Job Description
JOB SUMMARY
The Director of Communications helps develop and manages the communications and public relations strategies for a Senator’s office. In collaboration with, and at the direction of the Senator and Chief of Staff, the Director of Communications executes a broad range of communications tasks that support the Senator’s policy and district priorities. Utilizing a network of media contacts and a variety of communications strategies, platforms and skills, the Director of Communications plays a key role in the success of a Senator’s office operations. The Director of Communications reports to the Chief of Staff.
- Develop, in consultation with the Senator and Chief of Staff, a comprehensive media strategy for the Senator.
- Screen incoming media requests and make recommendations to Chief of Staff and Senator.
- Draft, edit, design, and disseminate press releases and monthly newsletter on the Senator’s legislative, budget, and local priorities.
- Draft and edit quotes, op-eds, letters to the editor, speeches, talking points, and remarks.
- Maintain accurate media contacts lists and establish strong working relationships with members of the media.
- Collect and maintain photo and video archives.
- Research and pitch stories and respond to media inquiries from local and national print, digital, radio, and television outlets.
- Coordinate media availabilities, press conferences, and interviews.
- Monitor news outlets, including local, statewide, and national news coverage, compiling newsclips related to the district on a weekly basis.
- Organize and promote media events both at the State House and in the district.
- Manage and grow audience of the Senator’s official social media accounts.
- Maintain the Senator’s official website.
Other Duties and Responsibilities May Include:
- Serve as media spokesperson for the Senator and the office.
- Research legislation and budget issues.
- Provide constituent services and case work on district issues.
- Attend events with the Senator or on their behalf.
- Speak to constituents, advocates, and local groups when the Senator is unavailable.
- Assist with general administrative duties: answering phones, ordering supplies, sorting mail.
- Support other staff in messaging and drafting written materials in their assigned policy areas.
- Draft responses to legislative-related inquiries from constituents, organizations, legislators, and other stakeholders.
- Supervise office intern.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree and at least 1 year of relevant work experience, or any of the following combinations of education and experience:
- Associate’s degree and at least 3 years of relevant work experience;
- Graduate degree or higher in a related field; or
- At least 5 years of relevant work experience.
- Basic understanding of state government operations and the legislative process.
- Demonstrated experience and competence working with social media platforms and computerized office applications.
- Basic understanding of print, broadcast, digital, and online media.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including, but not limited to, a deep understanding of grammar, strong attention to detail, and fine-tuned editorial and copy-editing skills across numerous platforms.
- Temperament to communicate with a variety of personalities in a tactful, positive, and professional manner.
- Ability to think critically and work both independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to produce quality work under pressure and in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to maintain a flexible schedule including working extended hours, possibly on nights and weekends.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Familiarity with Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket.
- Ability to travel to Cape & Islands Senate District when needed.
- Experience developing communications campaigns and creating and managing content for distribution on various outreach channels
- Experience with tools such as Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, MailChimp, and photo and video editing.
- Interest in policies related to public health, mental health and substance use, housing, clean energy, and LGBTQ+ equity.
The Senate’s total compensation package features an outstanding set of state employee benefits for eligible employees which you may consider towards your overall compensation, including, but not limited to:
- 75% state-paid medical insurance premium
- Reasonable Dental and Vision Plans
- Flexible Spending Accounts and Dependent Care Assistance programs
- Low-cost basic and optional life insurance - Retirement Savings: State Employees' Pension and a Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan
- 12 paid holidays per year and competitive Sick, Vacation, and Personal Time
- Competitive Senate-sponsored parental leave - Tuition Benefit for employees and spouses at state colleges and universities
- Long-Term Disability and Extended Illness program participation options
- Employee Assistance Programs - Professional Development and Continuing Education opportunities
- Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program
The Massachusetts Senate is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, military, and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Our goal is to be a workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the diverse commonwealth we serve, and women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
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