Director of Political Communications

Company: Human Rights Campaign
Location: Washington
Posted on: May 16, 2022

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