COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

The Kansas Democratic Party (KDP) is seeking a dynamic individual to fill the position of Communications Director. This is a permanent, full-time position within the state party headquarters based in Topeka, KS.  As a core member of the KDP, the Communications Director serves as the primary point of contact for promoting KDP's grassroots work to state and local media. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Working in collaboration with the Executive Director and the state communications team, KDP's Communications Director is responsible for:

• Developing and disseminating communications message, strategies and plans

• Working with local stakeholder groups to help spread a coordinated message statewide

• Drafting press releases and other media outreach materials

• Overseeing and updating Website 

• Establishing and maintaining relationships with members of the media in key markets 

• Facilitate press conferences and other earned media events

• Managing the State Party's Social Media

• Editing and overseeing production of party newsletter

• Preparing brochures, publications, and training materials

• Compiling press and issues information and writing briefings for party leaders and donors

• Preparing talking points

• Coordinating State Chair’s press releases and faxes to the media

• Coordinating press conferences and media events

• Working with legislative leadership to take advantage of press opportunities

• Maintaining and updating media lists for e-mail and broadcast fax

• Monitoring local and national press for relevant stories and developments

• Working with Executive Director to develop rapid response, letters to the editor and talk radio programs

QUALIFICATIONS:

Applicants should have a minimum of 3-5 years experience working in public relations, strong on-the-record expertise, as well as considerable experience managing all aspects of social media. Excellent writing skills and a demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment are required. Experience with campaign operations and familiarity with political communications preferred. Kansas ties preferred.

This position, as all of our senior staff positions, is highly collaborative and crucial to KDP achieving its mission of electing Democrats at all levels in 2012 and thus the Communications Director should expect to also take on all other duties as assigned to that end.  

Salary and benefits are commensurate with experience.

CONTACT 

Interested applicants should send a resume, cover letter, and three (3) writing samples to resumes@kansasdems.org with the subject line “State Communications Director".

No person shall be discriminated against in seeking employment with the Kansas Democratic Party because of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, height, weight, creed, sexual orientation, economic status or disability.