DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS - 70648

Executive Service

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

Who we are and what we do:

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.

Job Overview:

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.

Supervisor: Secretary of State

Key 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 request
• 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

Pursuant to the State of Tennessee's Workplace Discrimination and Harassment policy, the State is firmly committed to the principle of fair and equal employment opportunities for its citizens and strives to protect the rights and opportunities of all people to seek, obtain, and hold employment without being subjected to illegal discrimination and harassment in the workplace. It is the State's policy to provide an environment free of discrimination and harassment of an individual because of that person's race, color, national origin, age (40 and over), sex, pregnancy, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status or any other category protected by state and/or federal civil rights laws.