Communications Director

State of Florida•TALLAHASSEE, FL

22h

About The Position

The Communications Director serves as a technical expert to the Office of the Minority Leader of the Florida House of Representatives. The role develops and implements communications strategies, organizes press conferences, drafts speeches and talking points, and responds to press inquiries. The position also establishes a multi-channel strategy aligned with the Minority Leader’s priorities, manages media relations and communications materials, supports legislators with media preparation and constituent communications, and coordinates communications, digital, and design staff as needed. The position is required to electronically file a Form 1 – Statement of Financial Interests with the Florida Commission on Ethics within 30 days of hire, pursuant to sections 112.3144 and 112.3145, F.S. Salary is commensurate with experience. The Legislature offers a competitive benefits package.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and three years of professional experience in communications work.
A master’s degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for one year of the required experience.
A juris doctorate or doctorate from an accredited college or university may substitute for two years of the required experience.
Professional communications experience may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required college education.
Knowledge of Florida state government, legislative rules, ethics, and procedures.
Knowledge of computer, spreadsheet, database, and word-processing programs.
Knowledge and proficiency with a wide range of communications technologies and platforms.
Knowledge of copywriting, graphic design principles, layout, and publishing for digital and print.
Knowledge of social media platforms and social media strategy.
Skill in rapid-response and crisis communications, reading comprehension, analysis, organization, copywriting, and copy-editing.
Ability to communicate effectively and concisely, orally and in writing; produce quality work under pressure; and act when direction is unclear.
Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with Representatives, their staff, the public, and others.
Ability to prepare and coach legislators for media appearances.
Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments; work cooperatively on a team; and work independently.
Ability to conduct in-depth, carefully documented, credible analysis under minimal supervision and within established deadlines.
Ability to conduct meetings and make presentations, and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to collect and analyze data and organize it for presentation in reports, documents, and other written materials.
Ability to solve problems and make decisions, and exercise discretion and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

Establish and drive a multi-channel communications strategy aligned with the Minority Leader’s priorities and messaging goals.
Prepare and manage communications materials, including press releases, statements, talking points, op-eds, and digital content.
Develop and maintain a consistent brand voice and message discipline across platforms and channels.
Manage media relations and cultivate contacts with journalists, editorial boards, and community leaders across Florida.
Lead and coordinate the work of communications, digital, and design staff as needed.
Assist in creating digital, video, audio, and print content to support legislators and the Office of the Minority Leader.
Ensure compliance with applicable House communication standards.
Develop and execute rapid-response communications in response to breaking news developments.
Support individual members with media coaching, floor speech preparation, and constituent communications.
Perform other related duties as required.
Organize press conferences, draft speeches and talking points, and respond to press inquiries.