Director of Communications

Job Overview:

The Director of Communications assists the SVP of Communications to lead States United's Communications Department, which includes staff and consultants focused on earned, paid, and digital media. This role reports to the SVP of Communications and works closely with the organization's senior leadership across departments. The Communications team leads all paid, earned, and owned communications strategy for States United as well as States United's communication support services for pro-democracy governors, attorneys general, and secretaries of state.

The Director of Communications is responsible for supporting the development and leading the execution of States United's communications strategy, including overseeing project rollouts, media relations, press outreach, new media strategy, messaging, key stakeholder support, and executing rapid response.

Responsibilities:

• Perform all duties in accordance with States United's values of integrity, inclusion, collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
• Work with the SVP of Communications and organizational leadership to develop, manage, and implement States United's earned and digital communications strategy including new media opportunities, and work with other departments, programs, and senior leadership to strengthen the visibility and impact of the organization and the state officials we support.
• Work with the SVP of Communications and other directors to develop and manage States United's messaging, profile building, and brand to define States United's role in the democracy space and to drive broader awareness on issues related to democracy, the rule of law, free and fair elections, and the critical role of state officials.
• Work with the SVP of Communications to develop and manage rapid response and crisis communications planning and support for States United and for key stakeholders.
• Work with the SVP of Communications to set priorities for the Communications Department, track and manage progress to goals, and provide coaching and support to ensure team members meet and exceed goals, remain engaged, and contribute meaningfully to achieving the organization's mission and strategic benchmarks.
• Provide strategic guidance and oversee the development and distribution of communications materials and messaging for States United and key stakeholders.
• Consult on strategy, execution, and delivery of polling, message development, and other research products.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key reporters, influencers, and partner organizations.
• Serve as an expert/advisor to States United advisory board members, key stakeholders, and staff.
• Serve as a project manager for cross-departmental communications-led projects as needed.
• Cultivate and manage States United's communications staff and consultants, executing the organization's communications strategies, including budgeting, strategic planning, metrics and reporting.
• Maintain positive and collaborative working relationships with internal teams, consultants, media, organizational partners, clients, and other key stakeholders.

Minimum Requirements:

• At least 12 years of relevant experience in communications with a proven track record of executing high quality work in a fast-paced environment, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role with responsibility for developing and executing overall communications strategy.
• At least 5 years of management experience, including managing a diverse team of communications professionals.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, specifically communicating complex policy ideas in a way that helps audiences understand and relate to them.
• Experienced project manager with demonstrated ability to oversee a team juggling multiple tasks, allocate and optimize resources, and manage timelines.
• Experience working in state and/or federal government, at a non-profit organization, or on electoral campaigns.
• Proven ability to apply sound judgment while managing complex subject-matter and issues.
• Demonstrated excellence in leadership, organization, interpersonal, and relationship management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues in a demanding and fast-paced environment.
• Willingness and ability to work beyond the normal workday, on weekends, and/or more than 40 hours a week as needed.
• Display a positive attitude, show concern for people and community, demonstrate presence, self-confidence, common sense, and good listening ability.
• Must be able to commit to a minimum of 15% travel time.
• Must be able to commit to working East Coast hours.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working on issues of election protection, voting rights, and/or democracy protection.

We encourage individuals to submit their application for consideration even if they believe they do not have all the preferred qualifications.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Starting salary for this position is $170,000+ commensurate to experience.
• Benefits include 100% employer paid health, vision, and dental plans; matching retirement benefits; generous paid time off.