Communications Director

Florida Legislature; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Florida Legislature seeks a Communications Director for the Office of the Minority Leader to develop and execute multi-channel communications strategies, organize press conferences, and craft speeches and talking points. You will respond to press inquiries and guide digital and print content across platforms.

You will lead communications, digital, and design staff, ensure brand consistency, and coach legislators for media appearances, while maintaining compliance with House standards and ethics

Qualifications

• Knowledge of Florida state government, legislative rules, ethics, and procedures.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• Establishes and drives a multi-channel communications strategy aligned with the Minority Leader’s priorities and messaging goals.
• Prepares and manages communications materials, including press releases, statements, talking points, op-eds, and digital content.
• Develops and maintains a consistent brand voice and message discipline across all platforms and channels.
• Manages media relations and cultivates contacts with journalists, editorial boards, and community leaders across Florida.
• Leads and coordinates the work of communications, digital, and design staff as needed.
• Assists in the creation of digital, video, audio, and print content to support legislators and the Office of the Minority Leader.
• Ensures compliance with applicable House communication standards.
• Develops and executes rapid-response communications in response to breaking news developments.
• Supports individual members with media coaching, floor speech preparation, and constituent communications.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Skills

Press conferences

Speech drafting

Media relations

Digital content

Brand voice

Crisis communications

Copywriting

Social media

Team leadership

Constituent communications

Job description

This position functions as a technical expert to the Office of the Minority Leader. The Communications Director will develop and implement communications strategies, organize press conferences, draft speeches and talking points, and respond to press inquiries.

Financial Disclosure:

Pursuant to sections 112.3144 and 112.3145, F.S., this position is required to electronically file a Form 1 - Statement of Financial Interests with the Florida Commission on Ethics within 30 days of hire.

• Establishes and drives a multi-channel communications strategy aligned with the Minority Leader’s priorities and messaging goals.
• Prepares and manages communications materials, including press releases, statements, talking points, op-eds, and digital content.
• Develops and maintains a consistent brand voice and message discipline across all platforms and channels.
• Manages media relations and cultivates contacts with journalists, editorial boards, and community leaders across Florida.
• Leads and coordinates the work of communications, digital, and design staff as needed.
• Assists in the creation of digital, video, audio, and print content to support legislators and the Office of the Minority Leader.
• Ensures compliance with applicable House communication standards.
• Develops and executes rapid-response communications in response to breaking news developments.
• Supports individual members with media coaching, floor speech preparation, and constituent communications.

• Performs other related duties as required.

• Knowledge of Florida state government, legislative rules, ethics, and procedures.
• Knowledge of applicable computer, spreadsheet, databases, 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 both digital and print.
• Knowledge of social media platforms and social media strategy.
• Skill in rapid-response and crisis communications.

• Skill in reading comprehension, analysis, and organization.

• Skill in copywriting and copy-editing abilities, with a sharp eye for message clarity and political nuance.

• Ability to communicate effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to take action in situations that lack clear direction.
• Ability to produce quality work under pressure.
• Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with the demands of Representatives, their staff, the public, and others.

• Ability to prepare and coach legislators for media appearances.

• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to work cooperatively as a team member and contribute to the efficient internal functioning of the office staff.
• Ability to conduct in-depth, carefully documented, and credible analysis under minimal supervision within established deadlines.
• Ability to conduct meetings and make presentations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.