Communications Director

Background :

This is a general job posting for the U.S. House of Representatives Resume Bank.

The job posting is intended to collect resumes for candidates who are interested in serving as a Communications Director in an office for a Member of Congress. Since this job posting is not designated for a specific Member of Congress, the expectations, duties, and skill areas of the position represent a sampling of what may be expected in a House office. Actual job expectations, duties, skills, and other requirements for a Communications Director position may vary by office.

Information collected through this resume collection service will be shared with Members of Congress upon their request. Should your experience and background match the hiring needs of an office, the Member’s staff will contact you directly to schedule an interview.

Sample Job Expectations:

A Communications Director plays an essential role in managing, coordinating, and relaying the Member’s voice and viewpoints on legislative issues. A Communications Director could be expected to work closely with the Chief of Staff, Legislative Director, and District Director to develop and execute a coordinated plan to inform constituents and the media on issues that are important to the Member. A Communications Director could review, draft, and finalize all statements, press releases, media advisories, and other messaging (e.g., social media). Finally, the Communications Director could also have direct supervision over other staff on the press team.

Sample Job Duties:

In this role, the Communications Director could be expected to:

• Develops and implements media and communications strategy for the Member
• Serves as the formal spokesperson and media liaison for the Member
• Organizes and coordinates events with the media
• Drafts speeches, press releases, media advisories, op-eds, and Congressional Record statements for the Member
• Maintains and updates office website and social media platforms
• Organizes and distributes the daily news clips for the Member and office staff

Sample Requirements:

The following information illustrates the skills and requirements that would be expected of Communication Directors. Actual skill requirements may vary by office:

• Experience developing communication strategy for a Member of Congress, elected official, Federal agency, private, and/or non-profit organization
• Able to make split-second decisions and develop communications under tight deadlines
• Politically savvy and comfortable navigating difficult situations with press and staff
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Expertise in advising others on a communication strategy and influencing the actions of others
• Time management skills, ability to work under pressure, and comfortable balancing multiple responsibilities at once
• Ability to collaborate with issue experts and other coworkers
• Attention to Detail
• Experience building and maintaining relationships with members of local and national press

Sample Preferences:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, government, political science, public policy, or related field
• Journalistic experience
• A demonstrated interest in public service

Notice:

All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including marital or parental status), sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, or national origin.