Deputy Director of Communications

Position Overview Equality Florida is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and highly organized Deputy Director of Communications to help lead our communications work during one of the most pivotal moments in our state’s history. This position will serve as a key member of the Communications Department — helping to shape, protect, and amplify Equality Florida’s voice across press, digital, and rapid response channels. The Deputy Director of Communications will work closely with the Director of Communications to oversee day-to-day operations of the department, coordinate rapid response strategies, draft public statements, manage media relationships, and expand the organization’s narrative reach through influencer and content partnerships. Roughly half of this role will center on traditional press and media relations — serving as a spokesperson, developing earned media plans, and crafting press materials — while the other half will focus on building rapid response systems, digital amplification strategies, and influencer partnerships that drive our message further and faster. This position is ideal for a communications professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, can move quickly from strategy to execution, and brings both creativity and discipline to storytelling that advances LGBTQ equality.

Key Responsibilities

Media and Messaging (Approx. 50%)

• Serve as an on- and off-the-record spokesperson for Equality Florida; respond rapidly to press inquiries and shape public narratives in real time.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key reporters and media leaders statewide and nationally.
• Plan and execute earned media strategies aligned with organizational priorities and advocacy campaigns.
• Develop and maintain core messaging frameworks in partnership with the Communications Director and senior leadership; ensure message consistency across all platforms.
• Draft and edit high-quality communications materials including press releases, advisories, talking points, op-eds, and statements.
• Train and support staff and coalition partners to serve as spokespeople, building a statewide network of compelling and credible voices.

Rapid Response and Digital Strategy

• Lead or co-lead rapid response communications, including crafting and approving social media statements, press responses, and real-time narratives during breaking news or legislative moments.
• Coordinate with digital and creative contractors to develop dissemination strategies that ensure urgent news and calls-to-action reach audiences across platforms.
• Monitor news cycles and social trends to identify proactive opportunities for Equality Florida’s voice to shape conversations.
• Assist in preparing reports on media performance and headline trends to inform strategy.

Influencer and Amplification Strategy

• Develop and implement influencer engagement and content creator strategies to expand Equality Florida’s reach and deepen connection with online audiences.
• Identify, cultivate, and manage relationships with digital influencers, allied creators, and partner organizations aligned with Equality Florida’s mission.
• Collaborate with digital team members to integrate influencer amplification into campaigns, events, and major moments.

Organizational Leadership and Collaboration

• Serve as a deputy to the Communications Director, helping coordinate departmental work and mentoring junior staff.
• Contribute to cross-departmental planning to ensure alignment of messaging, visuals, and mobilization goals.
• Support the Director of Communications in long-term narrative strategy, content calendars, and campaign integration.
• Bring a lens of equity, inclusion, and accessibility to all communications, including expanding language access and diverse representation in storytelling.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in communications, political advocacy, or media relations, preferably within progressive, issue-based, or civil rights organizations.
• Proven experience as a spokesperson or media liaison, including demonstrated success securing earned media and managing rapid response.
• Strong understanding of digital and social media ecosystems, and how to move messages across them strategically.
• Experience in building influencer or content creator relationships for advocacy or nonprofit campaigns is a strong plus.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills under tight deadlines.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, in response to breaking news or urgent events.
• Deep passion for LGBTQ equality, social justice, and advancing the mission of Equality Florida.

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