Deputy Director of Communications

About the Organization: The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR) is a state agency within the Executive Office of Economic Development and is responsible for protecting consumers through advocacy and education. The Office of Consumer Affairs works to ensure that the businesses our agencies regulate treat all Massachusetts consumers fairly. The Division of Banks ("DOB"), Division of Insurance ("DOI"), Division of Occupational Licensure ("DOL"), Division of Standards ("DOS"), and Department of Telecommunications and Cable ("DTC") all fall under the OCABR umbrella and help us to fulfill our critical mission of building better businesses and smarter consumers. The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation is committed to creating and sustaining a work culture that is welcoming, inclusive, and mutually respectful to all its employees regardless of race, color, age, creed, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran or disability status. We strive to reflect diversity in all facets and levels of our agency. The Office or Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation values inclusiveness and diversity within their employee and management teams. Within our community we strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming. The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation is committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel respected, valued, and empowered to maximize their skills and talents to serve our citizens. About the Role: The Deputy Director of Communications serves in a senior strategic communications and policy advisory capacity within the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, providing leadership in the formulation, development, evaluation, and implementation of agency-wide communications policies, strategic initiatives, and organizational priorities across OCABR and its five component agencies. Working in close collaboration with the Director of Communications, Undersecretary, Deputy Undersecretary, and agency leadership, the Deputy Director exercises substantial independent judgment and participates meaningfully in executive-level policy development and strategic decision-making to advance the mission and priorities of OCABR, the Executive Office, and the Governor's Office. The Deputy Director participates substantially in the development and evaluation of agency policies, strategic goals, and major program initiatives, providing substantive analysis and recommendations that inform executive leadership decisions. The position independently evaluates proposed policies and initiatives, identifies communications implications, public engagement considerations, and potential policy concerns, and recommends modifications that support agency objectives and organizational priorities. The Deputy Director represents the communications function in executive-level policy discussions and serves as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on matters involving public policy, regulatory initiatives, consumer protection, licensing programs, legislative developments, and other issues affecting OCABR and its component agencies. The Deputy Director develops and directs comprehensive communications strategies and initiatives, including media relations, digital communications, agency websites, social media, public information campaigns, executive messaging, visual communications, and performance evaluation. The position exercises independent judgment in establishing communications priorities, developing messaging strategies, and advising executive leadership on sensitive or high-profile matters. Responsibilities include directing the development and review of official agency communications, executive briefings, policy statements, speeches, talking points, press releases, consumer alerts, public guidance, and educational materials to ensure consistency with agency policies, strategic objectives, and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. The position manages and coordinates communications efforts including the OCABR and agency websites, social media accounts, media inquiries, press outreach, educational content, videos, event presentations, and executive briefing materials. The Deputy Director assists with the annual communications plan, supports leadership and agencies with consumer alerts, guidance, and policy briefs, and helps manage all internal and public communications related to policies, regulations, legislative matters, legal issues, consumer protection and licensing programs, visual communication, and branding. The Deputy Director provides strategic oversight of media relations activities and coordinates responses to complex or sensitive press inquiries and public records requests in consultation with OCABR leadership, legal counsel, and designated records custodians. The position evaluates communications risks, recommends appropriate agency responses, and advises executive leadership on matters affecting public messaging and agency policy. In coordination with legal counsel and appropriate program personnel, the Deputy Director reviews sensitive information and provides recommendations concerning disclosure considerations and potential redactions, consistent with applicable public records laws and agency procedures. The Deputy Director develops and directs strategic public engagement and outreach initiatives in collaboration with the Community Outreach Supervisor, Director of Communications, and agency leadership. The position participates in establishing outreach priorities, developing stakeholder engagement strategies, and directing communications activities associated with executive events, public forums, webinars, and other agency initiatives. The Deputy Director advises executive leadership on opportunities to advance agency policy objectives through public engagement and evaluates the effectiveness of outreach strategies to recommend improvements to agency-wide communications and engagement priorities. The Deputy Director, working with Community Outreach Supervisor, additionally advises on community outreach planning and execution and the preparation of all materials used in community outreach activities; the Deputy Director will regularly attend community outreach events and coordinate participation of agencies comprising the Office. The Deputy Director serves as the designated acting representative for the Director of Communications when assigned, assuming delegated strategic, operational, and decision-making responsibilities necessary to maintain continuity of the communications function. The position provides direction and oversight to communications co-ops and interns, including assigning work, establishing priorities, monitoring performance, and coordinating daily activities, consistent with delegated supervisory authority. In carrying out these responsibilities, the Deputy Director routinely handles sensitive, privileged, or otherwise protected information and exercises discretion in safeguarding such materials in accordance with applicable laws and agency policies. The Deputy Director performs other related duties as assigned, consistent with the position's responsibilities and delegated authority. Duties and Responsibilities: * *Strategic Communications and Agency-Wide Policy Development:*Develop, establish, and direct agency-wide strategic communications policies, priorities, and initiatives for the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. Exercise substantial independent judgment and decision-making authority in formulating communications strategies, determining messaging priorities, and establishing standards governing media relations, social media, website content and improvements, visual communications, and performance analytics. Direct the development and implementation of major communications initiatives to advance OCABR's mission, ensure consistency with agency policy objectives, and maintain compliance with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. Serve as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on communications policy, emerging issues, reputational considerations, and public engagement priorities. * *Executive Policy Development and Strategic Communications:*Participate substantially in the formulation, development, and establishment of agency-wide policies, strategic goals, and organizational objectives in collaboration with the Director of Communications, Undersecretary, and Deputy Undersecretary, ensuring alignment with the priorities and policy directives of the Executive Office and Governor's Office. Exercise independent judgment in evaluating policy initiatives, advising executive leadership on strategic communications considerations, and developing agency-wide communications strategies that advance established policy objectives. Direct and oversee the development of executive communications, including policy statements, speeches, remarks, talking points, video scripts, public outreach plans, press releases, and other official communications, ensuring consistency with agency priorities and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. Represent the communications function in executive-level, programmatic, and legal policy discussions, providing substantive recommendations that influence agency policy development, implementation strategies, and public communications priorities. * *Strategic Media Relations, Public Records, and Executive Advisory Responsibilities:*Develop, establish, and direct strategic media relations initiatives, policies, and protocols in coordination with OCABR executive leadership, agency leadership, and legal counsel. Exercise substantial independent judgment in evaluating and managing high-profile, sensitive, and complex media inquiries, determining appropriate communications strategies, and advising executive leadership on matters affecting agency policy, public messaging, and reputational considerations. Oversee the coordination and preparation of official media responses and public records requests (PRRs) originating from media organizations, collaborating with legal counsel and relevant program areas to ensure compliance with applicable public records laws, confidentiality requirements, and agency policies. Evaluate sensitive records and recommend appropriate disclosure and redaction considerations in consultation with legal counsel and designated records custodians. Establish media engagement priorities, direct proactive and responsive press activities, monitor emerging media issues, and provide strategic recommendations to executive leadership regarding communications risks, policy implications, and agency responses. * *Strategic Public Engagement, Executive Events, and Outreach Policy:*Develop, establish, and direct strategic agency-wide public engagement, outreach, and executive event initiatives in collaboration with the Director of Communications, Community Outreach Supervisor, Undersecretary, Deputy Undersecretary, and Commissioners. Exercise substantial independent judgment in establishing event priorities, developing strategic outreach objectives, and determining communications approaches that advance OCABR's policy goals and organizational mission. Advise executive leadership on public engagement strategies, emerging policy issues, and opportunities to strengthen stakeholder relationships and advance agency initiatives. Direct the planning, development, and execution of high-profile in-person and virtual events, including executive briefings, public forums, webinars, and stakeholder engagement activities. Oversee the preparation of policy research, executive briefing materials, event messaging, promotional strategies, and logistical coordination to ensure alignment with agency-wide policy priorities. Collaborate with executive leadership and program administrators to evaluate outreach effectiveness and recommend strategic adjustments to agency engagement policies and priorities. * *Agency Policy Formulation, Strategic Analysis, and Executive Decision Support:*Participate substantially in the formulation, evaluation, and development of agency-wide policies, strategic initiatives, and major programs, exercising independent judgment and providing substantive recommendations that influence executive-level policy decisions. Serve as a strategic communications advisor to OCABR executive leadership, contributing to the development and refinement of agency policies, organizational priorities, and major program initiatives to ensure alignment with the agency's mission and the policy objectives of the Executive Office and Governor's Office. Independently evaluate proposed policies, programs, and strategic initiatives; identify communications implications, potential policy concerns, and opportunities for improvement; and recommend substantive modifications that advance agency objectives and inform executive decision-making. Participate in high-level policy and strategic planning discussions, providing expert analysis and recommendations that contribute to the establishment and implementation of agency-wide priorities. Direct the development, review, and refinement of policy briefs, executive communications, public statements, and related materials to ensure consistency with established policy objectives, statutory and regulatory requirements, and executive priorities. Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: * Outstanding writing and editing skills. * Strong attention to detail. * Ability to write under tight deadlines. * Ability to analyze and interpret complex public policies, legislative developments, regulatory matters, and government programs and translate them into clear, accessible public communications. * Ability to effectively communicate with and engender trust within the media community. * Strong knowledge of social media platforms, best practices, and strategies for effective public engagement, content development, and digital communications. * Strong visual communication and branding skills, including the ability to maintain consistent messaging and presentation across multiple communications platforms. * Ability to learn new software and digital platforms quickly, including video and sound editing software. * Demonstrated experience developing, implementing, and evaluating strategic communications plans, public information campaigns, and organizational communications initiatives. * Ability to establish collaborative relationships internally and externally. * Ability to work with legislative, legal, and executive stakeholders. * Experience developing and maintaining relationships with members of the media, including responding to complex inquiries, coordinating media strategies, and managing sensitive or high-profile communications issues. * Ability to exercise discretion, maintain confidentiality, and demonstrate sound professional judgment when handling sensitive policy, legal, or executive-level matters. All applicants should attach a cover letter and resume to their online submission for this position. MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) five (5) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, professional internship, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below. Substitutions: I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience. II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience. III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required experience. IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required experience. Comprehensive Benefits When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards! An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role. Job: *Administrative Services Organization: *Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation Title: Deputy Director of Communications Location: Massachusetts-Boston - 1 Federal St Requisition ID: 260007UD