CHIEF OF COMMUNICATIONS II

Job Summary

The Chief of Communications II is a senior leadership role within a large state department/agency responsible for overseeing and directing all communication functions for the department. This position is tasked with creating and executing high-level communication strategies that ensure the department's mission, objectives, and initiatives are effectively communicated to the public, government officials, media, and other stakeholders. The Chief of Communications II plays a pivotal role in shaping the department’s public image, managing crisis communications, and coordinating complex outreach efforts.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of long-term and short-term communication strategies that align with the department’s goals and objectives.
• Serve as the department’s primary spokesperson and represent the department in media interactions.
• Protect and enhance the department’s brand image through consistent messaging across all communication channels.
• Ensure that all materials and public-facing content reflect the department’s values, mission, and public service role.
• Oversee the communication department’s budget and allocate resources efficiently across communication campaigns, media buying, and digital tools.
• Ensure that communication strategies are executed effectively within budget constraints.
• Supervise and mentor a team of communication professionals, including public relations specialists, digital content creators, and media relations staff.
• Provide leadership, feedback, and professional development opportunities to team members.
• Collaborate with government officials and policymakers to advance the department’s legislative and policy priorities.
• Guide the department’s use of digital and social media platforms to engage with the public, monitor public opinion, and promote department initiatives.
• Ensure that digital communications are aligned with the department’s overall messaging and strategy.
• Oversee internal communication strategies to ensure staff and other internal stakeholders are informed about departmental goals, policies, and news.
• Lead efforts to build and maintain relationships with local, state, and national media outlets.
• Manage press releases, interviews, public statements, and media briefings to ensure that the department’s message is conveyed clearly and accurately.
• Provide leadership in managing public relations crises, including developing timely and effective communication strategies that protect and enhance the department’s reputation.
• Advise senior leadership on communication strategies during sensitive or high-pressure situations.

Knowledge And Skills

• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement high-level communication strategies that align with organizational goals and stakeholder needs.
• Exceptional skills in crafting clear, compelling messages tailored to different audiences.
• Strong leadership skills with experience in managing and developing teams of communication professionals.
• Ability to inspire collaboration, drive performance, and maintain high morale within a diverse team.
• Skilled in developing and executing crisis communication strategies.
• Ability to think quickly under pressure, maintain composure, and provide strategic advice in high-stakes situations.
• Experience with social media platforms and digital tools to promote public engagement, monitor sentiment, and create impactful online campaigns.
• Comfortable and effective as a spokesperson for the department in a variety of settings, including media interviews, public forums, and legislative hearings.
• Ability to articulate complex issues clearly and persuasively.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with media representatives, government officials, external stakeholders, and internal teams.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Political Science, or a related field is required, plus at least seven (7) years of professional experience in communications, public relations, or a related field.
• Licensure/Certifications: N/A