Ohio Democrats, with the help of committed Ohio operatives and stakeholders, are writing the next chapter on the journey back to power in the heart of the midwest. Now financially healthy, nimble, efficient, and battle-tested, Ohio Democrats are searching for a Press Secretary to help build the next level of infrastructure in the Buckeye state. As we work to re-elect the most pro-worker U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown, protect key U.S. House incumbents and flip the Ohio Supreme Court in 2024, Ohio Democrats are focused on building to win and building to last. If you are ready to win the cycle and win the future - this might be your next move.
ABOUT THE CYCLE
Over the next two years the Ohio Democrats will build an organization to win highly consequential elections up and down the ballot. Ohio is a top tier U.S. Senate protection, and a potential Presidential battleground in 2024. The battle to save the Senate majority will be fought in Ohio. 2024 also offers the chance to maintain and gain seats on the Ohio Supreme Court, protect key Congressional seats, and make gains under new legislative maps. Additionally, Ohio Dems will also be key partners in fighting for choice, voting reforms, and more, on the state’s issues ballot.
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
The Ohio Democratic Party is seeking a talented, passionate professional to serve as party Press Secretary and communicate ODP’s priorities and hold Republicans accountable both with the media and with outside stakeholders. The Press Secretary will work closely with the Chair, senior staff and a number of campaign partners to support top-tier, statewide campaigns, organize press events to communicate the Party’s message and values, respond rapidly to news of the day and press inquiries and keep stakeholders and allies informed of the work of the Party. The Press Secretary will report to the Executive Director.
QUALIFICATIONS
● Managing local and national reporter relationships, pitching stories and serving as an on-the-record spokesperson for the Party and point-person for press inquiries.
● Drafting and editing written materials such as press releases, talking points, remarks, op-eds, and additional external and internal communication materials as needed.
● Booking and staffing 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.
● Managing Party surrogates and ensuring talkers are up-to-date with race updates and talking points.
● Brainstorming creative tactics to further the communications department’s short and long term goals.
● Developing and implementing overarching communications strategy, plans and ensuring message continuity across all areas of communication programs
● Maintaining relationships with the media and outside campaigns/partners
● Ensuring the day-to-day press needs of the Party – press releases, clips, talking points, speeches, rapid response – are met.
● Drafting media materials, including news releases, talking points, op-eds, letters to the editor, speeches
● Other responsibilities as needed to support the communications department.
CORE COMPETENCIES
● Ability to work with stakeholder groups to help spread a coordinated message statewide
● Familiarity with Ohio’s media landscape and the unique needs of Ohio’s diverse media markets
● Campaign or legislative communications experience and past experience working with in-state and national media
● Clear, effective, high-quality writer
● Knowledge of Ohio politics
● Multitasker - able to juggle multiple activities yet not lose focus on top priorities or let something slip through the cracks
● Keen eye for identifying opportunities and potential risk
● Ability to work under tight deadlines and adapt quickly to changing work priorities
● Highly communicative - responsive to internal and external requests, emails, and calls, within reason
● 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.
● self-directed learner and with the ability to network and to gain a deeper understanding of the state and our partners
● Committed to the values and practices of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace with the ability to take feedback and learn
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
● Passionate and thoughtful about what and how they do work and whom they work with;
● Resilient, resourceful, and adaptive to priority shifts and change (big and small);
● Kind but willing to apply soft elbows when needed;
● Realistic but positive in outlook, not ego- or turf-driven, able to focus on opportunities when faced with challenges;
● Collaborative by nature;
● Fully invested in the success of Ohio Democrats.
The salary will be $5,000 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.
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.
To apply, please follow this link:
https://forms.gle/c54SkHSj7MeYyuym8 and** provide three separate writing samples**: