Communications Specialist

The Connecticut General Assembly Senate Republican Office is seeking a full-time Communications Specialist to join our Communications Team! The Communications Specialist is a dynamic role in a fast-paced environment. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, writing press releases, creating and managing social media content, developing strong relationships with media, legislators, and key organizations, as well as generating messaging and communications strategies.

• Manage day-to-day communications for assigned Senators.
• As needed, develop press releases, statements, op-eds, testimony, talking points, speeches, photo briefs, social media posts, copy for direct mail, copy for the website, and e-mail blasts for Senators. 
• Plan social media content and manage platforms.
• Create graphics for social media, website, and e-blasts.
• Develop basic graphics and social media videos. 
• Clip senators’ audio and video clips as needed using appropriate software and upload content to appropriate platforms. 
• Cultivate and manage strong relationships with the media, legislators, and key organizations.
• Pitch news stories and book radio/TV interviews.
• Think critically and strategically in positioning Senators for optimal performance in their roles.
• Monitor statewide and local news.

Other Responsibilities (as needed):

• Read technical language and distill for the public, utilizing the Policy/Legal Department for approval.
• Develop constituent issues surveys and manually create surveys on the website.
• Write comprehensive constituent email responses for sensitive issues/bills to support Legislative Aides.
• Write letters of support for bond and grant requests; write letters of recommendation for local students; letters to state commissioners, and the federal delegation; perform needed research to develop content for these letters.

• Bachelor’s degree in communication, public relations, journalism, political science, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of related experience (communication, media, government, political campaigns). 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Attentive to detail and organized.
• Proficiency in using social media management programs, media monitoring tools, email marketing platforms, and graphic design/video programs, such as Canva, CapCut, the Adobe Creative Suite, etc.
• Proficiency in using website platforms, such as WordPress.
• Willingness to occasionally travel to events and work off-hours for the Legislative Session and accommodate relevant press conferences across the state.
• Ability to collaborate with a variety of departments to effectively manage projects.
• Experience with photography, videography, and graphic design is a plus.

• The legislative schedule can be unpredictable, necessitating occasional late nights, work on the weekends, occasional travel, and tight deadlines.
• Salary is commensurate with experience. Please provide a cover letter, resume, writing samples, and a portfolio of work examples.
• Please provide three (3) professional references on your application.
• Full State of Connecticut fringe benefits package available. Some in-state travel is required.

Salary : $50,000 - $70,000