Director of Political Communications
Company: Human Rights Campaign
Location: Washington
Posted on: May 16, 2022
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Job Description:
Organization Overview
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is the largest civil rights
organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay,
bisexual, transgender and queer Americans. By inspiring and
engaging individuals and communities, the Human Rights Campaign
strives to end discrimination against LGBTQ+ people and realize a
world that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
HRC envisions a world where every member of the LGBTQ+ family has
the freedom to live their truth without fear, and with equality
under the law. HRC empowers its 3 million members and supporters to
mobilize against attacks on the most marginalized people in its
community. HRC works to ensure that all LGBTQ+ people, and
particularly transgender people, people of color and people living
with HIV, are treated as full and equal citizens within the
movement, across the country and around the world.
Position Overview
HRC is seeking a strategic and experienced leader to serve as
Director of Political Communications.
The Director is responsible for developing and directing high-level
communications strategies for the organization's political work,
particularly federal advocacy, electoral, judicial and state
legislative efforts.
The Director will create strategic plans, build relationships with
political reporters, lead rapid response messaging, develop
communications materials, and serve as a spokesperson for the
organization when needed.
This position serves on the communications leadership team and
supervises a team of four, including three press secretaries.
Ideal candidates will have exceptional communications skills,
experience leading high-performing teams, the ability to balance
long-term goals and day-to-day demands and expertise working with
national media.
The Director must bring a passion for progressive politics,
experience working in politics or government at a high level,
relationships with reporters, and the ability to thrive in a
fast-paced environment with competing priorities.
Position Responsibilities
Organizational leadership: Spearhead HRC's efforts on messaging
strategy, rollout plans and rapid response for political,
legislative and policy priorities.
Strategic communications planning : Develop messaging strategy for
key initiatives, and work with communications leadership on
long-term planning, including development of editorial calendars
and message development.
Earned media planning and execution : Seek out news opportunities
and creative placement strategies as part of short- and long-term
planning in coordination with the leadership of the Communications
team.
Build and maintain relationships with key reporters, editors and
producers : Build strong relationships with political print,
online, television and radio journalists and leverage those
relationships into coverage of HRC's political work. Identify
opportunities for HRC to participate in ongoing conversations
surrounding LGBTQ+ issues.
Supervise and manage members of the communications team : Support,
develop and manage a team with varying levels of experience,
including offering strategic guidance, feedback and insight.
Oversee the day-to-day activities of the political communications
team and ensure materials are approved and sent to press as
needed.
Produce outstanding written materials : Develop a variety of
written materials including press releases, media advisories,
talking points, opinion pieces, web content, and other materials.
Synthesize research into appropriate messaging.
Additional Responsibilities:
Act as an on-the-record and background source as necessary
Work with and coach spokespersons on effective interaction with
press
Manage and execute events such as interviews, press conferences,
media availabilities and editorial board meetings
Manage rapid response processes to breaking news
Work collaboratively with internal and external teams to develop
communications products and strategies
Research various issues in order to service media requests
Other duties as assigned
Key Qualifications
At least ten or more years of work experience in media relations or
communications in an electoral, government or political/advocacy
organization
Demonstrated experience with successfully placing print and online
stories, op-eds and ensuring that an organization's message is
placed in reactive stories
Relationships with members of the media
Highly organized and detail-oriented, capable of handling multiple
projects simultaneously in a high-volume, fast-paced
environment
Outstanding verbal and written communications skills
Experience managing a small team and cultivating talent
Experience working closely with organization principals
Superb interpersonal skills, with an impressive history of forging
strong and positive relationships with colleagues and
stakeholders
Strong media instincts and excellent judgment, including management
of difficult decisions on whether/how to engage with a story
Willingness and ability to respond to breaking news, often outside
the workday
Background or experience with LGBTQ+ rights
All positions at the Human Rights Campaign may require travel on a
regular basis or periodically. Where the need arises for business
travel, appropriate compensation as outlined by the Fair Labor
Standards Act will apply.
The Director of Political Communications is a regular, full-time
position that reports to the Director of Communications. The
position is based in Washington, D.C.
To Apply
Submit a cover letter and resume online at
https://grossmansolutions.applytojob.com. The cover letter should
be concise, compelling, and outline the specific ways in which you
would be a good fit for this position.
We strongly encourage people of color, transgender and non-binary
people to apply. HRC is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes
everyone, including non-LGBTQ people, to join our team.
Keywords: Human Rights Campaign, Washington DC , Director of Political Communications, Executive , Washington, DC
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