Job Description

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10/21/2026 (11:59 PM ET)

req81900

Deputy Director of Communications (Legislative Research Commission)

Employment Type

LEGISLATIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | NOT ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 40 HR/WK

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Hiring Agency

Legislative Research Commission

Location

702 Capital Avenue

Frankfort, KY 40601

Description

Internal Legislative Research Commission applicants will only be considered.

The Legislative Research Commission (LRC) is accepting applications for the position of Deputy Director for Communications. This position is nonpartisan in nature and requires the ability to work with neutrality in a politically charged environment.

The Legislative Research Commission provides staff support to the Kentucky General Assembly. The agency offers unique opportunities to people seeking fulfilling, challenging, and rewarding careers. LRC staff members provide diverse services and are united by the common purpose of supporting the branch of government closest to the people.

This is a permanent, full-time position with benefits including health and life insurance; retirement plan; and paid holidays, vacation, and sick days. Compensatory time is awarded on an hour-for-hour basis with prior approval.

Job Duties:

• Oversee and coordinate the work of the Communications Department, including Citations, Constituent Services, Legislative Library, Print Shop, and Public Information.
• Supervise, mentor, and support Communications staff, as well as the various direct-report managers; participate in hiring, training, performance evaluation, and staff development.
• Provide leadership and direction for communications and constituent service activities to ensure accuracy, clarity, timeliness, and adherence to nonpartisan standards.
• Review and approve major communications products, public information materials, constituent correspondence, and briefing documents to ensure quality and consistency.
• Oversee the agency’s media relations efforts, serving as the agency's media contact and writing and editing press inquiries, statements, interview preparation, and public messaging.
• Ensure effective communication with legislators, legislative staff, the public, media outlets, and partner agencies.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with legislators, legislative staff, legislative committees, and external entities to support accurate and responsive communication and constituent service functions.
• Monitor workloads, schedules, and operational needs across the various reporting offices; recommend process improvements to and assist the Director in implementing departmental and, or, agency procedures and initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and confidentiality requirements, including appropriate handling of records, data, and public information.
• Lead or support training efforts for departmental staff on communication standards, constituent service practices, and agency procedures.
• Represent the department in meetings, legislative activities, or agency wide initiatives as assigned by the Director.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Desired Skills and Abilities:

• Strong leadership and management skills, including the ability to oversee complex communications under tight deadlines.
• Advanced knowledge of public information practices and communications strategy within a legislative environment.
• Thorough understanding of the legislative process and the ability to translate complex policy issues into clear, accurate communications for diverse audiences.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to review, refine, and guide the work of communications and constituent services staff.
• Strong news judgment and the ability to identify salient issues, respond rapidly, and ensure accurate messaging.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, develop, and evaluate staff; manage multiple teams; and foster a collaborative, inclusive, and productive work environment.
• Strong research skills and the ability to interpret legislative information, statutes, and policy materials for public communication or constituent responses.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and produce high quality work under pressure.
• Proficiency with current office technology, including general business software such as Microsoft Office.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to maintain accurate and confidential records.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, build effective working relationships with management, staff, legislators, and members of the public.

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATION: Master’s degree or other advanced degree in communications, political science, public administration, public policy, or another policy relevant discipline.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: Minimum of 10 years of experience in communications, legislative management, public policy, or a related field. Experience should include overseeing complex communication or service delivery functions that support legislators, legislative staff, or the public. At least 5 years of supervisory or management experience is required, including leading teams with diverse responsibilities. Advanced knowledge of legislative processes or public information practices will be given additional consideration.

Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: NONE

Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: At the discretion of the Director of LRC, relevant professional experience may substitute for education below the master’s level.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.): NONE

If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Allison Harris at Allison.Harris@kylegislature.gov or 502-564-8100

An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D