Public Education and Communications Division Chief (Boston)

Attention applicants : Please do not apply for this position using the MassCareers website. If you apply through the “apply online” link above on this MassCareers page, you will not be considered for this position.

How to apply: Persons interested in being considered for this position should submit a cover letter and resume to David A. Wilson, Executive Director, at . Resumes submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.

Deadline date: Until the position is filled. First consideration will be given to persons who apply within the first 14 days following this posting.

You have successfully applied for the position only when you receive an email from the State Ethics Commission. If you just receive an email from MassCareers and not one from the State Ethics Commission, you have not successfully applied. Please call 617-731-9500 with any questions.

The mission of the State Ethics Commission is to foster integrity in public service in state, county and local government, to promote the public's trust and confidence in that service, and to prevent conflicts between private interests and public duties. We strive to accomplish this mission by conducting ongoing educational programs, providing clear and timely advice, and fairly and impartially interpreting and enforcing the conflict of interest and financial disclosure laws. Please see our website for more information:

Description: General Statement of Duties and Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Public Education and Communications Division Chief is responsible for the public education, information, and communications services of the Massachusetts State Ethics Commission. Public education activities include conducting educational seminars on requirements of the state conflict of interest law, General Laws chapter 268A, and managing the Commission’s administration of G.L. c. 268A’s education and training requirements. Public information and communications services include creating and managing Commission web content, press releases, media and public relations, publications, annual report, and report of Commission public resolutions. The Public Education and Communications Division Chief position supervises the Commission’s Senior Public Information Officer and Senior Program Coordinator.

The Public Education and Communications Division Chief must develop a thorough understanding of the Commission's mission and operations and maintain total fidelity to the Commission’s strict confidentiality requirements. The Division Chief must be capable of effectively representing the Commission in sensitive situations, including negotiations and other dealing with public agencies and private vendors.

Reports to: Executive Director

Direct Reporting Staff: Senior Public Information Officer and Senior Program Coordinator

Manage all public education, information, and communications functions for the Commission:

• Conduct conflict of interest law educational seminars for state, county and municipal public employees in-person and via videoconference
• Manage the Commission’s administration of the state conflict of interest law education and training requirements: including, operate and support the Commission’s vendor-hosted learning management system (LMS); provide training course files to public agencies that host the course on their own learning management platforms; respond to requests for assistance and information concerning the statutory education requirements; and respond to helpdesk requests from users of the vendor-hosted LMS.
• Conduct marketing encouraging sponsorship of conflict of interest law training programs
• Assess the educational needs of public-sector employees by communicating with employees and their employers, conducting surveys, and/or reviewing existing training programs

• Analyze information to determine effectiveness and response to educational programs
• Prepare and/or oversee the development of content for audio/visual, electronic, computer-based materials, as well as slide decks for public education purposes

Other:

• Supervise all Division staff, whose duties include the following: addressing public information queries, including those from reporters; developing and editing the Commission’s external publications, including monthly minutes, annual reports, press releases and other communications; broadcasting/streaming the Commission’s meeting and adjudicatory hearings for public access; and managing the Commission’s website and social media content
• Supervise the maintenance of special municipal employee designation files for all Massachusetts municipalities
• Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director

QUALIFICATIONS

Outstanding written and spoken communication skills

Ability to coordinate and train participants in educational programs at seminars both in-person and remotely via web-based video conferencing

Ability to quickly learn complex legal concepts and to communicate them effectively to general and professional audiences in clear and understandable plain English

Ability to speak confidently, engagingly, and effectively in public settings with or without prepared texts, and to answer spontaneous audience questions

Ability to design and conduct seminars to train state, county, and municipal employees on the conflict of interest law

Ability to write and edit publications explaining legal materials in clear and understandable plain English

Ability to handle news media inquiries regarding the workings of a civil law enforcement agency

Ability to articulate and communicate the operational procedures and processes of a civil law enforcement agency to a variety of constituents, including public interest groups, the general public, as well as the public officials and public employees covered by the Commission’s two statutes, General Laws chapters 268A and 268B

Ability to supervise professional and support staff in a positive, productive, and helpful manner

Ability to manage, maintain, and update websites

Willingness to travel throughout Massachusetts to educate public employees about the conflict of interest law.

Willingness to work as hard, and as long, as it takes to get the job done

A positive attitude and a friendly sense of humor

Thorough knowledge of the Massachusetts conflict of interest and financial disclosure statutes and regulations is desirable but not required

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; five years of experience as a professional educator or as a professional writer; extensive knowledge of traditional and social media; working knowledge of Massachusetts state and local government; excellent communication, organizational and management skills.

LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Valid Massachusetts driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle for statewide travel.

Comments:

All Commission employees must be sensitive to the confidential nature of the Commission’s functions and must comply with all confidentiality requirements.

Salary:

The salary range for this position is $100,000 to $125,000 annually depending on experience and qualifications. This position is funded from the Commonwealth’s annual operating budget and is subject to appropriation.

How to Apply:

Persons interested in being considered for this position should submit a cover letter and resume in confidence to David A. Wilson, Executive Director, at . Resumes submitted without a cover letter will not be considered. First consideration will be given to those candidates who apply within the first 14 days of this posting.

The State Ethics Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or other factors protected by law.