Director of Communications

Company : Human Resources Division

Job Description - Director of Communications

Director of Communications
Tennessee Department of State
Executive Office of the Secretary of State

Mission: The mission of the Office of the Secretary of State is to exceed the expectations of our customers, the taxpayers, by operating at the highest levels of accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and accountability in a customer-centered environment.

Supervisor: Secretary of State

Summary: The Communications Director (CD) oversees, manages, and directs communications efforts for the department working with department leadership on an almost daily basis. The CD is expected to provide strategic insight and recommendations to the Secretary of State on how best to communicate with the media, departmental employees, legislators, and fellow Tennesseans. The CD is expected to operate with a sense of urgency and discretion. The CD will also develop an overall communications strategy for the department.

Duties/Responsibilities

Provide strategic insight and recommendations on messaging with a strong emphasis on issues regarding elections, libraries, and other issues of state and national interest
Supervise the deputy communications director and the creative media producer, while setting priorities on a daily basis and following through to ensure the objectives are met
Write and/or delegate the writing of news releases, reports, social media posts, and other publications
Provide advice and counsel for internal and external publications produced within the department
Provide advice and counsel, as appropriate, to assist the information technology staff in the updating of the department website
Serve as the primary media contact for the department by handling media inquiries and coordinating interviews
Write and distribute speeches, presentations, op-ed pieces, trade journal publications, and any other documents as needed
Plan news conferences and media events as needed to inform the public of the department’s activities and impact on Tennessee
Coordinate meetings with media outlets to communicate information about the role of the department
Plan and execute small and large-scale events involving multiple stakeholders to support key office initiatives and programs
Assist members of the media in facilitating public records requests
Work with all divisions on improving internal communications
Oversee implementation of the departmental media strategy (traditional and new media)
Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in journalism or a communications-related field and at least five years of relevant experience
Other combinations of education and experience, if evaluated as equivalent, may qualify an applicant for consideration
Must have a connection to the State of Tennessee as well as some understanding of state and federal government and state politics
Must be able to name the three statewide government officials who are popularly elected in Tennessee

Knowledge and Abilities:

Ability to think strategically and communicate effectively by anticipating the questions and needs of internal and external customers
Ability to deal tactfully with the public, co-workers, and members of the legislature, to exercise sound judgment in decision making, to express ideas clearly, concisely, and convincingly, and maintain adequate documentation of work performed
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage and coordinate several projects or events simultaneously, support team members, and track complex tasks across multiple stakeholders while meeting sometimes tight deadlines
Excellent understanding of media operations, strategies, and working relationships with state and national media contacts
Strong written and verbal communicator with great attention to detail
Ability to think critically and creatively in approaching problem-solving
Demonstrated history of the ability to plan effectively and the flexibility to quickly pivot to areas of pressing concern.
Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and be willing and able to travel independently throughout the state, including overnight travel

Salary: Commensurate with experience and the State of Tennessee benefits package

Application Instructions: Applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, and a writing sample to be considered for this position.

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Human Resources Division

State of Tennessee - TN.gov

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Director of Communications

Job Description - Director of Communications

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