Deputy Communications Director

Deputy Communications Director

Location: Miami-Dade, Orange, Leon, or Duval counties

Employment Type: Regular, Full-time

Salary Band: $75,000- $95,000

Reports to: Statewide Communications Director

Organization Overview:

Florida Rising is an independent political organization bringing together Black and Brown communities to seize power and govern to advance social, economic, and racial justice across Florida. We organize multi-racial, inclusive movements to win elections, change laws, and demand Justice On Every Block. We’re a people-powered organization made up of members advancing economic and racial justice across Florida. Every individual has power, but we have more power together.

Job Description:

The Deputy Communications Director is the connection between the organization and earned and owned media outlets. The position generates powerful messaging and the strategies to leverage media in Florida Rising’s narrative battles. They are primarily responsible for the planning, coordination, management, and implementation of Florida Rising’s integrated marketing, public relations, and strategic communications programs. The Deputy Communications Director reports directly to the Statewide Communications Director.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Assume the role of Communications Director in the absence of the Statewide Communications Director.
• Directly supervise Digital Manager.
• Support the Statewide Communications Director in the overall management of the Communications team.
• Oversee the planning and implementation of Florida Rising’s earned media strategies for legislative and issue-based campaigns, membership programs, and overall narrative change work including: Draft and revise communications that include but are not limited to press releases, media packets, talking points, letters to the editor and editorial materials.

Develop communications strategies for Florida Rising and advocacy campaigns in collaboration with other staff, including but not limited to varied constituency communications. Lead interdepartmental coordination to develop frames, messages, and communications plans for specific programs including climate, housing, criminal, and gender justice reforms. Manage staff and contractors to support in the implementation of earned media plans. Build effective relationships with and serve as a primary point of contact for members of the media in Florida and nationally. Help develop and maintain metrics that accurately measure the success of the communications program(s).Develop communications plans for tier 1 and tier 2 campaigns. Facilitate spokesperson trainings and interview preparation meetings with staff and members and maintain organizational storybook to include member stories. Represent the organization in coalitional communications efforts and build collaborative relationships with partner organizations along with or in absence of the Statewide Communications Director. Collaborate with Deputy Communications Director of Marketing and Digital Strategy on strategies for effective use of the website and of social media.

• Other projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

• You are a news hound and a storyteller who knows how to leverage the media to elevate progressive issues and subvert right-wing narratives.
• You are a quick debater who generates winning lines and supports public speakers in how to deliver them with ease.
• You are a trainer and cheerleader who equips and supports Black and brown community leaders feeling powerful and confident to speak publicly to the issues they care about.
• You are a networker and relationship-builder who creates meaningful professional relationships with members of the press that inform organizational strategies, shapes public narratives, and delivers reporting in service of Florida Rising’s mission.
• Applicant must share a commitment to the organization's mission and have at least 2 years of communications/public relations or marketing experience.
• Experience in political campaigns, unions or grassroots organizing for social justice issues is preferred.
• At least 1 year of experience in a leadership role that included drafting communications strategies and staff supervision.
• Comprehensive knowledge of media operations and expertise in the field of public relations and release of information for publication.
• Excellent writing skills and ability to analyze issues and develop frames and messages.
• Takes initiative, coordinates projects effectively and is deadline-oriented in a quick turn-around environment.
• Takes direction well, but is also able to work independently with the press.
• Attention to detail, accuracy and high-quality work in writing, proofing and database.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to work in a high paced environment with diverse teams of staff, members and partner organizations.
• Must be detail-oriented and able to meet deadlines.
• Ability to motivate, mentor and support others in the development of their own skills and leadership.
• Ability to work independently, yet collaboratively, according to goals of the organization.
• Ability to interact with and understand persons of various social, cultural, economic, and educational backgrounds.
• Fluency in English is required, and capacity in Spanish or Haitian Creole is beneficial.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable means of transportation; travel may be required throughout the state.

Salary to commensurate with experience. Generous benefits package that includes complimentary healthcare options, matching 401(k), stipends, paid holidays, and paid time off.

Florida Rising is an equal opportunity employer. Women, BIPOC, LGBTQIA , and bilingual individuals are strongly encouraged to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $74,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work setting:

• Hybrid work

Application Question(s):

• Do you have a personal or professional relationship with an Florida Rising employee that may provide a reference?
• Are you English/ Spanish bilingual?
• Did a Florida Rising employee or partner encourage you to apply? If so, who?

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Orlando, FL 32801