Communications Director

Democratic Party of Wisconsin
Job Description: Communications Director
Reports to: Executive Director
Salary: $88,000-$102,000 (annually) 
Start Date: January 2020

About the Democratic Party of Wisconsin: The DPW is nationally recognized as one of the country’s highest-performing and most pivotal political organizations. In the 2021-22 cycle, DPW will drive a massive program to re-elect Governor Tony Evers, defeat Ron Johnson in order to ensure a Democratic US Senate majority, elect candidates up and down the ballot in spring and fall elections alike, and advocate on policy issues. DPW’s work—grounded in inclusion, respect, and empowerment across race, gender, other dimensions of identity, and the rural/suburban/urban divide—continues year-round, working with partners to build a movement that delivers meaningful change for all Wisconsinites. We seek outstanding candidates who share our values and vision to join our team, help win elections, and build a future where everyone can thrive.

The Opportunity: As a Communications Director, you will work closely with our elected partners, allies, and other stakeholders to develop and lead the execution of a comprehensive and ambitious communications plan, including both earned and paid media, to win Wisconsin’s spring 2021 elections, advance our goals in legislative fights including redistricting and the state budget, and prepare Democrats for success in the Governor, Senate, and other key races of 2022. In your role at the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, you will play a key role in strengthening and amplifying Wisconsin’s Democratic “echo chamber,” ensuring partners and stakeholders are on-message and supporting our communications goals. As a member of the senior staff team, you will be a valued voice in strategic discussions, the overall owner of messaging for the party, and you will work closely with the Chair and Executive Director to advance DPW’s strategic goals in the press.

Job Responsibilities:

• Manage the Communications Department, including strategic planning, budgeting, hiring, and project management.
• Serve as an on-the-record spokesperson for the party, maintaining relationships with key national and in-state press
• Liaise, coordinate, and troubleshoot with allied campaigns and stakeholders to ensure unified, consistent Democratic messaging with Governor Evers and Democratic elected members and candidates up and down the ballot
• Proactively seek media opportunities for the Chair and other Party spokespeople and allies, and develop pitches to secure national and key local bookings and interviews.
• Prepare and provide talking points, background materials, and other prep materials for relevant staff.
• Work closely with our Research Director to hold Ron Johnson and potential 2022 GOP Governor and downballot candidates accountable in the press and through paid communication
• Work closely with our Digital department to ensure the messaging of the party in every venue is on brand and on point
• Ensure that the messaging of DPW embodies the values of the party, is grounded in diversity, equity, and inclusion, and seeks to meet the voters of Wisconsin where they are.

Qualifications (Required)

• Growth Mindset - ability to take and implement feedback.
• Relentlessly Goal Oriented - enjoys working toward and achieving ambitious goals.
• Cultural Competency -  able to build relationships and collaborate with colleagues, voters, and volunteers across lines of identity difference.
• Keeps Calm in Stressful Situations -- has the capacity and willingness to work long hours during peak season, rolling up their sleeves and getting the work done.
• Demonstrably excellent verbal and written communication skills, in particular the distillation of complex issues into publicly digestible bites which spurs people to action.
• Demonstrated ability to craft communications strategy to advance an organization or candidate’s objectives
• Experience hiring and managing a team of communications professionals to successfully hit ambitious strategic messaging goals
• Sharp, strategic instincts, meaning you’re fast on your feet and able to make confident strategic choices with minimal oversight
• Previous experience interacting with members of the media

Qualifications (Preferred)

• Election cycle experience in a communications role
• Connections with Wisconsin politics and/or media

Benefits: Great benefits including; health care, dental, vision, life insurance, short term and long-term disability, cell phone stipend, mileage reimbursement, generous annual vacation time, sick days, 401K match,  and holiday time off.

Equity and Inclusion: The Democratic Party of Wisconsin has a vision for a deeply inclusive and diverse party organization, membership, and electorate. In order to be successful in this role, the candidate must have the cultural competence to successfully work with a diverse group of constituency groups. We especially strongly encourage applicants with close ties to Black, Latinx, Muslim, non-English-speaking, disability, and LGBTQ communities. The Democratic Party of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

https://wisdems.applytojob.com/apply/RHrGF0hOT3/Communications-Director?source=Hire+Latinos