and oversees the office’s communication team (e.g., Press Assistant).

The Communications Director will be responsible for developing and executing an ambitious communications strategy to maximize the Member’s visibility nationally and in the district; drafting press releases, statements, speeches, and talking points; maintaining relationships and booking interviews with national and local press outlets; pitching stories and responding to reporter inquiries; assisting with social media; and other duties as assigned.

This is not an entry-level position. Candidates should have previous communications experience, possess exceptional writing skills, experience writing in the voice of a principal, and experience working across all media, directly with local and national reporters, bookers, and other members of the media to proactively pitch stories and respond to inquiries. Candidates should be detail-oriented and highly motivated to serve on an active team. The salary range for this position is $95,000 - $105,000.

Job Duties:

Partners with the Member and leadership team to develop and implement media and communications strategies
Identifies national and local opportunities to promote the Member’s policies and priorities
Monitors local, national, and digital media coverage to measure the overall effectiveness of the Member’s communications strategy and messaging
Pitches reporters while also fielding and responding to press inquiries at the local and national levels
Drafts talking points, floor statements, op-eds, press releases, media advisories, Congressional Record statements, and speeches to develop comprehensive communications for the Member
Prepares the Member for media interviews, press conferences, public events, roundtables, and other speaking engagements
Acts as the spokesperson (on the record, on background, and off the record) to serve as a formal representative for the Member
Builds and maintains strong relationships with local and national reporters (including Capitol Hill reporters, local reporters, and issue-specific reporters at national outlets), editors, columnists, producers, bookers, and advocacy groups to maintain connections and coordinate events with the media
Coordinates with external parties to execute successful national press events
Organizes workload to prioritize tasks in accordance with varying deadlines and ensure work is completed in an efficient and effective manner
Understands differing perspectives and opinions to navigate conflicts and develop solutions effectively
Oversees the work of the office's communication team staff, including the biweekly newsletter process
Coordinates the franked/paid communications process end-to-end, works with the Chief of Staff to develop plan and budget

Featured Skills:

Strategic Thinking: Able to identify and articulate long-term objectives and develop clear messaging and specific action steps across all media channels to achieve team’s goals
Attention to Detail: Performs work thoroughly and accurately; acts conscientiously when attending to detail.
Decision Making: Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions. Commits to action to accomplish organizational goals. Maintains appropriate levels of confidentiality.
Media Relations: Works with various media outlets to effectively provide information on the Member’s objectives and activities.
Verbal Communication: Makes clear and convincing oral presentations that are appropriate to listeners and situations. Listens effectively, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
Written Communication: Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience.

Preferences:

3-5 years Capitol Hill or Hill-adjacent experience
Experience on campaigns (political, legislative, or issue-based)

How To Apply

The application portal will close in 7 days or upon receipt of 100 applications, whichever comes first.

Compensation

The pay range is $95,000-$100,000 per year, along with a competitive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance; federal student loan repayment (terms apply); transit or parking benefits; and partial remote work flexibilities.

Employment Eligibility

The U.S. House of Representatives is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. All travel-related expenses associated with the interview and hiring process must be paid by the applicant, to include any relocation expenses. Employment may be contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a criminal history records check. Employment with the U.S. House of Representatives is at-will. A qualified applicant must meet one of the following residency requirements within the continental United States for eligibility for a paid position with the U.S. House of Representatives:

Be a U.S. citizen
Be lawfully admitted for permanent residence and seeking citizenship as outlined in 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3)(B)
Be (i) admitted as a refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157 or granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. § 1158 and (ii) have filed a declaration of intention to become a lawful permanent resident and then a citizen when eligible
Owe allegiance to the U.S. (i.e., qualify as a non-citizen U.S. national under federal law)

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