Communications Director

Tom Steyer is a Democrat running for Governor of California in 2026 to tackle the single biggest challenge we face as a state: the Californians who built this state and make it run can’t afford to live in California anymore. Tom Steyer has a long record of standing up to powerful corporations—and winning—and now he’s running for governor to hold the companies driving up prices accountable, make them pay their fair share, and make California affordable again. We are building a statewide movement focused on lowering costs, expanding access to housing, reducing energy bills, and strengthening public education. If you’re driven by economic justice, motivated by big fights that matter, and eager to help build a campaign that puts people—not corporations—at the center of California’s future, join us.The Communications Director leads all aspects of the campaign’s press strategy, overseeing press relationships, earned media, and rapid response to advance campaign priorities. They will work closely with the lead strategist and message team to ensure message discipline across all media channels. The Communications Director will collaborate closely with the political, digital, and policy teams to maintain consistency and alignment in all external communications.The ideal candidate is a clear, strategic communicator who can craft compelling messages while staying adaptable under fast-moving conditions. They combine strong media relations skills with sound judgment to maintain message discipline.Key ResponsibilitiesDevelop and implement comprehensive earned media and communications strategies in collaboration with the Campaign Manager and senior leadershipServe as the campaign’s primary media contact, managing all interactions with reporters and media outletsBuild and maintain relationships with key journalists, editors, and producers across print, television, radio, and digital platformsOversee message development, talking points, press releases, op-eds, and briefing materials for the Principal and surrogatesPrepare and staff the Principal for interviews, media appearances, and press eventsDirect the campaign’s rapid response operation, ensuring timely and strategic engagement with breaking news and opposition activityCoordinate closely with the digital team to ensure message consistency across earned and owned channelsManage press logistics for major events, announcements, and travelMonitor media coverage, track key narratives, and brief senior leadership on emerging opportunities or risksMay supervise communications staff, consultants, and/or regional press leads as the campaign scalesQualifications, knowledge, and skills:Minimum of 8 years of experience in political or advocacy communications, or at least 3 election cycles of experience in electoral campaigns or legislative officesOn the record experience, proven ability to serve as a campaign spokesperson. Deep understanding of California’s media and political landscapeEstablished relationships with California media requiredProven track record of managing press relations, message development, and strategic media engagement in CaliforniaExperience developing and executing press strategy, message development, and rapid response for candidates or elected officials in CaliforniaStrong organizational and multitasking skills with a solutions-oriented mindsetCollaborative, team-driven approach with the ability to balance short-term needs and long-term strategyStrong working knowledge of Google Workspace, and media monitoring toolsExceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skillsAbility to exercise discretion, sound judgment, and composure in high-pressure situationsWillingness to travel and work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as neededWe may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.Annualized salary depending on experience and final scope of responsibilities.Benefits, structure, and additional details to be discussed further with finalists