National Press Secretary

National Press Secretary

The DLCC is seeking a National Press Secretary to help lead the organization’s press and media efforts as we fight to win back and defend Democratic power in state legislatures across the country. As we gear up for the critical midterm elections -- and the many cycles to come -- this position will be responsible for driving national messaging, media outreach, and press strategy to elevate the DLCC’s brand and work, boost the committee’s profile, and motivate DLCC’s audiences to take action to support Democrats winning and defending statehouses nationwide.

The National Press Secretary reports to the Vice President of Marketing and Communications and will have at least one direct report. The DLCC is a hybrid organization located in Washington, DC. This position is eligible to be permanently remote or for flexible work arrangements. This position would ideally be based in the Eastern time zone, though others may be considered.

The National Press Secretary is expected to model the values of the DLCC:

• CREDIBILITY: We are respected and trusted in words and actions.
• INCLUSIVE: The DLCC values the unique experience and perspective of all who work here. We strive to make all contributors feel welcomed, valued, and respected. We focus on outcomes, recognizing different people approach opportunities and challenges differently.
• INITIATIVE: We exhibit high levels of creativity in our work and need all team members to proactively contribute ideas to move our work forward.
• RESULTS DRIVEN: Our team undertakes projects professionally and executes them fully, and to completion.
• RISK: We identify opportunities to employ new ideas and tactics and execute these ideas when we believe the potential reward outweighs the risk. We evaluate, learn, and improve our strategy, both when the risks pay off and when they do not.
• TEAMWORK: We work collaboratively, additively, and in sync with our colleagues. Our individual work considers the needs, capacity, and expertise of those we work alongside.

Responsibilities 

• Serves as a primary on and off-the-record spokesperson for DLCC and as a first point of contact to respond to incoming media requests.
• Proactively pitch the DLCC and its message to national, state, and regional news and media outlets, and cultivate ongoing relationships with a growing list of journalists, bookers, and producers.
• Know our work and ballot level, tracking internal and external developments to recommend proactive and reactive narratives that sell our ballot level and our work.
• Drive the DLCC’s position in the media as the leading actor in the state legislative space and help further promote the President and the organization as leaders on state and local politics.
• Ensure media coverage by analyzing story angles and choosing appropriate media outlets, editors, producers, and/or reporters, writing pitches and as-needed press releases and content for public speaking engagements. 
• Draft and edit external and internal communications, including but not limited to press releases, talking points, memos, newsletters, op-eds, and public remarks for the President.
• Work alongside key members of the Marketing and Communications team, including the VP of Marketing and Communications and Communications Director, to drive exponential improvement in how and where the DLCC and state legislatures are positioned in the press among politically engaged audiences.
• Maintain and facilitate an open line of communication with other DLCC departments, as well as between the DLCC and partner organizations, surrogates, and state actors. 
• Create and maintain press lists and contribute to metrics to show ROI on our press engagement and strategy.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Outcomes

• DLCC has increased press coverage that advances the committee’s long-term objectives and is in line with ambitious goal-setting.
• DLCC has increased and sustained engagement with members of the press and has strong relationships extending to a diverse range of outlets and media types, including new and non-traditional media.
• DLCC staff and surrogates are aligned on messaging, talking points, and priorities, and the committee is seen as a leading expert on state power.
• Other departments, along with external partners, rely on the DLCC communications department for guidance and assistance in landing press and media opportunities.
• Junior communications staff are efficiently managed and well mentored in career and skills development.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of prior relevant experience (campaign experience is a plus, but not required).
• Excellent writing skills.
• The ability to work under tight deadlines and respond to rapid requests.
• The ability to translate complex topics and information into compelling messaging materials (ability to educate reporters about what we do, what a caucus is, why it’s important, etc.).
• A demonstrated ability to think creatively and out of the box and to identify new solutions to challenges at our level of the ballot.
• On-the-record experience and strong relationships with the press.
• The capacity to take smart risks and an eagerness to work collaboratively with DLCC staff and state/organizational partners.
• Experience staffing a principal.
• Experience managing and developing junior staff.

Physical Requirements

The DLCC is committed to supporting employees of varying abilities and to providing reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to thrive at the DLCC. 

The requirements of this role, related to its physical demands, described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

All DLCC employees must be able to operate a computer and use a cell phone. For roles at the DLCC that include frequent business travel expectations, we can discuss reasonable alternatives to travel in some instances. Most roles also require communicating with key external stakeholders of the organization in person, via the telephone, or via email. Applicants with questions about accommodations may request to speak with our ADA liaison, Kennissa Brown.

Essential functions of the role include:

• Working from a computer for long periods of time;
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to communicate using the telephone, email, and in-person with stakeholders; and
• This position has less than 5% travel and is eligible for flexible work-hour arrangements.
• This role may require work outside of normal business hours. 

How to Apply

Salary for the National Press Secretary position is $95,400-$112,000 on an annualized basis, commensurate with experience and qualifications. The DLCC offers a generous benefits package, including:

• Unlimited paid time off and time off that includes all Federal holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year, and sick days.
• Fully paid health/vision/dental insurance for the employee + spouse/partner + dependents.
• Up to 6% retirement employer contribution.
• Monthly use-it-or-lose-it $100 transit benefit for employees located in the DC region.
• Employer contribution of $500 to employee’s Flexible Spending Account, and opportunity to withhold pre-tax income for Dependent Care Account.
• Up to $5,000 employer-paid Health Reimbursement Account for IVF-related costs or Adoption Assistance, and up to $2,500 for employer-paid Health Reimbursement Account for out-of-pocket dental and orthodontic expenses. 
• Monthly $100 student loan payment benefit.
• Monthly $100 mobile phone reimbursement.
• and more. 

To apply for this position, please complete an electronic application at https://www.dlcc.org/careers by July 6, 2026. The DLCC may review applications after this deadline in limited circumstances, however this is not a guarantee that your application will be considered if it is not submitted by July 6, 2026. Only complete applications through the application portal will be accepted. You must also include a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to be considered for this position. When an applicant with a disability needs an accommodation to have an equal opportunity to compete for this position, they may request it in writing by emailing jobs(at)dlcc.org. No calls, please. Applicants will be screened on a rolling basis.

The DLCC is committed to an inclusive and equitable environment and diversity among its staff and recognizes that its continued success requires the highest commitment to obtaining and retaining a diverse staff that provides the best quality services to supporters and constituents. The DLCC is an equal opportunity employer and it is our policy to recruit, hire, train, promote and administer any and all personnel actions without regard to sex, race, age, color, creed, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, physical or mental disability, personal appearance, marital status, family responsibilities, genetic information, or any other legally protected basis. The DLCC will not tolerate any unlawful discrimination and any such conduct is strictly prohibited.