DiNapoli for New York: Communications Director

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JOB DESCRIPTION

Position: Communications Director

Campaign: Tom DiNapoli for New York State Comptroller (Reelection)

Location: New York State (NYC/Albany preferred; hybrid with statewide travel)

Compensation: $8,000–$10,000/month, commensurate with experience

Reports to: Campaign Manager

Position Overview

Tom DiNapoli’s reelection campaign is hiring a full-time Communications

Director to lead and execute the campaign’s message, media, and rapid

response operation.

The Communications Director will be responsible for telling the story of Tom

DiNapoli’s record and vision in clear, compelling terms across earned media,

digital, and surrogate channels. This is a senior leadership role for someone

who can both set strategy and do the daily work: pitching, drafting, prepping,

and responding.

There is a strong preference for candidates with previous New York

experience, especially with Albany, statewide, or New York City press and

political media.

This position runs through Election Day 2026

Key Responsibilities

Message Development & Strategy

● Lead development of the campaign’s core narrative, message

architecture, and talking points for the Comptroller and key surrogates.

● Translate Tom DiNapoli’s record on fiscal responsibility, accountability,

and protecting taxpayers into plain-language, voter-facing messages.

● Align the message across paid media, field, digital, and political teams

Press Relations & Earned Media

● Build and maintain strong relationships with New York political,

statehouse, and local reporters, editors, and producers.

● Proactively pitch stories, editorials, and segments that highlight the

campaign’s priorities and contrast with opponents.

● Draft and distribute press releases, media advisories, statements, and

op-eds.

● Coordinate press conferences, editorial board meetings, and media

availabilities.

Rapid Response & War Room

● Monitor media, social, and opposition activity; identify opportunities

and threats in real time.

● Draft and clear rapid response statements, fact checks, and aggressive

pushback as needed.

● Prepare internal guidance when news breaks, ensuring staff, surrogates,

and allies know how to respond.

Candidate & Surrogate Prep

● Prepare the Comptroller for interviews, debates, forums, and major

public appearances with briefing memos and Q&A prep.

● Develop talking points and prep materials for surrogates, allies, and

validators.

Content & Digital Coordination

● Work with digital staff or consultants to turn communications priorities

into content: video scripts, graphics copy, email language, and social

posts.

● Ensure that high-value media hits are amplified to volunteers, donors,

validators, and voters.

Qualifications

Must-Haves

● 2–4+ cycles of communications experience in campaigns, government,

advocacy, or related political work, including at least one at a senior or

lead level (Comms Director, Deputy Comms, or equivalent).

● Demonstrated experience managing press relationships and placing

stories in competitive media environments.

● Excellent writing skills: fast, clean, and adaptable (releases, talking

points, memos, op-eds, social copy).

Strongly Preferred

● Previous New York experience

● Comfort briefing and prepping a principal for high-visibility interviews

and debates.

Additional Skills

● Calm under pressure, disciplined with message, and able to say “no”

when needed.

● Highly organized, with strong attention to detail and ability to juggle

multiple deadlines.

● Ability to travel within New York State as needed.