Job Description

　　Cover Letter and Resume Due by 1/5/24

　　Chief of Communications

　　The Chief of Communications will serve as the primary liaison between our office and the media, the public, and other stakeholders. The Chief of Communications will be responsible for developing and implementing effective communication strategies that promote our office's mission, vision, and values. The Chief of Communications will handle media inquiries, write press releases, organize press conferences and events, and manage our office's website and social media platforms.

　　The principal responsibilities include:

　　• Plan and execute communication campaigns which inform the public about our Office's activities, achievements, and challenges• Prepare and distribute press releases, statements, newsletters, brochures, and other materials which highlight our Office's work and accomplishments• Coordinate and facilitate media interviews with the District Attorney and other staff members• Monitor and respond to media inquiries and requests in a timely and professional manner• Organize and host press conferences, briefings, tours, and other events that showcase our Office's initiatives and programs• Establish and maintain professional working relationships with other law enforcement and judicial agencies• Manage and update our Office's website and social media accounts with relevant and engaging content• Maintain regular media contacts and keeps them proactively informed of issues and events of importance to public safety and citizens• Establish and maintain positive relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets and journalists to maintain credibility and open channels of communication• Stay abreast of current trends and best practices in public information and communication.• Respond promptly to local departments and respond as needed to crises or emergency situations on a 24-hour on-call basis• Maintaining confidentiality when working with sensitive information

　　Miscellaneous:

　　• Collect photos, video, and information for use in the annual report, video presentations, and other communication channels• Review and update communications plans • Attend trainings, conferences, webinars, etc. to stay up to date with current industry trends and technology

　　Also, the Chief of Communications performs whatever other duties at whatever job-site as may from time to time be assigned to her/him by the District Attorney, the Chief of Staff, the Chief Legal Counsel, or other designee of the District Attorney.

　　In addition to the above responsibilities, the Chief of Communications is required:

　　• To be familiar with and to follow the provisions of the Essex District Attorney's Office Personnel Policies, and the Sexual Harassment Protocol• To participate in trainings relevant to Office functions• To communicate with or provide timely notification to Office staff, police, and other interested parties, as permitted and/or required by law• To interact in a respectful and professional manner with the public, judicial and law enforcement personnel and Office staff• To complete work assignments in a timely manner.

　　• The essential functions of the position require the effective ability to receive and distribute information in written, oral, and electronic form, in the English language.

　　Qualifications

　　Education and Experience Requirements:

　　• Bachelor's degree

　　• At least 3 years of proven experience as a public information officer, public relations specialist, communications specialist, or a similar role in a government agency or a legal setting

　　• Excellent verbal and written communications skills

　　• Strong interviewing and listening skills to acquire and understand the real issues and key messages to be communicated

　　• Knowledge of and ability to adjust and adapt communications style and leverage different communications platforms to appeal to and impact a variety of diverse internal and external audiences

　　• Ability to translate complex legal information into clear, concise messages for various audiences

　　• Familiarity with the criminal justice system and the role of the District Attorney's Office

　　• Stay up to date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in public relations and community engagement

　　• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines

　　• Extensive knowledge of contemporary social media utilization and the associated laws/regulations related to its use in a government setting

　　• Pass extensive criminal background screening evaluation

　　Deadline to submit a cover letter and resume is Monday, September 18, 2023

　　EEO Statement:

　　It is the policy of the Essex District Attorney's Office to afford equal opportunity to all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, military status, sexual orientation, sexual identity, handicap/disability, gender, gender identity, ancestry, genetic information, or any other class protected by federal or state anti-discrimination law. The Essex District Attorney's Office is committed to and promotes equal opportunity and diversity.