Communications Manager

Title: Communications Manager

Pay Grade: Management

Starting Pay: $81,716.76

Departmental Mission Statement: The Executive Office of the Trial Court is led by the Chief Justice of the Trial Court and the Court Administrator and oversees judicial and court operations, including the Office of Court Management. The Executive Office works collaboratively with the Trial Court’s seven Departments and Commissioners of Probation and Jury to develop and implement policies and initiatives that promote an environment of continuous improvement and ensure the most effective use of resources to support and enhance the delivery of justice in the Trial Court. The Executive Office also oversees the development and implementation of strategic planning for the Trial Court.

Notes:

• Degree in area such as English, communications, journalism, or business is preferred
• Familiarity with Massachusetts government, the court system, or legal environment preferred
• Experience with social media platforms and multi-media preferred
• Ability to travel as needed to meetings and events across the state.
• Hybrid remote work may be an option

Position Summary: Working within the Executive Office of the Trial Court, the Communications Manager participates in the development and implementation of internal and external communications plans, strategies and programs, messages and materials, and media and public outreach and response, working closely with court leaders, operations, and planning teams to support the court’s strategic priorities and organizational goals. The Communications Manager drafts internal and external communications including but not limited to internal articles, announcements and advisories, website content, press releases, presentations, and annual reports. The Communications Manager conveys messages in a consistent and clear way in various Trial Court publications and platforms, including newsletters, internet and intranet sites, and reports, and presents complex concepts through compelling messages that resonate with diverse audiences.

Supervision Received: 

Duties: Researches, writes, and edits communications materials, including newsletters, fact sheets, presentations, and reports, including the annual report of the court system.

Develops and distributes the Trial Court’s internal communications and announcements as well as news publications.

Works with court leadership, including the Chief Justice, Court Administrator, and department heads on courtwide communications.

Develops and updates dynamic internal and external website content to keep communications relevant and fresh, ensuring readership loyalty and growth.

Develops editorial calendar and helps determine content for monthly electronic newsletter and weekly intranet news updates.

Develops and implements short and long-term communications plans and campaigns that support key initiatives and activities to further the Trial Court’s goals and mission.

Develops and manages website and digital content, including, creating and publishing content across social media channels.

Promotes Trial Court news, programs, projects, and events to internal and external stakeholders in coordination with court departments and the Public Information Office.

Provides communications support to court officials in developing a variety of internal and external communications materials, such as presentations, speeches, scripts, talking points, announcements, and briefs.

Participates in outreach committees and other community outreach efforts with an eye towards developing and supporting programs that advance access to justice and the Trial Court’s mission and educates the public on the role, function, and initiatives of the Trial Court.

Promotes employee awareness and understanding of Trial Court goals and objectives through communications materials for judges and other court employees.

Evaluates and reports on effectiveness of communications using analytic research and quantitative feedback, including social media and digital campaign metrics, to assess effectiveness of communications and recommends changes or improvements.

Collaborates and coordinates with the Supreme Judicial Court Public Information Officer and Probation Communications Director.

Helps develop and maintain knowledge of Trial Court strategic planning priorities, initiatives, and programs to identify and maximize communications opportunities.

Supports internal and external events.

Performs additional duties, as assigned.

Job Competencies: All applicants must be able, through the interview process, to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the following areas:

Ethics and Values Communicates and demonstrates the ethics and values of the Trial Court.
Mission and Vision Understands, upholds, and communicates the stated Trial Court organizational mission and vision.
Communication Demonstrates excellent oral and written communications skills, social media skills, and significant hands-on capacity to ensure clear, informative and transparent communications to the court community, external partners, and the general public.
Customer Service Demonstrates high level of interest and responsiveness to internal and external stakeholders.
Problem Solving Accurately assesses communications issues and recommends and facilitates appropriate solutions.
Collaboration Demonstrates outstanding ability to advise court officials on communications issues and facilitate effective resolution.
Managing External Environment Creates and promotes cooperative partnerships with key external stakeholders, including governmental partners, law enforcement and the legal community.
Commitment to Diversity Promotes an environment of cross-cultural awareness, respect, and sensitivity.
Continuous Learning Demonstrates an active commitment to continuous improvement through professional development.

Minimum Requirements: These are the minimum requirements necessary to apply for the position of Communications Manager:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and Five (5) years of demonstrated professional experience in public relations, communications, or similar work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

A graduate degree in English, communications, journalism, public relations or related field is desirable.

Experience with written, oral and electronic communications methods.

Strong project management skills and experience.

Strategic agility to work on multiple projects with deadlines in fast-paced environment.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Computer skills, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite.

Hands-on experience with social media and website management.

Ability to travel as needed to meetings and events across the state.

Strong research, writing, editing, verbal, interpersonal, organizational, analytical and critical thinking skills.

Excellent judgment, news sense and attention to detail; ability to work under pressure and handle sensitive issues.

Demonstrated ability to write clearly, concisely, and quickly in a variety of formats for audiences including court leaders and staff, media, community leaders, general public.

Ability to quickly learn organizational dynamics and support communications needs of a complex environment.