Communications Director – CPCS

The Communications Director will report to the Chief Counsel.

THE AGENCY

CPCS is the state agency in Massachusetts responsible for providing legal services to indigent persons in criminal and civil matters in which the state or federal constitution, state statute, or case law require the appointment of counsel for any person who cannot afford to retain counsel. The agency provides representation on criminal, delinquency, youthful offender, child welfare, mental health, sexually dangerous person, and sex offender registry cases, as well as appeals and post-conviction cases related to those matters.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION MISSION STATEMENT

CPCS is committed to protecting the fundamental constitutional and human rights of its clients by providing zealous advocacy, community-oriented defense, and excellent representation. In fulfilling its mission, CPCS is committed to fostering diversity at all levels of the agency. We are dedicated to building a strong professional relationship with each of our clients, to understanding their diverse circumstances, and to meeting their needs. In striving always to achieve those goals, CPCS embraces diversity and inclusion as core values and is steadfast in our commitment to: (1) ensuring that CPCS management and staff members represent a broad range of human differences and experiences; (2) providing a work climate that is respectful and that supports success; and (3) promoting the dignity and well-being of all staff members. CPCS’s leadership is responsible for ensuring excellence, diversity, and inclusion. Our ability to achieve these goals depends on the efforts of all of us.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Communications Director will be responsible for leading all aspects of the Committee for Public Counsel Services external and internal communication activities, including message development, media relations, and website content. The Communications Director must be able to plan, manage, coordinate, and execute all aspects of communicating the agency’s mission, policies, programs, initiatives, and priorities to the media, as well as internal and external constituencies and stakeholders.

The Communication Director’s responsibilities will include:

– Providing a wide range of support to the Chief Counsel and other Senior Management Team members (SMT) on
diverse, time-sensitive issues, including preparing materials and talking points for high-level public presentations,
events, and speaking engagements, developing and executing creative and effective strategies for furthering the
agency’s mission, and promoting its objectives;
– Developing, implementing and managing the agency’s communications activities, including internal and external
communications, community relations and media relations; help ensure message discipline consistent with CPCS’s
mission and goals;
– Developing regular content for CPCS intranet, external web and social media platforms;
– In consultation with the Chief Counsel and other Senior Management Team members, when appropriate,
coordinating communications across the agency, including communications to employees and agency vendors;
– Interacting with staff regularly to stay updated on all aspects of the agency; staying ahead of events and issues
related to the agency’s mission;
– Serving as primary point of contact for media inquiries; coordinate responses; track media stories relevant to the
agency; generate press releases for CPCS and act as a liaison with media outlets as needed; work with the Chief
Counsel and other CPCS staff to prepare for press conferences and other media interactions;
– Managing the design, composition, publication, and production of agency brochures, pamphlets, information
packets, newsletters, and other publications for the agency;
– Other tasks and responsibilities as assigned.

Bachelor’s degree, preferably in communications, journalism, marketing or related field; at least 5 years’ experience in all aspects of proactive and reactive organizational communications, including PR strategy, editorial planning, and content development; excellent communication skills, including writing, editing, and oral presentations; strong organizational and interpersonal skills; expertise with best practices for social media; advanced Microsoft Office skills; or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and skills.

QUALIFICATIONS

– Knowledge of the principles and practices of public relations and the laws, rules and regulations pertaining to the
release of public information;
– Capacity to maintain and exercise discretion and sound judgment in handling confidential information;
– Ability to check and confirm facts, draft content concisely, express thoughts clearly, and develop ideas in logical
sequence;
– High level of self-motivation and accountability, bringing enthusiasm and energy to tasks;
– Demonstrated ability coordinating the efforts of diverse groups;
– Experienced or willing to be hands-on with social media and web technology;
– Ability to think strategically and establish trusting relationships.

The ideal candidate is also passionate about social justice and the mission of CPCS.

• Resume
• Cover Letter