The Florida Democratic Party (FDP) is seeking an experienced Deputy Director of Communications to work with the Senior Communications Advisor to successfully run the party’s communications department. As part of the senior management team the Deputy Director will help to develop and implement an overall branding and messaging plan and strategy; act as a FDP spokesperson when appropriate/required; develop, maintain, and grow connections and relationships with the local, state and national press; and work with Democratic elected officials, party officials and allies to hold Republicans accountable while sharing Democratic priorities and messages.
This position will report to the Senior Communications Advisor and will share the responsibility of handling all internal and external communications and establishing long-term goals and strategies to raise the Democratic Party’s profile and strengthen the Democratic Party’s narrative. The Deputy Communications Director will also be an integral part of driving earned media and rapid response efforts and is expected to contribute on several office-wide projects including, but not limited to, large-scale fundraisers, large events, elections, the Convention and other tasks as assigned.
Responsibilities Include:
- Working closely with the Senior Communications Advisor and party leaders to develop and implement an overarching communications strategy, plans and messages for the FDP
- Identifying and executing daily rapid response opportunities
- Ensuring message continuity across all areas of communications programs
- Helping build and execute an aggressive statewide surrogate program
- Writing and editing external communications, including talking points, statements, scripts, press releases, presentations, op-eds and other media outreach materials for the Chair and ED of the FDP, as well as our Democratic leaders when needed
- Working with local stakeholder groups to help spread a coordinated message statewide
- Facilitating press conferences and other earned media events
- Coordinating with the Digital Director on the development and management of a robust social media program
- Working with legislative leadership to take advantage of press opportunities
- Maintaining and updating media lists
- Having knowledge of Black, Caribbean, and other specialty media
- Monitoring local and national press for relevant stories and developments
- Creating and implementing a daily, weekly, and monthly communications calendar
- Providing immediate and timely communication to address external messaging needs
- Aggressively seizing media opportunities (generating earned media) at the local, state, and national level to promote the values and candidates of the Florida Democratic Party
- Ensuring all messaging and communications are timely and accurate (rapid response)
- Working with the national Democratic Party and their press teams to ensure that messaging and priorities are aligned
- Helping manage the Communication Department staff, interns and volunteers in the planning and executing communications efforts and press events
- Tracking, creating, managing, and sending out press clips, talking points, op-eds and/or communication, including analytics as needed
- Serving as spokesperson for the Florida Democratic Party when directed
- Acting as point of contact for guest speakers, providing briefing documents and talking points, and attending to other special requests
- Maintaining and growing strong relationships with other communications professionals within the Democratic ecosystem locally, statewide and nationally, including reporters
- Acting as point of contact with allied campaigns, our elected officials and candidates for communications strategy, plans and events
Required Specific Skills & Qualifications:
- A passion and a commitment to Democratic Party values and electing Democrats
- 4+ years proven communications experience
- Proficient in G-Suite and all social media platforms
- Experience directing and managing a department
- Proven track record of creative and compelling external communications work
- Ability to manage multiple projects independently
- Excellent people, written and verbal communication skills
- Detail oriented and comfortable working in a fast-paced office environment
- Superior organization skills and dedication to completing projects in a timely manner
- Ability to creatively solve problems and look for efficiencies and ways to improve FDP’s communications and systems
- Proficiency in Haitian Creole is a plus
Logistics
- Position is based in Florida
- Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable mode of transportation and the ability to travel extensively at times throughout the state for more than a day at a time
- Must be able to travel often for several days at a time
The Florida Democratic Party offers a competitive salary and benefit package with the opportunity for growth. Position salary is negotiable and based on experience. Position includes full health, dental, and vision benefits.
This is a full-time position and available immediately.
The Florida Democratic Party 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 provides the best quality services to supporters and constituents. The FDP 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.
