Director of Communications – Administrator VIII

Description

Who We Are:

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is the state agency responsible for ensuring clean air, land, and water, the safe management of toxics and hazards, the recycling of solid and hazardous wastes and the preservation of the state’s wetlands and coastal resources.

Who We Serve

Massachusetts was the first state in the nation to combine energy and environmental agencies under one Cabinet secretary. The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) serves Commonwealth residents interested in outdoor recreational activities, clean energy solutions and those who work with animals and livestock. Equally, EOEEA works with energy consumers, power companies, clean energy providers and farmers to delicately balance the interaction with environmental protection laws and regulations while being a cornerstone for our economic prosperity.

Job Opening

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, seeks applicants for the position of Administrator VIII – Director of Communications to perform the following duties:

The primary role is to support the Department in ensuring that MassDEP’s mission, objectives and achievements are communicated efficiently and effectively to the media and public through thoughtful and understandable external communications.

The Communications Director, in collaboration with the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEOEEA) Communications staff, will develop a strategy to communicate and emphasize the work of MassDEP in protecting and enhancing the Commonwealth’s natural resources to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of all people, and to ensure a clean and safe environment for future generations more effectively.

• The Communications Director must keep informed of all MassDEP “hot topic” issues, enforcement actions, regulatory updates, and policy initiatives and will meet with senior staff and subject matter experts to understand and compile information to craft effective communications.
• The Communications Director shall coordinate with senior staff at MassDEP including the Chief of Staff, Deputy Commissioners, Government Affairs, and General Counsel, to plan and direct the Agency’s press strategy, including responding to media inquiries, sending press releases, coordinating social media, and managing press events.
• The Communications Director assists in the writing and revision of press releases and talking points/speeches for the MassDEP Commissioner.
• The Communications Director may assist the MassDEP Commissioner’s Office staff to develop presentations for external events.
• The Communications Director is responsible for ensuring that news clippings are shared with the Commissioner’s Office and Senior Staff.
• The Communications Director will compile and author a weekly report as directed by the Commissioner.
• The Communications Director will prepare the Commissioner for interviews and accompany the Commissioner at public events where a press presence is anticipated.
• The Communications Director is responsible for coordinating a strong social media presence across channels, including to provide direction on social media posts and campaigns.

Preferred Qualification

• Six years of equivalent professional experience in writing professions/communication/press/media field. Experience drafting talking points, press releases, and responding to media inquiries. On the record experience required. Knowledge of environmental issues is a plus or familiarity with regulated industries.
• Works well within a team.
• Possesses excellent writing and verbal communication skills.
• Is able to establish a strong rapport and forge relations with media.
• Has on the record experience with press.
• Is able to simplify complex subject matter.
• Has knowledge of government and government communications.
• Demonstrated track record of social media development.
• Must be detail-oriented and organized, adaptable and able to work in a fast-paced, reactive environment.
• Must have strong internet-based research skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and some Access.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to gather information from staff and can work with all levels of agency staff.
• Ability to maintain calm and composure in a fast paced and high-pressure environment.
• Attention to detail and the ability to juggle priorities and complete work under tight deadlines.
• Ability to work independently under minimal supervision and troubleshoot and develop solutions and make recommendations.
• Professional manner and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Additional Information

• Communications Director will often attend public events and accompany Commissioner. Communications Director may respond in writing or by phone to communications from the public or stakeholders.

Qualifications

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) six (6) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in Business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least two (2) years must have been in a supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.

Substitutions

I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience.

II. A Bachelor’s degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.

III. A Graduate degree or higher in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience.

IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don’t meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Official Title: Administrator VIII

Primary Location

: United States-Massachusetts-Boston-100 Cambridge Street

Job

: Environmental and Energy

Agency

: Department of Environmental Protection

Schedule

: Full-time

Shift

: Day

Job Posting

: Aug 14, 2024, 2:25:49 PM

Number of Openings

: 1

Salary

: 104,479.32 – 161,458.43 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Chris Mendez – 6178727730

Bargaining Unit: 000-Unclassified

Confidential: No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: Yes