Background
The purpose of the Contract Media Director is to manage the increased workload in a convention year. Up through 2016 we had a staff media director who managed this workload. In 2020 our staff communications manager was pulled from media tasks to assist with the logistics of our first-ever virtual convention. The job description below for the contract position was created from the tasks that our media director did in the previous convention years.
The Contract Media Director Job Description (approved by the Media Committee on April 10, 2024. The job description under “References” was approved at oa committee meeting on March 13, 2024.
Proposal
Amend the budget to add $18,000 for a Contract Media Director position to the $2,000 that is in the current budget for the Media Committee under the heading “Committee and Caucus Expenses” for a total of $20,000.
Resources
IMPLEMENTATION / TIMELINE / RESOURCES
Total is 400 hours x 45.00 per hour = $18000 – monthly breakout is below
June – 60 (15 hours per week) = $2700
July – 60 (15 hours per week) = $2700
August – 100 (25 hours per week – convention is August 16-18) = $4500
September – 60 (15 hours per week) = $2700
October – 60 (15 hours per week) = $2700
November – 60 (15 hours per week) = $2700
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BEFORE
Draft and send press releases
1) Announcement of convention venue – late March, early April
2) Initial press advisory with preliminary schedule of events – late May, early June
3) Candidates to watch press releases for federal, state and local office – October – to be drafted with input from Coordinated Campaign Committee
4) Press advisory with press conference line-up and final schedule of events – week before convention
Update Green Party fact sheet for reporters
Coordinate with convention coordinator and tech team
Work with Steering Committee, Annual National Meeting Committee and candidates to devise a strategy and focus for maximum coverage
Check in with Presidential Campaign Support Committee for current information on candidate status
Create a list of common questions and answers with positive framing
Create a list of reporters and outlets who request credentials and contact in advance – track on spreadsheet for follow-up
Make advance calls to relevant media
Coordinate with Steering Committee members to address requests for quotes and interviews with party spokespeople
Create a list of media committee members who will be able to volunteer for media functions with their contact info
Devise strategy for social media promotion using Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other social media accounts
Work with other committees such as the Coordinated Campaign Committee and Ballot Access Committee to promote their initiatives during the convention
Develop a media schedule of events
Put together a list of party officials and candidates who will be attending
Set up press conference line-up
1) Introductory press conference on Thursday late afternoon features meeting hosts and party officials
2) One or two press conferences on Friday morning may feature state and local candidates, congressional candidates, or officeholders, depending on who is attending
3) Press conference after the nomination on Saturday late afternoon features the winning candidate
Recruit press conference hosts
Create an online press packet with fact sheet, schedule of media events, and latest press releases
DURING
Coordinate with convention coordinator and tech team communicate throughout event
Social media promotion using Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other social media accounts
Screen media for press conferences
Host press conferences during the event – candidates not included in the line-up may be recognized
Follow up with reporter requests for information and interviews during the event
Follow up with reporters by email and phone and connect them with party officials and candidates as necessary – track on spreadsheet for follow-
AFTER
Draft and send press release with convention highlights
Follow up with reporters – track on spreadsheet for follow-up
Direct reporter inquiries for interviews with the winning candidate to the candidate’s campaign team
Social media promotion using Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other social media accounts
References
CONTACT – GPUS Steering Committee
steering@gp.org
secretary@gp.org
GPUS Fiscal Policy – https://gpus.org/fiscal-policy/#06Section 6-4 – Budget Amendments
6-4.1 At any time during the Fiscal year, budget amendments may be proposed to the NC by the SC.
6-4.2 The Finance Committee xamay recommend budget amendments to the SC as it deems necessary as per 3-2.3. Although it remains primarily the responsibility of the Finance Committee to do so, state parties and caucuses may also make such recommendations to the SC, and committees may do so concerning budget allocations related to their specific missions.”