Job Information
State of Massachusetts Legislative/Communications Director in Boston, Massachusetts
_Legislative/Communications Director_
The Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) works to ensure that Massachusetts state agencies provide children with quality services and that children receiving services are protected from harm. We work with families, legislators, social workers, and other professionals to improve state services for children and families. The OCA is an independent executive branch agency established under MGL c.18C. The OCA is led by a director who is appointed by vote of the Governor, Attorney General and State Auditor. The OCA is looking for a Legislative/Communications Director.
Position Description & Major Responsibilities
Legislation
Leads all state legislative matters, consistent with the OCA’s mission and as directed by the Child Advocate
Develops and maintains good relationships with members of the Legislature
Manages outreach to legislators, including scheduling and preparing for briefings as needed, as well as the timely response to requests for information and assistance
Monitors the submission of final documents from the OCA to legislators and others, including reports to the legislature
In partnership with the Child Advocate and OCA Senior Staff, prepares draft legislation, testimony and bill comments
Attends legislative hearings and meetings with legislators as needed
Monitors and reports to the Child Advocate and OCA Senior Staff on current relevant legislation, particularly legislation impacting the OCA, and the annual budget process
Reviews and summarizes relevant policy/legislative reports
Advises the Child Advocate and OCA Senior Staff on major legislative issues and developments, and works to ensure that political implications are factored into all decisions and strategies.
Communications
Develops and manages the external communication strategy for the OCA
Works with the Child Advocate and OCA Senior Staff to identify communication priorities and opportunities
Writes and edits press releases and other public information materials (e.g. op-eds, letters to the editor
Develops and maintains press list
Manages communication with members of the media, including responding to press inquiries and pitching stories
Manages OCA social media accounts and the OCA website
Prepares briefing materials for the Child Advocate’s public/speaking events, including (in partnership with other OCA Senior Staff as necessary) preparing speeches, talking points, statements and presentations on key OCA initiatives
Ensures the agency speaks with “one voice” in its public materials
Monitors media to identify, collect and disseminate relevant news articles and developments
External Affairs
In partnership with Child Advocate and Senior staff, develops and manages OCA’s relationship with key organizations and constituencies (e.g. advocacy organizations) whose mission and work intersect with the OCA to encourage statewide collaboration
Tracks key external initiatives relevant to the work of the OCA, and advises the Child Advocate and OCA Senior Staff on relevant developments
As needed, attend external meetings (e.g. advisory boards, conferences, briefings) on behalf of the Child Advocate.
Other
May be assigned to special projects to support the work of the OCA
Depending on the subject matter expertise and/or interest of the incumbent, may participate in policy development work with the Child Advocate and/or OCA Senior Staff
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree
Experience working in or with Massachusetts Legislature preferred, including a working knowledge of the organization of state government, the legislative process, and an understanding of the budget process.
Experience developing and implementing communications strategies and working productively with members of the media.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, particularly the ability to digest complex information (including policy, research and data/statistics) and present thoughts clearly and concisely to a variety of audiences utilizing a variety of formats (e.g. written articles, oral and visual presentations, etc.)
Experience providing professional support to a high level executive (e.g. drafting talking points, preparing tailored briefing materials)
A working knowledge of website and social media applications and communication strategies
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Exposure to, and interest in, subject matter related to children’s policy and services (demonstrated through past professional and/or academic experience) and a desire to expand knowledge in this space
Ability to work with high-level state and local officials and other interested parties
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Ability to exercise sound judgment and deal effectively and tactfully with others
Ability to coordinate competing interests and work under time constraints
Ability to establish rapport and work collaboratively with a wide variety of stakeholders, including the ability to see an issue from multiple perspectives, develop empathy even for those you disagree with, and identify and work on issues of common ground
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
Please include cover letter with resume or C/V submittal.
Job: *Administrative Services
Organization: *Office of the Child Advocate
Title: Legislative/Communications Director
Location: Massachusetts-Boston-1 Ashburton Place
Requisition ID: 21000069