Communications Strategist

About usBrilliant Media Strategies is Alaska’s oldest, full-service advertising and public affairs firm based in Anchorage. We specialize in high-impact issues that shape Alaska: natural resource development, ballot initiatives, political campaigns, and industry advocacy; our clients rely on us when the stakes are high and timelines are tight. We also have private small business and corporate clients. 

As a boutique agency, we offer direct client exposure from day one. Your work will directly influence major statewide conversations, and you will have meaningful ownership over strategy and execution.

The roleWe are seeking a sharp, agile Communications Strategist who excels at message development, media relationships and analysis, and collaborating with our creative department on visual concepts.

In this role, you will remain up to date on the latest news and digital conversations, proactively identify key opportunities and risks for certain clients, and create messaging and visual concepts in compelling voices.

Our work spans corporate public affairs, crisis communications, and campaign strategy. The core requirement is exceptional and strategic messaging under pressure. You must have good political judgment and know how to strike the right tone. 

Your first assignment will be as deputy campaign manager for a candidate campaign through early summer 2027. While political campaign experience is an asset, strong political instincts and the ability to make decisions quickly are paramount. Following this assignment, the role transitions into a broader public affairs and issue-advocacy portfolio.

Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Messaging & Content Creation: Develop core messaging frameworks and draft high-impact collateral, including press releases, op-eds, social media posts, TV and radio scripts, digital ad copy, talking points, executive statements, speeches, and more.

Media Monitoring & Strategic Application: Monitor and proactively brief team and clients on local, state, and national evolving press, with strategic ideas on how to integrate messaging into existing projects

Rapid Response & Crisis Communications: Lead real-time response efforts when issues arise, including occasional evening or weekend coverage during critical campaigns or news cycles.

Campaign Leadership (Through Early-Summer 2027): Execute day-to-day communications strategy, ensure message discipline, and support campaign events.

Client & Account Management: Serve as a primary point of contact for minimal high level accounts, managing deliverables and maintaining client relationships.

Trend Monitoring: Track social and digital media conversations to identify emerging trends, and incorporate relevant insights into client strategy and content.

Technology & Workflow Innovation: Integrate modern AI tools and digital platforms into daily research, analysis, and content workflows.

Digital & Social Production: Create and manage digital and social media content, including posts, graphic ideas, short-form video, and other materials that support client communications and campaigns. 

QualificationsExceptional Writing Under Deadline: Demonstrated ability to produce clear, persuasive, publication-ready copy in hours rather than days.

Collaborative & Self-Motivated Mindset: Must have a positive attitude, proactive and can-do approach, with the flexibility to thrive both as a dependable team player and as an independent problem-solver.

Media Acumen & Experience: 2 to 4 years of professional experience in strategic communications, public affairs, campaign management, journalism, or a related field, with a firm grasp of how stories develop and travel across traditional and digital channels.

Independent Execution: Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects with minimal supervision.

Technological Adaptability: Comfort using and experimenting with emerging workflow tools, including generative AI applications, to enhance efficiency and productivity.

Flexible Schedule: Through early-summer 2027, ability to - on occasion as needed - work a rare evening or weekend.

Preferred QualificationsFamiliarity with Alaska’s political, policy, and media landscape.

Direct experience on political, legislative, or issue-advocacy campaigns.

Established track record in media relations, earned media placement, and press outreach.

Familiarity with resource development industries, ballot measures, or regulatory advocacy.

Basic video, social media, or graphic production capabilities.

Eagerness and willingness to learn, collaborate and be part of a team.

Compensation & BenefitsSalary: $75,000–$90,000 annually, depending on experience, with opportunity for annual bonus.

Comprehensive Health Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance.

Retirement: 401(k) plan.

Time Off: Competitive paid time off, paid company holidays, and paid sick leave.

Work Flexibility: Midtown Anchorage office location with hybrid flexibility (remote work).

Location & RelocationThis position is based in Anchorage, Alaska. Due to the requirements of the campaign assignment, the role requires an on-the-ground presence in Anchorage through at least June 2027. Candidates currently outside Alaska are welcome to apply with a commitment to relocate.

How to ApplyPlease submit the following materials to info at brilliantak dot com:

Resume with relevant working experience and two professional references (include email and phone number).Writing Sample of your choice (e.g., op-ed, press release, statement, or campaign copy).Short Writing Exercise: Select an Alaska news story from the past four weeks. In 250 words or less, draft a public response or statement on behalf of a stakeholder or impacted organization. Include a one-sentence rationale detailing who the statement represents and the strategic intent behind your chosen angle.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Brilliant Media Strategies is an Equal Opportunity Employer.