Director of State Communications

Overall Responsibility:

The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) is seeking a strategic and proactive Director of State Communications to serve as the primary point of contact and oversight for communications across AFPI’s state chapters. Reporting to the Senior Director of Communications, this role will be responsible for ensuring state points of contact (POCs) have the tools, resources, and guidance needed to deliver impactful communications products that advance AFPI’s mission and resonate with state-level audiences. The Director of State Communications will coordinate with state leaders to develop localized strategies, ensure message alignment, and elevate AFPI’s presence nationwide.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Serve as the central communications POC for AFPI’s state chapters, maintaining consistent and responsive communication with state leads.

• Partner with state POCs to identify priorities and oversee the development of state-specific communications plans, products, and messaging strategies.

• Anticipate and identify communications opportunities at the state level, while coordinating with national communications leadership to align strategy and messaging. When appropriate, take national level priorities and opportunities and drive them through our state chapters.

• Provide direct support and guidance to state teams in crafting press releases, op-eds, media advisories, and other communications products tailored to their regional needs.

• Ensure consistency of AFPI’s brand, messaging, and tone across all state chapter communications.

• Support AFPI representatives in preparing for local and state media engagements, including interview prep and message guidance.

• Work with the Digital Team to adapt state communications products for digital platforms, including websites, social media, and newsletters.

• Develop systems for tracking, sharing, and amplifying state communications successes to strengthen AFPI’s national profile.

Type of Employment:
Full-time

Qualifications:

• A commitment to advancing AFPI’s mission, rooted in constitutional liberties, free-market principles, and a servant-leadership approach.

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Political Science, or a related field; relevant professional experience may substitute for formal education.

• Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in communications, public affairs, or media relations—ideally in political, public policy, or state-level advocacy contexts.

• Demonstrated experience managing communications across diverse regions or stakeholders, with strong skills in message development and media engagement.

• Strong leadership and organizational skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple state partners simultaneously.

• Exceptional communication skills—both written and verbal—with a portfolio of policy- or advocacy-related content.

• Ability to identify local and regional media opportunities and translate them into communications strategies that reinforce AFPI’s national mission.

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment with competing priorities and tight deadlines.

• Familiarity with media tracking tools, analytics platforms, and digital content workflows.

• Strong judgment, integrity, and professionalism in handling sensitive information and public representation.

Salaries for positions will be commensurate with the experience, expertise, and skills of the individual. Please send a cover letter, resume, salary requirement, writing samples, and references.

AFPI is a non-profit, non-partisan research institute offering competitive salaries and benefits to qualified candidates.