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Political Communications Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Stand Together

Writer

Arlington, VA

$75K - $100K/yr

This role requires 5+ years of relevant experience in grassroots politics, journalism, or political communications, including elections-related work, and the ability to translate complex ideas into ...

AEI

Fall Intern: Office of the President

Washington, DC · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

... or political communications; and an appreciation for AEI's mission and history. This position will be in-person at AEI's offices in Washington, DC with an expectation of around 30 hours per week.

Stand Together

Writer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

This role requires 5+ years of relevant experience in grassroots politics, journalism, or political communications, including elections-related work, and the ability to translate complex ideas into ...

AFL-CIO

Writer/Researcher (Temporary)

Washington, DC

$78K/yr

Communications materials for electoral, legislative, and issue campaigns Candidate, legislative, and issue research This position reports to the Assistant Political Director. This is a temporary ...

Stand Together

Writer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

This role requires 5+ years of relevant experience in grassroots politics, journalism, or political communications, including elections-related work, and the ability to translate complex ideas into ...

AFL-CIO

Writer/Researcher (Temporary)

Washington, DC · On-site

$78K/yr

... Political/Electoral & Issues Mobilization hub. The Materials and Research team is primarily responsible for the development and dissemination of: ● Communications materials for electoral ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPolitical Communications JobsPolitical Communications Jobs in Reston, VA

Political Communications information

What is political communications?

Political communications is the practice of creating, managing, and disseminating information related to politics, government, and public policy. Professionals in this field help politicians, campaigns, government agencies, or advocacy organizations communicate their messages effectively to the public, media, and stakeholders. Their work includes crafting speeches, press releases, social media content, and developing strategies to influence public opinion and policy outcomes. The field requires strong writing, research, and media relations skills, as well as a deep understanding of political processes and current events.

What are political communications jobs?

Political communications jobs focus on effective communication between government officials and politicians and the media, members of the voting public, and other government participants. As a political communications professional, your responsibilities may vary depending on the duties of your chosen position. A speechwriter creates speeches for political figures, while a media or public relation specialist acts as a liaison between the media and a politician. A spokesperson may offer statements to journalists and the public about legislation, policy, or other political affairs. This field may also include journalists who report on politics and document the actions of government.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in political communications, and why are they important?

To thrive in Political Communications, you need strong writing, public relations, and media strategy skills, often supported by a degree in communications, political science, or a related field. Familiarity with digital media platforms, press release software, and analytics tools is typically required. Outstanding soft skills include adaptability, persuasive communication, and the ability to manage high-pressure situations effectively. These skills are crucial for shaping public perception, managing messaging, and navigating the fast-paced and high-stakes environment of political discourse.

What are some common challenges faced in a political communications role, and how can they be managed effectively?

One of the main challenges in Political Communications is responding quickly and accurately to rapidly evolving news cycles and public sentiment. Professionals in this field must balance delivering timely information with ensuring messaging remains consistent and aligned with their organization's or candidate's values. Managing high-pressure situations, especially during crises or elections, requires strong teamwork, adaptability, and the ability to coordinate with various stakeholders such as campaign staff, media outlets, and policy experts. Building solid relationships and maintaining open channels of communication can help address these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Political Communications vs Political Campaign Strategist?

AspectPolitical CommunicationsPolitical Campaign Strategist
Required CredentialsDegree in Communications, Political Science, or related fieldDegree in Political Science, Marketing, or related field; experience in campaign management
Work EnvironmentMedia outlets, government agencies, political organizationsCampaign offices, consulting firms, political parties
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across government, NGOs, political campaignsPrimarily in electoral campaigns and political consulting

Political Communications focuses on crafting and managing messages for political entities, media, and public relations. In contrast, a Political Campaign Strategist develops overall campaign plans, strategies, and tactics to win elections. While both roles require understanding political messaging, Communications professionals handle messaging execution, whereas Strategists oversee campaign strategy and planning.

What can you do with a political communications degree?

A political communications degree prepares individuals for roles such as political campaign strategist, public relations specialist, communications director, or media advisor. It involves skills in messaging, media relations, and strategic communication, often requiring familiarity with social media tools and message framing. Graduates can work in government agencies, political consulting firms, advocacy organizations, or media outlets.
More about Political Communications jobs

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For Political Communications jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Political Communications jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Political Communications jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Political Communications job openings:

Political Communications jobs near you
Infographic showing various Political Communications job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Deputy Director of Communications for Politics and Government Relations

Current SEIU

Washington, DC • On-site

$145K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

SEIU (Service Employees International Union)
Job Title: Deputy Director of Communications for Politics and Government Relations
Grade: MGT G
Annual Salary: $145,234
Location: Washington, DC, (HQ)
Organizational Overview: We are the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), a union of about 2 million diverse members in healthcare, the public sector, and property services. We believe in and fight for our Vision for a Just Society: where all workers are valued and all people respected, no matter where we come from or what color we are; where all families and communities can thrive; and where we leave a better and more equitable world for generations to come. We are an anti-racist union determined to check corporate power and uproot structural racism through unions, worker power, collective action, and government, legislative, and political action. We fight for Unions for All and a Government that Works for All so that all of us, across race and place, can have power together in unions and participate fully in our democracy.
Purpose: The Communications Deputy for Politics and Government Relations will lead SEIU's digital-first, narrative-shifting communications to:
Saturate online platforms with worker voices and concerns so we're dominating conversations, shaping narratives, and mobilizing people to demand policies that support working people. You'll make sure that wherever people are consuming information-whether on social media, YouTube, podcasts, or group chats-they are seeing, hearing, and engaging with our message.
  • Ensure that our message impacts the actions of voters and would-be voters to increase turnout and support for pro-worker candidates and policies.
  • Mobilize SEIU members and community supporters to speak out, volunteer, vote and organize using creative, targeted communications strategies.
  • Build a narrative that unites members and voters across ideology and demographics to advance our agenda.
  • Engage new audiences through paid media, podcasters, influencers, and emerging media platforms that shape our culture.
    Primary Responsibilities: (Any one position may not include all of the specific duties and responsibilities listed. Examples provide a general summary of the work required and should not be treated as a total and complete list of expected duties to be performed by employees in the classification.)

Strategy and Execution
  • Lead and direct the execution of SEIU's government relations and political communications to build public support and understanding of our issues, create and mobilize new activists in support of worker issues and shift the public conversation on the economy and democracy.
  • Develop innovative, narrative-driven messaging that resonates with workers, voters, and key political audiences.
  • Oversee rapid response and real-time messaging across press, digital, and influencer networks.
  • Coordinate with SEIU's organizing, political, and government relations teams and leaders to integrate storytelling, influencer activations, and paid media strategies.
  • Work with research and data teams to analyze polling and data to optimize messaging and audience engagement.
    Uses a deep understanding of electeds' interests to influence their actions and hold leaders accountable to promoting worker-friendly policies.

Digital
  • Design and lead innovative, high-impact digital campaigns that drive SEIU's racial justice and economic message to key audiences.
  • Build and manage partnerships with influencers, podcasters and creators to extend SEIU's reach beyond traditional political spaces
  • Test and scale new tactics to meet people where they are and move them to action
  • Oversee large-scale ad campaigns and multiple vendor contracts

Member Engagement
  • Develops communications strategies that move SEIU members up the ladder of engagement-from awareness to action and from voters to leaders and activists
  • Ensures team's programs create high-quality content that captures compelling stories that advance our narrative

Shape the Economic & Political Narrative
  • Develop storytelling strategies that center workers' experiences and connect SEIU's members' struggles to the everyday experiences of workers.
  • Create bold, accessible, and culturally relevant messaging that challenges corporate power and makes economic issues feel personal.
  • Turn data and polling insights into social-friendly content that moves opinion and drives action.
  • Experiment with new ways to reach people-whether that's interactive media, chatbots, meme culture, or IRL activations.

Management and Administration
  • Has experience managing campaigners; manages a team of communicators and vendors for government relations work.
  • Manages and mentors a multi-level team, including managers of managers.
  • Directly responsible for the retention of government relations communications staff, including training, feedback, reviews, skill and career development.
  • Prepares and monitors political and government relations communications budget, including budgets for campaigns.

Contacts: Contacts include SEIU officers, executive staff, and other SEIU international staff, including Division/Department Directors, Local Union leaders and staff.
Direction & Decision Making:
  • Reports to the Director of Amplification and Movement Building and works in close contact with the Director of Government Relations, Director of Politics and Government Relation and Politics Hub Director
  • Works with a high degree of autonomy and independence
  • Must exercise strong judgment, political sensitivity and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment and ensure team members do the same
  • Must be comfortable engaging with Senior leaders and navigating complex organizational dynamics

Qualification & Experience:
  • 8-9 years of experience in political communications, digital strategy, organizing, or related work.
  • Proven track record of leading impactful, digital-first campaigns that move people to act.
  • Experience with advocacy and/or electoral campaigns
  • Experience using paid and organic social media, influencer engagement, and content strategies to shape narratives.
  • Deep knowledge of how to reach, mobilize, and engage working-class voters across race, geography and language.
  • Strong project and team management skills with the ability to lead under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
  • Spanish language skills are a plus, but not required.
  • Knowledge of video editing, ad and digital design best practices.
  • Deep understanding of elections, policy making process and how to mobilize to impact both

Physical Requirements: Work is primarily performed in an office setting but may occasionally occur in other environments as needed to fulfill job responsibilities. This role requires travel, including overnight stays, and may involve occasional evening or weekend hours. The ability to connect with staff and consultants across different time zones is also necessary.
Compensation & Benefits: SEIU offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that reflects our values as a labor organization and our commitment to the well-being and long-term security of our staff. Benefits include:
  • A comprehensive, employer-sponsored health benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • A defined benefit pension plan
  • Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
  • Additional benefits consistent with a mission-driven workplace

SEIU believes that workers deserve dignity, stability, and the ability to plan for their futures, and our benefits are designed to support that belief.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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