Director of Media Relations
From July 13-16, 2020, Democrats from all over the country will gather together in the City of Milwaukee to participate in the Democratic National Convention, where we will nominate the next President of the United States.The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) is assembling a diverse team with skills in community engagement, event logistics, finance, operations, IT, and more under the leadership of Tom Perez, Chair, and Joe Solmonese, Chief Executive Officer. The DNCC team will oversee and deliver on all aspects of the planning and execution of this Convention, from housing the delegates to convening Platform Committee meetings to producing the Convention’s live programming, which will be seen by hundreds of millions of people around the world.
SUMMARY
The Director of Media Relations is responsible for building a media relations infrastructure to support our communications needs before and during Convention week. The Director of Media Relations will develop long-term media strategies to support the DNCC’s mission and to generate enthusiasm leading up to the Convention. The Director of Media Relations will serve, as needed, as an on-the-record spokesperson for the Democratic National Convention. This position is within the Communications Departmentand is one of three Director-level staff responsible for executing the communications strategy and goals.
REPORTING STRUCTURE
- The Director of Media Relations reports to the Senior Director of Communications.
- The Director of Media Relations will oversee interns for the communications department.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop and execute a proactive earned media strategy that tells positive stories about the DNCC in national and regional outlets.
- Spearhead the creation of external communications materials, including statements, press releases, press notes and memos.
- Develop solutions and messages to navigate complex rapid response situations.
- Draft, edit and continually update message guidance for spokespeople and key surrogates to use when talking about the DNCC and related activities.
- Develop and maintain relationships with reporters, editors, TV bookers, and specialty media at the national and local level.
- Pitch DNCC spokespeople and Democratic surrogates to TV, radio, and digital outlets on an ongoing basis.
- Plan, execute and staff national and regional press events.
- As needed, serve as an on-the-record spokesperson for the DNCC.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated success developing strong relationships with members of the media.
- Previous experience staffing high-level spokespeople and/or serving as an on-the-record spokesperson.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience managing teams and projects and keeping them on track.
- Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment under tight deadlines.
- Thorough knowledge of Google Docs, MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel.
- Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to be flexible.
- Extremely well organized with superior attention to detail.
- Strong interpersonal skills, sense of humor and ability to work well on a team.
- Entrepreneurial spirit, strong problem-solving and creative thinking skills.
- Flexibility and an openness to evolving responsibilities.
TRAVEL
This job will require occasional travel—less than 10%.
WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The DNCC will mainly operate out of the Headquarters Office, but will also maintain a number of satellite offices and additional venues. All of these spaces are professional office environments, and will require the operation of office equipment such as computers, phones, and copy machines. This is a mainly stationary position, but requires the ability to frequently stand and/or walk for both short and long periods of time, use hands and fingers, and on occasion lift items of up to 10 pounds.
JOB LOCATION
Milwaukee, WI
FLSA ELIGIBILITY: This is an exempt position from the Fair Labor Standards Act.
BENEFITS
The DNCC offers a benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, and disability and life insurance.
TO APPLY
To submit your interest, please apply through the portal at https://www.demconvention.com/jobs with the below information:
- Select the position in which you are interested
- If you were referred by anyone
- Current resume
- Do NOT submit a cover letter
The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC), is committed to diversity among its staff, and recognizes that its continued success requires the highest commitment to obtaining and retaining a diverse staff that is best able to deliver a Convention that reflects the values and diversity of our Party and Country. The DNCC is an equal opportunity employer and it is our policy to recruit, hire, train, promote and administer any and all personnel actions without regard to sex, race, age, color, creed, national origin, religion, economic status, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity or expression, ethnic identity or physical disability, or any other legally protected basis. The DNCC will not tolerate any unlawful discrimination and any such conduct is strictly prohibited.