Communications Director

Ohio Democratic Party; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 89,280 - 100,440; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

A regional political organization is seeking a Communications Director in Columbus, Ohio, to develop and lead communications strategies for upcoming elections. Responsibilities include managing media relations, drafting press materials, and collaborating with campaign partners. Ideal candidates should have 3-5 years in communications management and strong skills in social media and writing. The role offers a competitive salary of $8,000 – $9,000 per month, with a commitment to diversity and inclusion within the team.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in communications management.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines.
• Proficient in social media and email platforms.
• Strong proofreading skills and attention to detail.
• Effective interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement communication strategies.
• Supervise communications and digital teams.
• Manage relationships with media and stakeholders.
• Draft press releases and communication materials.
• Prepare and staff interviews for the Chair.

Skills

Communication management

Media relations

Social media management

Press strategy

Political campaign experience

Job description

Overview

State Parties are responsible for building infrastructure necessary for successful candidate campaigns up and down the ballot. Over the last few years, Ohio Democrats built a year-round organizing model driven by local community activists and volunteers. Ohio Dems are testing new technology and programs to build a modern, data-driven and nimble force to elect Democrats statewide now and in the future. In 2026, every statewide office will be on the ballot – including the governor’s race and a special election to elect a U.S. Senator in the seat currently occupied by appointed Senator Jon Husted. With 3 DCCC Frontline Races to protect and 3 additional seats targeted by the DCCC, the path to a Democratic majority in the U.S. House and Senate will once again run through Ohio in 2026.

Opportunity

The Ohio Democratic Party is seeking a skilled communications professional to collaborate with campaign partners across key races, from Governor and other statewide offices to U.S. Senate and House, the Ohio Supreme Court, and the Statehouse, to hold Republican opponents accountable and effectively communicate Democratic values to voters. In partnership with the Chair and the Executive team, the Communications Director will create and oversee a press strategy to define Republican incumbents and challengers and draw the contrast with Democratic candidates fighting for Ohioans. The Communications Director will set strategic communication goals for traditional and social media, work closely with Ohio and national press, numerous Party and elected officials, caucuses, and leaders across the state.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement overarching communications and digital strategy. Plan and ensure message continuity across all areas of communication programs.
• Supervise communications and digital teams, foster collaboration and professional growth while maintaining message discipline and strategic focus.
• Develop and maintain relationships with the media and Party leaders.
• Work with stakeholder groups to help spread a coordinated message statewide.
• Manage local and national reporter relationships, pitch stories and serve as an on-the-record spokesperson for the Party and point-person for press inquiries.
• Draft and edit written materials such as press releases, talking points, remarks, op-eds, and additional external and internal communication materials as needed.
• Book and staff the Chair and surrogates for interviews along with preparing and executing earned media events with the Chair and surrogates from beginning to end – including advancing events when necessary.
• Brainstorm creative tactics to further the communications department’s short and long term goals.
• Other responsibilities as needed to support the communications department.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience working in communications management role preferred.
• On the record experience.
• Knowledge of social media and email distribution platforms.
• The ability to work under tight deadlines and adapt quickly to changing work priorities.
• Attention to detail and a strong skill in proofreading as well as a high-level of accuracy in work.
• Effective interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse internal and external constituencies.
• Campaign communications experience and past experience working with in-state and national media.
• Clear, effective, high-quality writer.
• Able to juggle multiple activities yet not lose focus on top priorities or let something slip through the cracks.
• Big picture thinking in developing narrative while ensuring the day-to-day needs – press releases, clips, talking points, rapid response – are met.
• Committed to the values and practices of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace with the ability to take feedback and learn.

Preferred Characteristics

• Passionate and thoughtful about what they’re working on, how they approach their work, and their coworkers.
• Resilient, resourceful, and adaptive to priority shifts and change (big and small).
• Realistic but positive in outlook, not ego- or turf-driven, able to focus on opportunities when faced with challenges.
• Possesses strong collaborative skills.
• Fully invested in the success of Ohio Democrats.

How to Apply

To apply, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/c54SkHSj7MeYyuym8

Compensation and Location

The salary range will be $8,000 – $9,000 per month and full benefits including PTO as needed, health, dental, and voluntary vision insurance. The hourly expectation will fluctuate depending on the campaign cycle, but will be a minimum of 40 hours per week. Housing will not be provided. Applicants must live in or be willing to relocate to Columbus, Ohio. Ohio Democrats recognize our success requires a diverse mix of talented people.

We are focused on building a staff that is diverse in race, gender and gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin and all the other fascinating characteristics that make us different. Candidates of color, women, LGBTQI, and more are encouraged to apply. This is a cycle position and ends on December 31, 2026, with the potential to extend.