Press Director

Organization: Pennsylvania House Democratic Campaign Committee
Title: Press Director
Position type: Full-time, temporary
Duration: May 1 - November 15, 2024
Location: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Salary: $8,000 per month

About the PAHDCC and this role:

The Pennsylvania House Democratic Campaign Committee (PAHDCC) is seeking a Press Director through the November 5 election to support Democratic House candidates in Pennsylvania. The Director will lead and support communications efforts for the caucus and manage a team of earned media specialists who each support earned media for multiple candidates. This role serves as a messaging resource for PAHDCC stakeholders and battleground candidates, aiding them in developing messaging on their issues for public communications. The Director will ensure earned media outreach for targeted candidates is aligned with best practices for state legislative races and liaise between stakeholders to ensure communications efforts are strategic and effective.

Candidates should be based within commuting distance of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania or be willing to relocate. A relocation stipend may be available. 

People of color, people with disabilities, women, and LGBTQI+ candidates are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop and oversee high-level communications strategy and execution for earned media program to secure press for targeted candidates running for Pennsylvania House, in consultation with the communications and digital teams and other stakeholders
• Manage three earned media specialists dedicated to getting press for state legislative candidates
• Spot trends among candidates and media coverage and adjust strategy accordingly
• Work with stakeholders, including liaising with caucus and other partners on earned media strategy; and caucus and candidates on rapid response and crisis communications, as needed
• Support other communications department needs, such as social media, messaging, caucus leadership press, etc., including:
• Draft talking points and speeches for the PAHDCC Board Chairs and other spokespeople
• Write and distribute pitches and press releases that align with PAHDCC’s organizational goals and messaging
• Provide rapid response support around the Pennsylvania legislative session 
• Prepare candidates for debates, town halls, media interviews, and other public appearances by drafting talking points, providing media training, and sharing actionable feedback as needed

Qualifications and requirements:

• 5-8+ years of communications experience, including some political campaign experience, required
• Proven track record of successfully leading teams and directly managing individuals
• Demonstrated leadership and large project management capabilities, including the ability to effectively manage up and give feedback to leadership when necessary
• Strong writing and interpersonal skills, and comfort working in fast-paced environment
• Strong knowledge of the current media landscape, including a sense of what’s newsworthy, an understanding of a wide range of news outlets and journalists, and experience directly interacting with reporters
• Technical fluency with tools such as Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, and social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram
• High level of organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and an ability to multitask

Strongly preferred but not required:

• Work experience in or deep familiarity with Pennsylvania
• Work experience in a state legislature or state legislative campaign
• Spanish language fluency

Position details:

• Full-time, beginning in May and ending mid-November, including night and weekend work, as necessary 
• Salary: $8,000 per month, plus additional benefits
• Location: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, with some in-state travel required
  • Please note: This role requires access to a vehicle and a valid U.S. Driver's License
• Reports to: PAHDCC Deputy Executive Director

To apply, please include a cover letter that references any relevant experience, resume, and writing sample.

#LI-CO1
#LI-Hybrid