Senior Director of Communications

AboutThe States Project (TSP) connects the importance of state legislatures to every aspect of our lives and brings together communities to help build a healthy, sustainable, and prosperous future for all.
Our electoral work focuses on winning governing  majorities in the states by making state legislative campaigns more effective and better-funded. Our policy work provides nonpartisan tools and resources that connect a diverse community of state lawmakers committed to improving lives for the people they serve.   We do it because we believe that state legislatures are the strongest force for change in this country.
We encourage you to find out more about the organizations’ values here.
Position: Senior Director, CommunicationsLocation: National. 100% Remote, up to 15% of expected travel including in-person team meetings and events.Deadline to Apply: June 3rd, 2024
Position Details: This is a full-time, exempt at-will position. The team currently operates remotely, with occasional in-person team retreats, etc. Some travel will be required. Additional evening and weekend hours are occasionally required to fulfill the duties of this position. 
TSP is committed to the safety of our employees and has a communicable disease policy in place.  If you have any questions about our safety protocols, please contact us.
The Opportunity:As the Senior Director of Communications you will spearhead efforts to amplify our mission through strategic initiatives that enhance our visibility. Specifically, the individual will a) manage, develop and implement effective media relations and communications strategies to increase organizational press b) leverage the organizations' brand in the effort to support lawmakers and candidates with earned media. This position reports directly to the Chief Communications Officer and manages a Director and a Manager, along with external consultants. The successful candidate will have a strong background in political communications, leading a team that delivers, and a deep understanding of how to effectively communicate and how to secure press coverage. 
We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at The States Project. Women, people of color, trans/genderqueer people, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are especially encouraged to apply.

What You Will Do:

• Principal activities will include but not be limited to:

High Level Press:
• Provide effective stewardship of The States Project in the media as an on-the-record spokesperson
• Manage external press consultants to further TSP’s earned media objectives
• Develop and strengthen relationships with key reporters
• Manage, develop and implement proactive and reactive media relations strategies to advance TSP priorities, working collaboratively with communications, growth, programs, and legal teams. 
• Create materials including, but not limited to, briefing materials, press releases, talking points, etc. 
• Secure positive coverage of and media placements for The States Project principles and surrogates 
• Author quick-thought of stories to pitch in response to breaking news 

Team Management and Leadership:
• Identify and oversee the execution of strategies to leverage organizational press and advance best practices for state lawmakers to garner earned media
• Manage a growing team, including a Director and Manager
• Develop and implement goals and metrics of success; own monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting of OKRs, including but not limited to performance, and expected impact
• Train and coach direct reports on organizational and programmatic systems, processes, norms, and tools
• Foster a collaborative and results-driven culture within the team, promoting creativity, innovation, and continuous improvement.

What You Bring To The Partnership:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent professional experience
• At least ten years of progressively responsible professional experience in politics, non-profit, policy, or government, including at least five years in senior-level capacity
• Self-starter with a drive to make things happen: proven track record of program management excellence and high standards for success
• Proven track record of team management
• Experience speaking with the media on and off the record
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
• Motivated by a fast-paced environment
• Deep political communications expertise
• Exceptional writing and verbal communication skills
• Ability to distinguish important from urgent in highly complex and fast-moving environments
• Capable of independently managing time and tasks associated with a fast-pace