Communications Director
Position Summary
The Communications Director is a full-time position responsible for leveraging the mission, vision, and values of Progress MO to grow the organization’s visibility and impact by developing, implementing, and managing an effective communications and storytelling strategy.
The successful Communications Director will craft, oversee, and execute communication plans that utilize an array of platforms, including traditional and digital media, to challenge conservative misinformation in the media and ensure that progressive perspectives are heard.
This leader will also manage media relations for the organization and may directly supervise any other communication or content team members and consultants as needed.
Core Responsibilities
1. Develop and execute cutting edge earned media strategies and plans
- Lead execution of earned media plans, including writing advisories, press releases, op-eds & statements, pitching stories, drafting talking points, and planning and running press events.
- Serve as an on- and off-the-record spokesperson for Progress MO; respond rapidly to press inquiries and shape public narratives in real time.
- In alignment with our organizational vision and priorities, develop weekly, monthly and quarterly earned media plans for our legislative & advocacy campaigns, ballot initiatives, and independent expenditure work.
- Drive our rapid response operation on priority issues, ensuring timely and strategic engagement with breaking news and opposition activity.
- Create and respond to earned and owned media opportunities.
- Coordinate closely with the Digital Content Manager to ensure message consistency across earned and owned channels.
- Assist in preparing reports on media performance and headline trends to inform strategy.
- Monitor news cycles and social trends to identify proactive opportunities for Progress MO to shape conversations.
2. Cultivate and maintain relationships with media contacts
- In coordination with the Executive Director, serve as our primary press organizer by building and maintaining relationships with key statewide and local journalists, editors, and producers across print, television, radio, and digital platforms.
- Maintain media and relationship tracking databases.
3. Support statewide allies in their communications and narrative work
- Build and maintain relationships with allies and leaders.
- Train and support staff and coalition partners to serve as spokespeople.
- Support partner organization communication efforts, as needed.
Other duties, as assigned.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will possess many, if not all, of the following qualifications:
- Communications strategist: A documented track record of developing and executing successful narrative, communications, and media strategies and plans. Ability to create compelling messages around both issues and individuals. Strong instincts for identifying and capitalizing on emerging stories.
- Excellent writer: Strong, fast, and accurate writer with the ability to effectively articulate complex ideas to multiple audiences.
- Relationship-builder: Strong interpersonal communication skills in person, on the phone, and in writing. Proven track record building and maintaining relationships with journalists, elected officials, partner organizations and colleagues and across lines of difference.
- Highly organized and detailed-oriented: Comfort working in a fast-paced environment with multiple projects, sudden deadlines, and curveballs. Strong organizational skills with a solutions-oriented mindset. Able to juggle competing demands and prioritize without sacrificing quality. Strong attention to detail; notices and fixes errors that others might overlook.
- Mission alignment: Passions for justice, workers’ rights, healthier communities and an economy where all families can thrive.
Knowledge of local and/or statewide media landscapes is highly desirable.
Reports to: Executive Director
Based in: Missouri
Start date: As soon as possible
Travel: Some in-state travel will be necessary
Salary: $80,000+, depending on experience
Benefits: Medical & dental insurance stipend; paid time off policy that includes holidays, annual leave, family leave, and sick leave.
To Apply
To apply, please send a cover letter, resume and name/contact information for two references to jobs@progressmo.org. Emails should reference “Communications Director” in the subject line.
This position is open until filled.
About Progress MO
Progress MO is a multi-issue advocacy organization driving a transformational narrative strategy to win major progressive victories. We combine cutting edge online organizing and communications with rapid and hard-hitting earned media strategies. Our mission is to provide a strong, credible voice in advancing progressive solutions to critical community problems. But we don’t do that on our own – we work as a communications team for the progressive community.
Progress MO believes that a diverse, inclusive staff is a fundamental strength. We’re committed to hiring people of all races, ethnicities, religions, ages, sex, genders, sexual orientations, and gender identities. Black people, Indigenous people, people of color, women, LGBTQ individuals, and members of other marginalized groups are strongly encouraged to apply.