Chief Communications Officer

Are you a Communications leader and strategic thinker with a passion for shaping the public perception of organizations? The State Bar of Arizona is seeking a dynamic Chief Communications Officer to join our team! As a key member of our senior leadership team, you will oversee public relations, the publication of Arizona Attorney magazine, advertising sales, AZBar.org website content, and government relations. Your role will be crucial in ensuring that our mission to serve and protect the public with respect to legal services and access to justice is effectively communicated both internally and externally. Join us and make a significant impact on our organization and the community we serve!

To hear more about our mission, please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTd_T8s6BNw

Benefits of working at the State Bar of Arizona include:

• 100% employer paid medical, dental, and vision insurance (employee only)
• $900 HSA funding provided by employer for individuals ($2,000 for families)
• Generous paid vacation and sick time
• 10 paid holidays per year + 2 additional floating holidays
• 8 hours of paid volunteer hours per year
• Paid parental leave
• 401(k) with employer match
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Quarterly wellness reimbursement for gym membership
• Hybrid work environment
• A community of friendly and collaborative co-workers

If this sounds like the perfect job for you… please feel free to apply using our easy 3-minute online application at:

https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/3142375/State-Bar-of-Arizona/Chief-Communications-Officer

Job Summary

Under minimal supervision, the CCO provides leadership and direction to the Communication and Government Affairs Division for the State Bar of Arizona. This division has primary responsibility for State Bar marketing, public relations, publishing Arizona Attorney magazine plus other print and electronic publications, advertising sales, AZBar.org website content, and government relations. In addition to managing the staff of the division, the CCO is a part of the State Bar senior leadership team. The CCO is responsible for ensuring that the Bar’s mission to serve and protect the public with respect to the provision of legal services and access to justice is effectively communicated both internally and externally.

Leadership

As part of Senior Leadership Team demonstrates:

• Highest personal and professional standards, as well as superior technical skills and expertise;
• Necessary emotional intelligence to lead subordinates in an effective and positive manner, and to collaborate with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders;
• Awareness of and accountability for the corporate well-being of the State Bar of Arizona beyond specific division or departmental responsibilities.

Board Participation

Staffs Strategic Planning Working Group and other task forces, committees and working groups as required.

Duties and Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities listed below are essential to the employee’s position.

• In collaboration with the CEO/ED, develops and executes the SBA’s organizational image and brand. Partners with senior leadership regarding organizational strategy.
• Establishes and develops PR strategies, campaigns, and initiatives to improve public perception of the SBA and its mission.
• Oversees branding and messaging to SBA members.
• Manages and maintains relationships with key media contacts.
• Oversees SBA social media presence.
• Has managerial responsibility for Arizona Attorney magazine and all SBA newsletters.
• Ensures timely and accurate preparation of public record requests.
• Responsible for managing SBA member and public surveys
• Leads the SBA’s legislative and lobbying efforts.
• Oversees the content of AZBar.org.
• Represents the SBA at various member and public events.
• Oversees financial management of division to include budget preparation and management and administration of assigned activities.
• Establishes and manages long-range plan for areas of responsibility and in support of the SBA’s strategic plan.
• Responsible for managing crisis communication as needed
• In coordination with Human Resources, hires, trains, develop, and appraises staff effectively.
• Performs all other related duties, as assigned.

Education and/or Experience Required

Bachelor’s Degree (preferably in Journalism, Communications, English, Marketing or closely related-field) preferred. Minimum of seven (7) years in a communications environment. Three (3) or more years’ experience managing staff and projects, preferably in a non-profit environment or the legal industry. Budgeting, financial management and forecasting experience desired. Education/Experience equivalency.

Skills and Abilities

• Performs all duties in compliance with internal procedures and external regulations. Is responsible for bringing compliance issues to the attention of management.
• Ability to work in a team environment and participates as an active member of management.
• Strong leadership abilities.
• Must have excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Self-motivated and self-disciplined and wiling to “roll up” the sleeves when needed to get the job done; yet develops others to do the same.
• Requires in-depth knowledge of media needs and media relationships.
• Tactical understanding of all primary social media platforms.
• Knowledge and understanding of email marketing platforms
• Ability to solve problems and be solutions-oriented.
• Ability to consistently demonstrate a high level of customer service.
• Ability to build and lead diverse teams to deliver high quality products and services.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Analytical ability is required in order to gather and summarize data for reports.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate poise, tact and diplomacy.
• Demonstrated ability to bring energy and creativity to complex communication challenges facing the SBA and its members.

Model the behaviors expected of all SBA employees by:

• Cultivating a positive work environment.
• Prioritizing and setting manageable goals.
• Being efficient with time at work.
• Communicating effectively with management, staff, members, clients, visitors, and the public.
• Being flexible and taking criticism constructively.
• Maintaining the highest ethical standards.

Computer Skills

Microsoft windows environment with Office Suite to include formatting and production of documents and reports. Proficiency in project tracking software a plus. Ability use tools for video conferencing, as needed.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Position may require travel within Arizona; thus, reliable transportation is required. If using personal vehicle, must ensure have appropriate driver’s license and insurance coverage.

Other

Regular attendance is required. Additional hours including weekends may be required on a regular basis to fulfill duties of position. At times, individual must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with ability to handle and prioritize multiple, competing tasks and demands and to seek supervisory assistance as appropriate.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee regularly is required to stand, walk, sit, use hand to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The Employee frequently lifts and/or moves up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, ability to adjust focus, and manual dexterity in combination with eye/hand coordination. Work environment is subject to interruptions, varying and unpredictable situations and time pressures related to multiple tasks. It also requires regular use of computer keyboard and monitor. There is extensive repetitive motion in using hands/wrists.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $125,000.00 - $135,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Phoenix, AZ 85016