Wisconsin State Senate Democratic Committee: Communications Director

LOCATION

SALARY

COMPANY

DEPARTMENT

EMPLOYMENT TYPE

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Wisconsin State Senate Democratic Committee (SSDC) is the progressive political organization that supports the election and re-election of Democrats in the Wisconsin State Senate. The SSDC is the political arm of the Wisconsin Senate Democrats. It is overseen by Democratic Minority Leader Dianne Hesselbein for the 2026 cycle.

Position Title: Communications Director ** Department:** Leadership

Reports to: Executive Director** Target Start Date:** March - April 2024

Classification: Full-time, in-person** Term:** Limited term, through November 2024

Communications Director overview:

The Wisconsin State Senate Democratic Committee (SSDC) is seeking a Communications Director for the upcoming 2024 cycle to help the SSDC take back the Wisconsin Senate - one of the most flippable legislative chambers in the country in 2026! The Communications Director will be responsible for leading the development and execution of earned media and messaging plans, acting as spokesperson for the SSDC when appropriate, maintaining and growing relationships with local, state and national press, and working with our Democratic Senate campaigns, incumbents, and organizations to hold Republicans accountable while amplifying Democratic values and accomplishments.

Communications Director responsibilities:

• Oversee strategy and execution for program to get press for targeted candidates running for the Wisconsin State Senate, in consultation with communications and digital team and other stakeholders

• In on year, manage press specialists dedicated to getting press for state legislative candidates

• Serve as thought partner to help brainstorm opportunities for candidates to get press

• Spot trends among candidates and media coverage

• Collaborate with paid media vendors to identify and pitch target headlines

• Work with caucus and candidates on rapid response and crisis communications, as needed

• Liaise with caucus, campaigns, and other partners on earned media strategy

• Provide communications support for candidates, including building relationships with the candidates and key reporters, identifying and executing earned media opportunities, and drafting press releases and other materials as needed.

• Other duties as determined

Communications Director desired skills and qualifications:

• Work experience in or ties to state preferred, but not required

• Work experience in a state legislature or state legislative campaign preferred, but not required

• Strong writing and interpersonal skills, and comfort working in fast-paced environment

• Strong knowledge of the current media landscape, including a sense of what’s newsworthy, an understanding of a wide range of news outlets and journalists, and experience directly interacting with reporters

• Technical fluency with tools such as Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, and social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram

• High level of organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and an ability to multitask

• A valid driver’s license is required

Communications Director compensation:

• $7,500 monthly salary, commensurate with experience

• Employer sponsored medical, dental and vision benefits

• For medical insurance, SSDC offers 90% employee premium coverage, 30% dependent premium coverage.

• For dental and vision insurances, SSDC offers 99% employee premium coverage.

• Retirement benefits

• Paid sick and vacation time, along with other time off benefits

We value diversity, equity and inclusion. The Wisconsin State Senate Democratic Caucus (SSDC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.

Please submit your application through the Gusto link provided. Only applications received through Gusto will be considered.