Job Title: Regional Press Program DirectorReports to: Wisconsin Communications Director for the Biden-Harris campaignSalary: $7,000/month, generous benefits packageLocation: Madison or Milwaukee, WI (Please note: Employment with the Democratic Party of Wisconsin requires residence or willingness to relocate to the state of Wisconsin.)Start date: Spring 2024Application Deadline: April 9, 2024 (Applications are considered on a rolling basis. Deadlines may be shortened or extended as necessary. There is no guarantee this posting will remain open until the deadline or be closed on the deadline. This is a suggested timeframe based on organization needs.)

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About The Democratic Party of Wisconsin: WisDems is nationally recognized as one of the country’s highest-performing and most pivotal political organizations. During the 2024 cycle, WisDems will drive massive programs to defend the Democratic majority in the United States Senate by re-electing Senator Tammy Baldwin, to re-elect President Biden for a second term, elect progressive candidates up and down the ballot, and work to build volunteer-led coalitions for the long term. WisDems’ work is grounded in inclusion, respect, and empowerment across race, gender, other dimensions of identity, and the rural/suburban/urban divide. Our work continues year-round, collaborating with partners to build a movement that delivers meaningful change for all Wisconsinites. We seek outstanding applicants who share our values and vision to join the team, help win elections, and build a future where everyone can thrive.

The Opportunity: As a Regional Press Program Director, you will work closely with the Communications Director to drive an aggressive earned media program in local markets in every corner of the state to ensure Wisconsinites are informed of President Biden’s accomplishments, his extensive efforts to fight for hardworking families, and the stakes of the 2024 election.

Job Responsibilities: 

• Recruit and oversee a team of Regional Press Secretaries.
• Draft and manage the approval process for communications materials such as press releases, on-the-record statements, pitches, fact sheets, advisories, op-eds, and other items as needed.
• Manage day-to-day local media inquiries.
• Manage and strengthen relationships with print, radio, and TV reporters across Wisconsin, alongside the Press Secretary.
• Design, organize, and execute press events, hitting every media market across the state.
• Work with the political team to find and develop storytellers for events and other earned media opportunities.
• Drive an aggressive earned media campaign to educate Wisconsinites on President Biden’s record, its stark contrast with Donald Trump’s record, and the stakes of the 2024 election.
• Manage direct reports in all aspects of their work and support their success in the role by conducting relevant coaching conversations, providing and receiving feedback, and creating an inclusive and engaging team culture. More specific tasks could include but are not limited to:
  • Managing and reviewing time off requests
  • Hiring new team members
  • Having constructive conversations with team members on performance
  • Building rapport and trust within your team
  • Leading projects and delegating tasks
• On year requirements include working outside of normal work hours; including canvassing and other election-preparation as necessary.

Qualifications (Required):

• Growth Mindset - Able to take and implement feedback.
• Relentlessly Goal-Oriented - Enjoys working toward and achieving ambitious goals. Keeps calm in stressful situations. Has the capacity and willingness to work long hours during peak season, rolling up their sleeves and getting the work done.
• Cultural Competency - Able to build authentic relationships across lines of difference, such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, class, ability, gender identity, citizenship status, or other identities. Understands how to take an inclusive lens into all aspects of work.
• Management Skills - Able to manage relationships within your team, bring out the best in your employees, and treat employees equitably across lines of difference; including but not limited to feedback, performance, and engagement.
• Press Corp Knowledge - Familiarity with and experience with a state press corps, Wisconsin press corps experience a plus.
• Drive for Research - Strong writing and research skills, attention to detail, responsiveness, and passion for the work.
• Manages a High Volume of Work with Efficiency - Has, or can create, a system for managing multiple projects at the same time without sacrificing quality.
• Clear, Precise, and Inclusive Communication - Proven track record of producing quality written communications while being keenly aware of addressing diverse audiences.
• Effective Team Player - Ability to collaborate with colleagues to produce quality communications materials.
• At least 2-3 years of political communications experience, ideally including at least one campaign cycle, plus if in Wisconsin.

Benefits: Great benefits including; excellent health care ($1/month), dental ($1/month), vision ($1/month), life insurance (free), short term and long-term disability (free), TalkSpace virtual therapy, free Calm premium subscription, mileage reimbursement, monthly cell phone stipend, paid vacation days (starting at 10 days), retirement plan with 3% employer match, 4 floating holidays, 9 paid holidays. 

Equity and Inclusion: The Democratic Party of Wisconsin has a vision for a deeply inclusive and diverse party organization, membership, and electorate. In order to be successful at the Democratic Party of Wisconsin candidates must have the cultural competence to successfully work with a diverse array of constituency groups. We especially strongly encourage applicants with close ties to Black, Indigenous, AAPI, Latinx, Muslim, non-English-speaking, disability, and LGBTQIA communities. The Democratic Party of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity Employer.