Director of Communication & Legislative Affairs

About the Role

The Director of Communications & Legislative Affairs for the Department of Corrections reports to and works closely with the Executive Director, Policy and Strategic Initiatives. This position manages the DOC's internal and external communications and has robust involvement in legislative efforts and initiatives. Collaboration is central to this role, requiring engagement and relationship management with staff, legislators, subject matter experts, the media, community partners, and service providers to further the Department's strategic mission, vision, and goals.

While this role is based in Waterbury, frequent travel to the State House will be necessary during the legislative session, and statewide travel—including to correctional facilities—will be required periodically.

Responsibilities

• External Communications:
  • Manage public inquiries and respond to legislative or media inquiries, balancing transparency with security.
  • Draft and disseminate press releases and other materials for the media, and pitch news stories highlighting DOC's innovations and outcomes.
  • Prepare staff for presentations, interviews, and other public engagements as requested.
  • Participate in weekly Agency of Human Services (AHS) communications meetings and ensure alignment with AHS communications efforts.
  • Coordinate facility visits and events with media, elected officials, and others.
• Internal Communications:
  • Manage internal and external digital content, administrating the DOC public website and intranet.
  • Draft and submit weekly reports to the Governor and draft staff communications as needed.
  • Ensure DOC materials meet accessibility standards.
  • Collaborate with the Research and Data Unit to develop impactful visualizations of important information.
  • Review Department documents as requested.
• Legislative Liaison:
  • Attend relevant hearings in the statehouse, track key legislation, and coordinate scheduling and strategy for department testimony.
  • Draft testimony and prep DOC staff to testify as needed.
  • Write and disseminate daily legislative reports and submit to DOC, AHS, and Governor's Office leadership.
  • Prepare legislative reports and weekly legislative debriefs for all department staff.
  • Assist in the preparation of legislative proposals.
  • Facilitate communications and foster relationships with state elected officials and federal offices.
• Marketing:
  • Coordinate DOC marketing projects with relevant staff.
  • Serve as liaison for marketing contract(s).
  • Work with vendors to develop and coordinate marketing materials.
• Special Projects:
  • Assist with other strategic initiatives as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree and five (5) years or more of experience at a professional level in the field of human services, public administration, public health, public policy, governmental relations, journalism, or public relations.
• OR Master's degree and three (3) years or more of experience at a professional level in the field of human services, public administration, public health, public policy, governmental relations, journalism, or public relations.

Duties are performed in a standard office setting or in the Legislature during the legislative session. Limited state travel may be involved, for which private means of transportation may be required. Quick deadlines for important reports and the need for sensitive communication under challenging and difficult situations may be required. The role involves direct interaction and communication with senior Agency leaders, state and federal government administrators, staff, legislators, and constituents under stressful conditions. Must manage many complex administrative and policy-related issues at once, including intense interactions with a variety of constituents and deadline pressures.

Additional Considerations

• DOC PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act) Requirements: In accordance with federal regulation, any person applying for employment in the Department of Corrections must provide relevant information. Previous institutional employers will be contacted and required to provide information regarding substantiated incidences of sexual abuse or resignation during a pending investigation of an allegation of sexual abuse.
• Conviction History Requirements: Candidates who have any felony conviction record or who, within the past five (5) years, have been placed under supervision or sanctioned for a misdemeanor conviction must receive a waiver from the Commissioner of Corrections in order to be considered for employment.

Benefits

As a State employee, you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:

• 80% State-paid medical premium
• Dental Plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State-defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan; many jobs also allow for a flexible schedule
• Low-cost group life insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program