The Colorado House Democrats are looking for an exceptional writer, strategic thinker and experienced communications professional to serve as our Communications Advisor for the 2023 legislative session. This position requires highly attuned political acumen, strong writing ability, and demonstrated experience interacting with and responding to political or policy-related media inquiries. 

 

The Communications Advisor will help shape the legislative agenda and highlight the legislative accomplishments of the House Democrats. This position will develop messaging guidance and assist members in their efforts to communicate their work in their districts and to the public. They will help draft a wide range of materials including press releases, op-eds, talking points and media advisories, as well as helping plan and execute press events. The Communications Advisor will also support members’ efforts to better reach and engage with their constituents.

 

This is a dynamic position that puts you in the center of the action at the Capitol, acting as a liaison between caucus members, the press, and the public. It’s a unique opportunity for an individual who can thrive at a fast pace under pressure.

 

About the House Democratic Caucus and Staff

The 46-member House Democratic caucus is the largest and most diverse caucus in state history, with members bringing a wide range of backgrounds and experiences from all over our state. Serving in our body is Colorado’s first Muslim legislator, first transgender legislator, first Black lesbian legislator, first legislator in a wheelchair, and first African immigrant legislator. Our members are teachers, firefighters, veterinarians, business owners, engineers, lawyers, activists, and more.

 

In the four years since Democrats took control of the state legislature, we’ve passed transformative legislation like full-day kindergarten, a guaranteed health care plan for consumers that is saving Coloradans money on health insurance premiums, a long-awaited transportation funding package, a national model for law enforcement accountability, landmark greenhouse gas reduction goals, a lifesaving red flag law to prevent gun violence, a codified right to an abortion in state law, and much more.

 

Responsibilities of the Communications Advisor

• Support with caucus-wide messaging development

• Maintain strong working relationships with the press corps; pitch stories

• Write press releases, talking points, and op-eds for members as needed 

• Respond to press inquiries and prepare members for press engagements

• Organize press conferences and public rollouts of significant legislation

• Work with members and their aides to execute their social media strategy

• Advise members and their aides on their constituent outreach strategy

• Draft responses from members to constituents on a wide range of topics

• Assist with planning town halls, bill signings and other district events

 

What We’re Looking For

• Experience working directly with reporters, particularly in a political setting

• Strategic thinker who can adapt and respond rapidly to dynamic situations

• A writing machine; someone who can crank out high quality content, especially press releases, at a high volume and fast pace

• Advanced political acumen from prior experience working in electoral politics

• Strong relationship builder who can easily and comfortably interface with a wide range of people from legislators to reporters, lobbyists and advocates

• Self-starter who knows when to trust their gut and when to check in for advice

• Ability to perform and thrive in a high pressure, fast-paced environment

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Basic understanding of the Colorado legislative process and key policy areas

• Understanding of Colorado media environment, pre-existing press contacts

• Proficiency in Spanish

 

Compensation 

A starting salary for this position will be $65,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience. This is a session-only position, starting in January and concluding in June. We provide a competitive benefits package, including health and dental insurance covered mostly by the employer, life insurance fully covered by the employer, AND your choice of a Defined Benefit or Defined Contribution Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA) retirement plan. Additionally, we provide 5 PTO days and 2 paid holidays during session, as well as a free parking space.

 

How to Apply

To apply for this position, send a resume and a cover letter explaining why you are a good candidate for the job to jarrett.freedman.house@gmail.com. Please put “Communications Advisor” in the subject line of your email. Applications received by 5pm MT on December 22 will be given priority consideration; however, applications will continue to be considered until the position is filled. Please submit promptly.

 

Hiring Process and Timeline

The process will include an initial phone screening with the Communications Director, followed by an in-person or Zoom interview, then a skills assessment, followed by final interviews with members of House leadership. We may also decide to ask for prior work samples, if necessary. To ensure and allow time for a thorough hiring process, we do not currently plan to hire for this position until early-mid January. If you have any circumstances that will impact your ability to commit to this timeline, please provide that information in your application email.

 

Colorado House Majority Office is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, or disability. We are committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive organization and strongly encourage candidates with diverse backgrounds and identities to apply.