State Policy Communications Manager

About the Role and Opportunity

Reporting to the DCC Vice President of Communications and working collaboratively with the DCC Senior Communications Manager and DCC's State Policy Team, the DCC State Policy Communications Manager will promote understanding of the data center industry by supporting DCC's efforts to communicate to state legislators and their staffs, as well as other state policy stakeholders. The State Policy Communications Manager will also play an important role in engaging with the media at the state and local levels to reach our target audiences, including responding to media inquiries and arranging interviews for DCC spokespeople. The Manager will also support the creation of a wide variety of written deliverables, including statements, quotes, messaging, talking points, opinion pieces, and other content that supports our state policy communications goals. This is a fully remote position. Occasional travel (up to 10%) required to engage DCC members and support DCC's participation in hearings, stakeholder meetings, conferences, and other events.

Responsibilities

• Contributes to DCC's overall media relations efforts, including fielding media inquiries, setting up interviews, developing and distributing media pitches, researching and writing reporter backgrounders and interview talking points for DCC spokespeople, conducting research on media trends, and updating internal tracking tools.
• Informs and helps shape DCC's state policy communications strategy and execution in order to present a strong industry voice on state policy topics.
• Serves as a liaison between DCC's Communications Team, DCC's State Policy Team, DCC members, and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Monitors state policy and regulatory developments, topical media coverage, and public narratives on data centers, and advises on appropriate communications strategies and tactics for engaging with state policymakers and other stakeholders.
• Supports the creation and organization of internal and external communications on behalf of DCC and its members, including media statements, quotes, messaging, talking points, opinion pieces, and research on state issues, as needed.
• Helps coordinate the efforts of DCC's external vendors and consultants engaged on state communications issues.
• Conducts research on the industry and relevant issues, as assigned.
• Represents DCC at meetings and events, as required.
• Other tasks as assigned. This position's duties may evolve over time as the needs of the organization change.

Basic Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience working in communications, public relations, journalism, policy, or a related field.
• Strong communication skills, with an emphasis on writing and editing, as well as a high level of attention to detail.
• The ability to translate technical or complex topics into clear, compelling messaging.
• Strong media relations skills, with demonstrated success in securing press coverage and managing media relationships.
• A member-services mindset and an aptitude for building and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• An interest in current events and regularly following the daily news cycle.
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Proven ability to manage competing projects and deadlines in a fast-paced work environment involving multiple internal and external stakeholders.
• Intellectually curious, creative, and results-oriented.
• Tact and diplomacy, with the ability to maintain confidentiality, professionalism, composure, and discretion.
• Enthusiasm, flexibility, and interest in helping to build an organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• BA/BS Degree.
• Basic understanding of and experience working on behalf of the data center industry or related technology industries.
• Previous experience working in a PR agency, state legislative or executive branch office, trade association, political campaign, advocacy organization, or political consulting firm.

Additional Details

• Full-time position with a growing benefits package, which currently includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, life, short-term and long-term disability insurance, 401K matching, and vacation and sick leave that start accruing on Day 1!
• This is a virtual position with the ability to work from a home office. DCC may provide office space at a co-working or shared office facility if preferred.
• Travel (up to 10%) may be required.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.

Pay

• Compensation is negotiable and will be based on your skills, experience, and geographic location.
• National Remote Salary Range: $70,000 – $100,000 base per year. Please note: The high end of this range is reserved for candidates residing in premier cost-of-living metropolitan markets.