Northern Valley Beacon

The South Dakota Democratic Party is advertising for three positions to greatly enhance the organization and outreach of the Party this year. The positions are Field Director, Communications Director, and Legislative Campaign Director. The money for these positions is coming from the Democratic National Committee and reflects the grassroots interests of its chairman, Howard Dean. The announcement for the positions is reproduced below.

The SDDP has the following positions open for hire:
(Application closing date is July 11, interviews to take place shortly after).

FIELD DIRECTOR

Responsibilities Include: Grassroots organizing for entire state, working with local parties and political leaders, organizing meetings and events, and ground level communications. Working with SDDP staff to implement training, outreach and recruitment programs and serve as a “ground link” to local parties and candidates. Developing voter registration, education, identification and GOTV programs. Other duties as assigned. Applicants should have strong organizational and communication skills and be willing to work non-traditional hours.

Qualifications: A commitment to the goals and ideals of the Democratic Party is a prerequisite. Experience in political organizing, including local party building, district, county and precinct organizing, event planning, and voter contact programs. Must be organized, responsible and able to work under pressure in a challenging political environment. Must be willing and able to travel extensively throughout South Dakota. Computer literacy required. Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

Salary is commensurate with experience. An excellent benefit package will be included. To apply please submit cover letter, resume, salary requirements, and at least three references to Jason Schulte, Executive Director, 207 East Capitol Avenue, Suite 209, Pierre, SD 57501.

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR/PRESS SECRETARY
Responsibilities Include: Serving as the contact person at the Party for media organizations, working with the Executive Director to develop message, developing media plan, writing press releases, managing production of newsletter, coordinating press conferences, scheduling officials for PR opportunities, working with other Democratic communications staff, managing web communications, working with legislative leadership to take advantage of press opportunities, monitoring local and national press for relevant stories and developments, working with staff to develop rapid response methods. Other duties as assigned and may include preparing brochures, publications, research documents and training materials, compiling issues information and writing briefings for party leaders and donors, preparing talking points.

Qualifications: A commitment to the goals and ideals of the Democratic Party is a prerequisite. Experience with and knowledge of the media, experience with a campaign and/or other political organization, strong writing and research skills, ability to serve as spokesperson, ability to use modern communications technologies. Must be organized, responsible and able to work under pressure in a challenging political environment. Must be willing and able to travel when needed throughout South Dakota. Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

Salary is commensurate with experience. An excellent benefit package will be included. To apply please submit cover letter, resume, salary requirements, and at least three references to Jason Schulte, Executive Director, 207 East Capitol, Avenue Suite 209, Pierre, SD 57501.

LEGISLATIVE CAMPAIGN DIRECTOR

Responsibilities Include: Organizing state legislative campaign activity on behalf of the Party, including but not limited to candidate recruitment, planning and executing organizing efforts and campaign planning for candidates; training of candidates, campaign staff, volunteers, and activists; building and maintaining relationships with elected Democratic officials, local Party organizations, community organizations, constituency groups and allied organizations. During legislative session working with Executive Director and Communications Director tracking, researching and promoting Democratic legislation and issues. Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications: A commitment to the goals and ideals of the Democratic Party is a prerequisite. Experience in political organizing, knowledge of campaign planning, including organization, budgeting, fundraising, message development and voter contact programs, issue research and tracking. Must be organized, responsible and able to work under pressure in a challenging political environment. Must be willing and able to travel extensively throughout South Dakota. Computer literacy required. Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

Salary is commensurate with experience. An excellent benefit package will be included. To apply please submit cover letter, resume, salary requirements, and at least three references to Jason Schulte, Executive Director, 207 East Capitol Avenue, Suite 209, Pierre, SD 57501.