STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Communications Director

Director of Communications 1

Recruitment #241018-0514EX-001

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Introduction


Are you tired of voters feeling their vote is not important or they are powerless to change government?  Do you want to use your out-of-the-box thinking, creative energy and superb communications skills to get more voters engaged? If yes, read on!

The State of Connecticut, Secretary of the State (SOTS) is currently seeking a strategic and articulate spokesperson to serve as Communications Director (Director of Communications 1). Join our team and embark on a rewarding career that offers growth, superlative benefits, and a culture that encourages work/life balance.

FROM THE SECRETARY
Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas is committed to promoting the importance of both civic education and civic engagement across the state. Recognizing knowledge is power, she is focused on teaching Connecticut residents how to navigate government and advocate for their own interests, as well as breaking down barriers that might prevent people from engaging with their government. She sees the Secretary of the State’s office as not only a place where residents can go for information and tools to use, but also as a service that goes out into communities to bring the information and tools to the residents for them to use. And the Director of Communications helps make that happen.

The Director of Communications works as a senior advisor to the Secretary, driving the messaging of the Secretary’s and office’s communications through the development and execution of a cohesive, dynamic communications strategy. The incumbent will work with the Press Secretary and team of interns to help build the day-to-day relationships with local and national media, manage crisis communications, craft remarks for the Secretary, shape the Office’s social media presence and connect the Office with constituent communities around the state. The position is part of the Executive team, who are dedicated, passionate and fun individuals working to create the change they wish to see in the world.  The work is challenging, the days can sometimes be long, but the reward is great.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
  • Work for a Forbes top company - ‘Forbes’: State of Connecticut Ranked One of the Best Employers of 2023.
  • Comprehensive health and dental insurance, providing you with peace of mind and access to quality healthcare.
  • Robust pension plan and supplemental retirement offerings to secure your financial future.
  • Generous paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, personal days, and 13 holidays per calendar year.
  • We are an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, which means you may be eligible to have qualifying student loans forgiven after 10 years of service.
  • A culture that recognizes the importance of work/life balance and offers alternate work schedules and telecommuting options.
  • Opportunities to invest in your professional growth and development with training programs, tuition reimbursement, and opportunities for advancement within the State of Connecticut.
  • Connecticut is a strong community with a lot to offer in entertainment, food and shopping, recreation in our beautiful state parks and forests, diverse culture, and rich history. Learn more about all Connecticut has to offer.
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS
  • Full-Time, 40 hours per week
  • Monday through Friday
  • Due to the nature of the role’s responsibilities, the incumbent may be required to attend off-site evening and weekend events. 
  • Location: Hartford, CT
THIS JOB IS FOR YOU IF
  • You have exceptional judgement in managing media relationships and experience going on the record with reporters.
  • You have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well in a team to lead and motivate others. 
  • You value providing prompt quality service and improving access to information.
  • You have a passion for promoting participation in the democratic process by providing a wide range of services for the people and businesses of Connecticut. 
  • You want to do work that matters and want to build a better Connecticut with the Office of the Secretary of the State.
DISCOVER THE OPPORTUNITY TO
  • Ensure external communications are well written, professional, and consistent with the Office of the Secretary of the State’s message and prepared with enough time for input from the Secretary, and Deputy or Chief of Staff when necessary;  
  • Serve as on-the-record spokesperson;  
  • Identify emerging issues relating to the Secretary or the agency and advise accordingly;  
  • Oversee digital, video, and social media deliverables and ensure integration with broader communications goals;  
  • Facilitate FOIA requests from media contacts;  
  • Craft responses to press inquiries and present to the Secretary, Deputy and Chief of Staff to discuss;  
  • Work with the Press Secretary to prepare talking points, speeches, legislative testimony, and press releases and advisories;  
  • Prepare the Secretary ahead of media interviews and staff media engagements;  
  • Develop communications budget;  
  • Prepare annual dedication of Blue Book, DAS agency report, and other annual reports relating to the agency as necessary; 
  • Remain abreast of current legislative and non-legislative issues about which the Secretary may be questioned;
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with the media and pitch stories to reporters.
ABOUT US
Through the dedication of knowledgeable staff and advanced technology, the Office of the Secretary of the State works as a team to provide a wide range of services for the people and businesses of Connecticut. We are a repository of records for the State and provide important information and resources regarding business and commercial filings, elections, and authentication as prescribed by the constitution, and federal and state laws. We seek to bolster business development opportunities, and foster a more inclusive political process by educating, informing and engaging communities in youth and civic preparation.

Selection Plan

For assistance in applying, please visit our 'Applicant Tips on How to Apply' page

APPLYING FOR THE POSITION
  • For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e. Executive, Judicial or Legislative) to the other.
  • To be considered for this job opening, you must meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening. The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date of the job opening, unless otherwise specified. You must specify your qualifications on your application. 
  • Ensure that your application is complete before submitting it. To comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut no longer requests resumes during the initial application process. Once your application is submitted into the JobAps system, you cannot make revisions.
  • All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the specified deadline. Late applications will not be considered. Candidates may request a rare and documented exception for events that incapacitate them during the entire duration of the job posting period by providing a legally-recognized justification to accommodate such an exception. Requests may be made to emily.kennedy@ct.gov. 
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER APPLYING
  • Applicants will receive correspondence via email, and are also encouraged to monitor their Personal Status Board daily for status updates, notices, and tasks required in the recruitment process.
  • Some postings may require additional referral questions (RQs). You will receive an email with these questions after the posting’s closing date. Check your email and Personal Status Board for notifications, including your spam or junk folders. 
  • You may be required to submit additional documentation supporting your qualifications at any point during the recruitment process. The documentation may include a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, or licensure, at the discretion of the hiring agency.
  • The immediate vacancy is listed above, but your application may be considered for future vacancies in this job class.
  • Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position.
  • Candidates offered a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State Employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
CONNECT WITH US
  • Due to the high volume of applications, we cannot confirm receipt or status during the recruitment process. Updates will be available through your JobAps portal account. 
  • If you have any questions about this recruitment, please contact Emily Kennedy at emily.kennedy@ct.gov.  
  • Follow the State of Connecticut on LinkedIn to stay updated on our career opportunities and news.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a small to medium state agency this class is accountable for directing agency communications and public relations programs.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience managing media relationships, including going on the record with reporters, and applying sound political judgment when representing a principal in public communications.
  • Experience communicating with diverse audiences, including individuals from various cultural, socioeconomic, and professional backgrounds, and successfully building consensus through verbal and written communication.
  • Experience preparing and staffing a principal for media engagements, including drafting talking points, coordinating schedules, and facilitating logistics for interviews or press events.
  • Experience applying critical and creative thinking skills to solve complex problems, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines with attention to detail
  • Experience managing and mentoring communications staff and leading teams by utilizing interpersonal skills to motivate and achieve team goals.
  • Experience developing and implementing crisis communication strategies, including crafting messaging and coordinating with stakeholders during high-pressure situations. 
  • Experience in engaging stakeholders and community groups, facilitating meetings, and fostering collaborative relationships.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, disability, age, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender, LGBTQ identification, family status, or military status. Women, people of color, veterans, persons with disabilities and other members of traditionally underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply.


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