Press Director

Organization: Michigan House Democratic Fund
Title: Press Director 
Position type: Full-time, temporary
Duration: May 1 - November 15, 2024
Location: Lansing, MI 
Salary: $8,000 per month

About the MHDF and this role:

The Michigan House Democratic Fund (MHDF) is seeking a Press Director through the November 5 election to support Democratic legislative candidates in Michigan. The Press Director will 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 Michigan Democratic legislative stakeholders and battleground candidates, aiding them in developing messaging on their issues for public communications. The Press 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 Lansing, Michigan or be willing to relocate. 

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

Responsibilities include:

• Oversee strategy and execution for earned media program to secure press for targeted candidates running for Michigan House, in consultation with the communications and digital teams and other stakeholders
• Manage two earned media specialists dedicated to getting press for state legislative candidates
• Provide communications support for multiple candidates, including building relationships with the candidates and key reporters, identifying and executing earned media opportunities, and drafting press releases and other materials as needed
• Proactively pitch trend stories and spot trends among legislative candidates and media coverage, adjusting strategy accordingly
• Work with stakeholders, including liaising with the Michigan Democratic House 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 legislative leaders and other spokespeople
• Write and distribute pitches and press releases that align with MHDF’s organizational goals and messaging
• Provide rapid response support for candidates around the Michigan 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:

• 6-8+years of communications experience required, prior campaign experience preferred
• Strong writing and interpersonal skills, and comfort working in a 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 Michigan
• Work experience in a state legislature or state legislative campaign 

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: Lansing, Michigan, 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: Executive Director

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

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