VP of Communications
Service Specialists is recruiting a VP of Communications for an advocacy organization based in Ridgeland. This individual needs proven communications and public policy experience with a mix of someone who is passionate about creating opportunity for all Mississippians. This successful candidate will be a crucial factor in the future of Mississippi
ROLE 1: PLANNING & STRATEGY (25% of time)
Responsibilities of Role:
Expectations:
Responsibilities of Role:
ROLE 3: MEDIA RELATIONS (20% of time)
Responsibilities of Role:
Expectations:
ROLE 4: ISSUE SPOKESPERSON (10% of time)
Responsibilities of Role:
Expectations:
ROLE 1: PLANNING & STRATEGY (25% of time)
Responsibilities of Role:
- Lead in design of strategic communications plan that includes content and distribution strategy to our four key audiences: Legislative Leaders, Community Stakeholders, Influencers, and Donors
- Develop and monitor messaging to ensure it is brand consistent and appealing to the audiences we want to reach
- Engage with legislators and political allies to gain in-depth understanding of the political landscape and craft the most effective communication strategy for each audience
- Have close communications with Empower policy team to ensure policy and communications (and any related campaigns) are aligned
Expectations:
- Help create a clear communications strategy that helps the organization achieve goals
- Resources will be properly spent to achieve both marketing and larger organizational goals
- We will use cutting-edge technology to ensure we’re using the most effective communications mediums
- We will be able to act and lead, rather than just react
Responsibilities of Role:
- Produce timely and relevant content on a regular basis
- Monitor bills as they move through the legislative process
- Review legislation and talk with lawmakers to create bill summaries and talking points
- Attend legislative committee meetings and report on legislative hearings at the direction of the Senior Vice President
- Register as a lobbyist so you can come and go from the capitol as needed
- Utilize best technology options available to spread our message
- Supervise Communications Manager (if we hire one)
- Look for areas to be creative in adapting new technology options
- Oversee all social media channels
ROLE 3: MEDIA RELATIONS (20% of time)
Responsibilities of Role:
- Ensure we are providing current information (via press releases, emails, texts, etc.) to media in a timely manner
- Foster relationships with key media personnel so they know who we are, that we are credible, and what issues we are supporting
Expectations:
- Media consistently hears from us and is aware of our issues and our role in legislation moving forward
- We are viewed as the expert on issues we are supporting
- We can plainly explain our issues to the media
- Approximately 800 media hits for the year
ROLE 4: ISSUE SPOKESPERSON (10% of time)
Responsibilities of Role:
- Representation our position on issues through a variety of mediums and events
- Engage with legislators, policy staffers, and coalition partners at SVP’s direction
Expectations:
- Interview with members of the media on behalf of Empower regarding our issues and bills as they move through the legislative process
- Go on the radio to advocate for our policy priorities
- Author op-eds when topic or timing demands