JOB POSTING: Director of Communications
Office of Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04)
Washington, DC
Overview
The Office of Congressman Steven Horsford seeks an experienced and strategic Director of Communications to lead a high-volume, high-impact communications operation.
The Director of Communications leads the development and execution of the office’s communications strategy, working closely across the team to shape and roll out messaging around legislation, major announcements, and public engagements.
The Director serves as the Member’s media liaison, secures and manages local and national press opportunities, prepares and staffs the Member for interviews and events, and oversees all press, digital, and public-facing communications. The Director directly manages two highly skilled communications staff members and is responsible for setting clear priorities, workflows, and performance expectations to ensure a disciplined, high-functioning communications operation.
The ideal candidate is strategic, steady, and composed, with the ability to operate calmly in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. They are confident, professional, and mission-driven, with the judgment to enforce message discipline and the confidence to say “no” to ideas that are off-strategy. The ideal candidate is receptive to feedback, responsive to performance-based direction, and committed to continuous improvement and team accountability.
Key Responsibilities
1. Message Strategy & Narrative Control
The Director of Communications translates long-term strategy into weekly guidance, works closely with legislative staff on media strategies for bill rollouts and major announcements, anticipates emerging narratives, and enforces message discipline across all platforms.
2. Earned Media Management
The Director of Communications secures and prepares the Congressman for national and local television, radio, print, and digital media, maintains a proactive pitch calendar aligned with legislative and district priorities, and builds strong, trusted relationships with reporters, producers, editors, and bookers.
3. Digital & Platform Oversight
The Director of Communications oversees digital staff and external vendors, ensures alignment between press strategy and digital amplification, and supervises the creation of official digital ads, graphics, and multimedia assets.
4. Rapid Response & Contrast
The Director of Communications drafts statements, talking points, op-eds, speeches, etc. in the Congressman’s voice, coordinates closely with Member offices, caucus communications teams, and allies, and provides strategic counsel on the media implications of legislative actions while making sound, split-second decisions under tight deadlines.
5. Events, Briefings & Member Preparation
The Director of Communications plans and staffs press conferences, tele-town halls, roundtables, and major DC- and district-based events; prepares and briefs the Congressman for interviews and public engagements; ensures readiness on legislative and non-legislative issues; and maintains working knowledge of House rules, franking regulations, and compliance requirements.
6. Team Management
The Director of Communications directly supervises the Director of Digital Media and the Communications Specialist, and establishes clear workflows, authority, and accountability across the communications function.
Required Qualifications
Experience
This is not an entry-level position. Previous communications experience is required.
Previous Hill experience is a plus.
Demonstrated success securing and managing national media coverage.
Experience integrating press, digital, events, and legislative communications.
Experience managing staff.
Familiarity with House franking rules and compliance requirements.
Core Skills
Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
Deep understanding of print, broadcast, and online media.
Strong political instincts and strategic judgment.
Experience with digital communications, including paid ads and analytics.
Ability to work calmly and decisively under pressure.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This office is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, parental status, military status, or any other status protected by federal law.