Communications Director - Office of the Minority Leader (Democratic Office)

Salary: Depends on QualificationsLocation : Tallahassee, FloridaJob Type: Salaried Full-TimeJob Number: 202500107Office: H Democratic OfficeOpening Date: 03/23/2026Closing Date: ContinuousGeneral SummaryThis position functions as a technical expert to the Office of the Minority Leader. The Communications Director will develop and implement communications strategies, organize press conferences, draft speeches and talking points, and respond to press inquiries.Financial Disclosure:Pursuant to sections 112.3144 and 112.3145, F.S., this position is required to electronically file a Form 1 - Statement of Financial Interests with the Florida Commission on Ethics within 30 days of hire.Examples of Work PerformedEstablishes and drives a multi-channel communications strategy aligned with the Minority Leader's priorities and messaging goals.Prepares and manages communications materials, including press releases, statements, talking points, op-eds, and digital content.Develops and maintains a consistent brand voice and message discipline across all platforms and channels.Manages media relations and cultivates contacts with journalists, editorial boards, and community leaders across Florida.Leads and coordinates the work of communications, digital, and design staff as needed.Assists in the creation of digital, video, audio, and print content to support legislators and the Office of the Minority Leader.Ensures compliance with applicable House communication standards.Develops and executes rapid-response communications in response to breaking news developments.Supports individual members with media coaching, floor speech preparation, and constituent communications.Performs other related duties as required.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesKnowledge of Florida state government, legislative rules, ethics, and procedures.Knowledge of applicable computer, spreadsheet, databases, and word processing programs.Knowledge and proficiency with a wide range of communications technologies and platforms.Knowledge of copywriting, graphic design principles, layout, and publishing for both digital and print.Knowledge of social media platforms and social media strategy.Skill in rapid-response and crisis communications.Skill in reading comprehension, analysis, and organization.Skill in copywriting and copy-editing abilities, with a sharp eye for message clarity and political nuance.Ability to communicate effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing.Ability to take action in situations that lack clear direction.Ability to produce quality work under pressure.Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with the demands of Representatives, their staff, the public, and others.Ability to prepare and coach legislators for media appearances.Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments.Ability to work cooperatively as a team member and contribute to the efficient internal functioning of the office staff.Ability to conduct in-depth, carefully documented, and credible analysis under minimal supervision within established deadlines.Ability to conduct meetings and make presentations.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.Ability to work independently.Ability to collect and analyze data.Ability to organize data into a logical format for presentation in reports, documents, and other written materials.Ability to solve problems and make decisions.Ability to exercise discretion and confidentiality.Minimum QualificationsA bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and three years of professional experience in communications work.A master's degree from an accredited college or university can substitute for one year of the required experience.A juris doctorate or doctorate from an accredited college or university can substitute for two years of the required experience.Professional experience as described above can substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required college education.SalarySalary commensurate with experience. The Legislature offers a competitive benefits package.Accommodation for Disability:If an accommodation is needed for a disability, please notify Human Resources at (850) 488-6803.Working for the Florida Legislature includes a lucrative benefits package, including affordable health insurance options, free dental, long-term disability and employee life insurance, as well as competitive retirement. Employees have access to a college tuition waiver program, an employee assistance program, paid annual and sick leave, and paid holidays. Learn more below!Health and Dental InsuranceEmployees have a choice of participating in the State Self Insured Plan or a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) if available in the county of residence or employment (Standard and High Deductible Investor plans are available). Full-time employees pay $30 per month for family coverage or $8.34 per month for individual coverage. Part-time employees pay premiums based on the total hours of work. For dental insurance, the Legislature offers a PPO plan that offers choice of dentist and pays from 50 to 100 percent of usual, customary, and reasonable charges. There is a $1500 maximum benefit per plan year. The Legislature pays the total premium for full-time employees and part-time employees pay premiums based on the total hours of work.Leave Accrual BenefitsAnnual Leave accrues as follows based on creditable state service:Up to 5 years - 11 hours per month 5 to 10 years - 13 hours per month Over 10 years - 15 hours per monthSick Leave accrues at 9 hours per month for all full-time employees.Life and Disability InsuranceGroup Term life Insurance with an accidental death and dismemberment benefit provides $25,000 coverage. The Legislature pays the total premium for full-time employees and part-time employees pay premiums based on the total hours of work. For disability insurance, the Legislature offers a Group Long Term Disability Insurance Plan that provides a monthly benefit of 60 percent of covered monthly earnings after an elimination period of 360 days. The Legislature pays the total premium.RetirementParticipation in the Florida Retirement System is compulsory for all salaried staff, except certain re-employed retirees. New employees have until the end of the eighth month following their first month of employment to select a retirement plan, from the traditional pension plan or the investment plan. New employees will receive an informational packet approximately two months after the hire date. Members and staff contribute 3% of their salary towards retirement and the Legislature pays the remainder of the premiumFlorida Pre-Tax Plan and Deferred Compensation PlanThis state sponsored program includes Supplemental Insurance Plans, Health Savings Account (when enrolled with an Investor Health Plan), and a Flexible Spending Program on a pretax basis. The Supplemental Insurance Plans include hospitalization, cancer/intensive care, dental, vision, and accidental/disability. The Flexible Spending Program includes healthcare and dependent care accounts. A competitive Deferred Compensation Plan is also offered. The State of Florida Deferred Compensation Plan offers a number of investment options including variable annuities, mutual funds, and a bank, with a variety of contract providers.Paid HolidaysNew Year's Day - Martin Luther King Day - Memorial Day - Independence Day - Labor Day - Veteran's Day - Thanksgiving Day - Friday After Thanksgiving - Christmas Day - Personal HolidayTotal Compensation Statement