Director, Executive Communications

Founded in 2007 by former Senate Majority Leaders Howard Baker, Tom Daschle, Bob Dole, and George Mitchell, the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) is a leading nonprofit organization that drives principled solutions through rigorous analysis, reasoned negotiation, and respectful dialogue. By bringing together Republicans and Democrats—and providing them with the space, policy insights, and evidence-based research needed to negotiate in good faith—BPC helps turn legislators’ best ideas into passable, durable laws. In the 17+ years since its founding, BPC has played an integral role in countless legislative accomplishments.

With projects in multiple issue areas including economic policy, energy, health, housing, human capital and democracy, BPC combines politically balanced policy making with strong, proactive advocacy and outreach. As the only Washington, D.C.-based organization that actively promotes bipartisanship, BPC works to address the key challenges facing the nation. Its policy solutions are the product of informed deliberations by former elected and appointed officials, business and labor leaders, and academics and advocates who represent both sides of the political spectrum.

BPC is committed to seeing its policy solutions enacted by lawmakers. Through BPC Action, its (c)(4) affiliate, BPC engages in advocacy and strategic outreach and education to bolster the legislative center and support efforts that bring Republicans and Democrats together on the difficult issues facing the country. While a healthy, civil debate among those with differing viewpoints is an essential component of our democracy, the current partisan tone in government is impeding progress. Through the Democracy Program and bridge-building events, political summits and timely policy discussions, BPC is fostering an ongoing conversation about how to overcome political divides and help make our government work better.

Mission:

• Build connections.
• Negotiate policy.
• Achieve bipartisan solutions.
• Improve lives.

The Director, Executive Communications will support communications for CEO Margaret Spellings as well as broader marketing communications initiatives for BPC. This role will be responsible for developing and executing a strategic plan that addresses all aspects of communications pertaining to the CEO, including media relations; speaking engagements; social media; and personal branding. This role will also be responsible for contributing to efforts to market the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) and BPC Action more broadly to key stakeholder groups. The director will report to the Senior Vice President of Communications.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop, implement, and manage a strategic, proactive communications strategy for BPC’s CEO.
• Contribute to planning and execution of BPC’s overall communications strategy.
• Pitch and respond to media from top-tier national media outlets and influential regional outlets.
• Cultivate strategic relationships and work closely with reporters, journalists, producers, and editors to ensure the BPC CEO has a prominent media presence around the country and is highly visible on key policy issues.
• Develop, review, and secure placement of media-related materials, including press statements, op-eds, and letters to the editor.
• Draft internal messages from the CEO to the BPC workforce.
• Develop and support broader initiatives to market BPC and BPC Action.
• Work with BPC’s events team to support participation by the CEO, including developing speeches, talking points, and questions for opening remarks, fireside chats, panel discussions, and etc.
• Contribute to the other work of the Communications team.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA, BS in journalism, communications, political science or a policy-related field
• 10-15 years of direct experience in media relations and communications
• Experience supporting a senior- or executive-level principal is a must
• Exceptional contacts among top tier national, Hill-focused, and WH press Corp a must
• Strong writing and verbal skills required, including speech and op-ed writing
• An ability to work under tight deadlines and juggle multiple projects
• Experience integrating digital media into a comprehensive communications strategy
• A demonstrated innovative and proactive approach to growing media coverage
• Interpersonal skills and ability to work well in a team and independently. Demonstrated ability to meet tight deadlines and work under pressure. Strong project management skills and attention to detail
• Occasional travel required. Must be available to respond to news media and staff after working hours.

BPC offers a highly competitive salary and provides generous benefits. Individuals interested in this position should send a resume, cover letter, and writing sample in one document. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. BPC does not sponsor employment visas.

BPC is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce.

Work Schedule

The work/life balance of employees is a priority for the Bipartisan Policy Center. As a result, BPC is currently operating on a hybrid schedule. Employees at BPC are currently coming into the office three times a week. Exact time and schedules will be determined between an employee and their manager.

BPC offers comprehensive health insurance benefits with a choice of open access HMO, POS, or PPO plan. HMO and POS individual plans have a monthly premium cost share of 10%. Dependent and Family HMO and POS plans are offered with a monthly cost share equal to 20% of the difference between the plan premium and the individual HMO monthly premium. PPO plans are offered with a 20% premium cost-share for all plans.

Additional benefits include 403(b) matching contributions of up to 7% of salary in addition to a non-elective contribution of 2% of salary (both after 90 days of employment); 15 vacation days, 2 personal days, 15 sick days, and 12 holidays per year; education benefits up to $5,250 per year after one year of employment; $2,000 for professional development expenses after six months of employment; Metro benefits of up to $130 per month; Company provided life insurance; and dental and vision insurance coverage with a Flexible Spending Plan.

We reasonably believe that the base salary range for this position is $150,000 – $180,000. At BPC, a wide range of factors are considered when making compensation decisions including and not limited to skill set, experience, training, education, knowledge, and other business and organizational needs.