Head of Strategic Communications

Who We Are:

The States Project (TSP) connects the importance of state legislatures to every aspect of our lives and brings together communities to help build a healthy, sustainable, and prosperous future for all. 

Our electoral work focuses on winning governing majorities in the states by making state legislative campaigns more effective and better funded. Our policy work provides nonpartisan tools and resources that connect a diverse community of state lawmakers committed to improving lives for the people they serve.  We do it because we believe that state legislatures are the strongest force for change in this country.

We encourage you to find out more about our values here.

Head of Strategic Communications, The States Project

LOCATION:  National. 100% Remote, up to 15% of expected travel including in-person team meetings and events. 

DEADLINE TO APPLY: January 30, 2025.

Position Details:

This is a full-time, exempt at-will position. The team currently operates remotely, with occasional in-person team retreats, etc. Some travel will be required. Additional evening and weekend hours are sometimes required to fulfill the duties of this position.

TSP is committed to the safety of our employees and has a communicable disease policy in place.  If you have any questions about our safety protocols, please contact us.

The Opportunity:

As the Head of Strategic Communications you will spearhead efforts to amplify our mission through strategic initiatives that enhance our visibility. Specifically, the individual will a) manage, develop and implement effective media relations and communications strategies to increase press for our efforts b) leverage the efforts' brand in the effort to support lawmakers and candidates with earned media. 

This position reports directly to the Chief Communications Officer and manages external consultants. The successful candidate will have a strong background in political communications, a stakeholder management mindset, and a deep understanding of how to effectively communicate and how to secure press coverage. 

We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at The States Project. Women, people of color, trans/genderqueer people, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are especially encouraged to apply. 

• Principal activities will include but not be limited to:

• Provide effective stewardship of The States Project in the media as an on-the-record spokesperson
• Manage external press consultants to further TSP’s earned media objectives
• Develop and strengthen relationships with key reporters
• Manage, develop and implement proactive and reactive media relations strategies to advance TSP priorities, working collaboratively with communications, growth, programs, and legal teams
• Create materials including, but not limited to, briefing materials, press releases, talking points, etc. 
• Secure positive coverage of and media placements for The States Project principles and surrogates 
• Author quick-thought of stories to pitch in response to breaking news

• Provide strategic guidance and counsel to initiative leaders around communications opportunities, media and other relevant communications training
• Advise and execute on rapid response communications with centralized leadership
• Oversee centralized public opinion polling partnership to ensure data guides our decisions each step of the way
• Provide communications reviews as needed on public materials ensuring brand protectionIdentify and oversee the execution of strategies to leverage organizational press and advance initiatives’ mission

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent professional experience 
• At least 8 years of progressively responsible professional experience in politics, non-profit, policy, or government, including at least five years in senior-level capacity 
• Self-starter with a drive to make things happen: proven track record of program management excellence and high standards for success
• Proven track record of team management
• Experience speaking with the media on and off the record
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
• Motivated by a fast-paced environment
• Deep political communications expertise
• Exceptional writing and verbal communication skills
• Ability to distinguish important from urgent in highly complex and fast-moving environments
• Capable of independently managing time and tasks associated with a fast-paced organization
• No job too small mindset

• Exceptional communication skills
• Innovative approach with a strong political communications track record
• Clear proactive stakeholder management skills with a demonstrated ability to prioritize urgent and important

Benefits:

The position offers a competitive benefits package. Benefits currently offered include 75% paid coverage of medical, dental, and vision for individuals and dependents, basic life insurance, an employee assistance program, unlimited PTO, 401(k) matching, annual professional development, wellness, and work-from-home stipends and paid family leave.

Compensation:

The salary for this position is $187,718 - $206,489 per year*. Salary offers are made based on the market rate and the candidate's demonstrated level of proficiency, experience, and credentials.

*The pay rate or range noted for this position is in compliance with NYC’s Pay Transparency Act and other state and local laws.

TSP does not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. TSP values diversity and strongly encourages women, individuals with different ethnic and racial backgrounds, sexual orientations, gender identities, abilities, religious beliefs, and military backgrounds to apply.

TSP complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact People & Culture, Logan Booker at Logan@statesproject.org.

What You Can Expect During the Recruitment and Hiring Process:

All applicants will submit a resume and cover letter. Selected applicants will be moved forward to a phone screen. The next steps will include interviews with leadership.