Arena Careers

The Maryland Democratic Party is seeking a highly motivated and creative individual to join the team as the Strategic Communications Specialist. The Strategic Communications Specialist will be responsible for developing the overall communications vision for the Party while constantly thinking of new and creative ways to drive our message across different media platforms, including earned media opportunities. In addition, the strategic communications specialist will be responsible for daily communications needs such as press releases, the development of talking points, select email copy, internal messaging documents, pitching stories to the news media, facilitating media hits as needed, producing messaging guidance for Central Committees and stakeholders, etc.

The Strategic Communications Specialist will work closely with other members of the communications team, political team, communications teams at the DNC/DSCC, and fundraising team among others – and is under the direction of the Deputy Executive Director. This role will be based in Maryland.

Utilizing creative and innovative tactics, the strategic communications specialist will work every day to engage and inspire Democrats in Maryland and hold Republican candidates accountable. They will play an important role on our team and will help elect Democratic candidates, protect our Democratic incumbents, and protect the Democratic Senate Majority.

Responsibilities:

• Develop an overarching communications strategy that accounts for a variety of media platforms and communications methods and proactively works with all staff to ensure alignment of all public facing messaging is in line with written plan;
• Execute daily communication needs including coordinating press releases, developing talking points, drafting one pagers, creating resources for internal and external stakeholders, facilitating communications meetings, disseminating relevant news and comms information to all staff;
• Push boundaries and generate creative communications campaigns that are attention grabbing and unique;
• Coordinate with other members of the communications team to support digital and media needs.
• Work with endorsers, surrogates, party members, and other stakeholders to find opportunities to spread the party’s message in different mediums;
• Develop outreach strategies for non English speaking Marylanders in partnership with members of targeted communities;
• Track news stories and media trends and develop strategies to amplify important coverage;
• Work with the digital director to execute the Party’s rapid response operation;
• Identify opportunities for online engagement and tracking digital trends to grow our online program;
• Coordinate with the DNC and DSCC to ensure the state party has the latest messaging guidance and it is translated into a Maryland context;
• Work with volunteers and party activists to push out key messaging;
• Additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Several cycles of successful communications work on statewide or congressional campaigns or party communications;
• A creative mindset and an eagerness to try new things;
• Excellent writing ability in short form posts, longer form emails, and explainer documents;
• Political instances to know how different communication strategies will land with different communities;
• Ability to work under pressure and under very tight deadlines;
• Willingness to work campaign hours including nights and weekends;
• A commitment to Democratic values;

Bonus qualifications:

• Maryland ties;
• Graphic design or video editing experience;

Logistics:

• This role will have weekly in-person meetings and will be responsible for attending events across Maryland as necessary. Party HQ is located in Annapolis, Maryland which is easily accessible from most areas of the state;
• Currently, staff is in the office 3 days per week. This schedule may evolve to reflect the needs of the campaign;
• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will stay posted until a candidate is chosen.

Salary and Benefits:

• Salary is commensurate with experience and the budget necessities of the organization. MDP provides medical, dental, and vision to the employee, and 100% cost of coverage is covered. Paid holidays, earned vacation, and sick PTO.

How to Apply:

• Email jobs@mddems.org with the subject line “Strategic Communications Specialist”
• In the email, please include the following:
  • Resume
  • 2 references
  • A writing sample or samples
  • Anything else you think would help demonstrate your strengths for this position

Equal Opportunity/Diversity Policy:

MDP prohibits discrimination of employment, promotion, compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment on the basis of gender, disability, race, age, national origin, color, creed, sexual orientation, sex (including marital and parental status), gender identity and expression, religion, economic status, ethnic identity, veteran’s status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. This policy covers all programs, services, policies, and procedures of the MDP, including opportunity for employment and treatment as a MDP employee. MDP is an equal opportunity employer and will comply with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination in employment. MDP’s equal opportunity policy covers all programs, services, policies, and procedures of the MDP, including opportunity for employment and treatment as a MD Dem employee, as well as opportunities for Consultants to contract with the MDP. MDP is committed to building a staff that reflects the diverse communities that make up our country.