All applicants should attach a cover letter and resume to their online submission for this position.

The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR) is a state agency 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.

Under the direction of the Undersecretary, Chief of Staff for OCABR and Director of Communications ("Director") for the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development ("EOHED"), the Director of Communications is responsible for coordinating communications across all of OCABR and its five agencies. The Director of Communications directs external communications for OCABR and its agencies and internal communications for OCABR. The individual in this role is expected to build relationships and coordinate communication efforts with other agencies within, EOHED; agencies within other secretariats; the Governor’s Office in conjunction with the Director of Communications for the Secretariat; and all press and media. The Director is responsible for updating the OCABR website and blog and enhancing presence on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. The Director will oversee and create all external messaging (press, website and social media) and internal messaging to employees. The Director should have the ability to highlight the mission and programs of OCABR and its agencies through special projects, such as events, marketing, and partnerships with other government agencies, foundations and associations and business and industry. In addition, the Director plans, manages, coordinates, and executes all aspects of OCABR's communications functions, including being the OCABR spokesperson; coordinating and responding to media inquiries and working with OCABR agencies to respond to media requests under the Public Records Law; serving as the media’s point of contact during situations where OCABR or its agencies are managing a crisis situation and providing strategic communications advice; proactively pitching stories to media throughout the state about OCABR’s mission, policies, priorities and programs; working collaboratively with the EOHED Communications and external affairs teams to ensure the planning and execution of all public events is timely, professional, and coordinated internally (as well as with other external constituencies); preparing briefing documents for the Undersecretary of OCABR, Chief of Staff and, as needed, the Secretary of EOHED. Duties also include: drafting or overseeing the drafting of press releases, quotes and/or development of background information; speechwriting; creating talking points; interview preparation; preparation of magazine articles; drafting editorial pieces for publication in major newspapers and periodicals throughout the Commonwealth; website and social media content planning and management; supervising the Manager of Consumer Outreach and Events ("COE") and external affairs staff and student co-ops; and participating in the preparation of agency reports, presentations and other materials.

Duties and Responsibilities: (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Direct external communications for OCABR and its agencies by interacting with and responding to inquiries from reporters and media outlets across the state on a daily basis. Coordination involves working closely with the Undersecretary on an appropriate response and determining whether the Undersecretary, appropriate agency Commissioner, Director of Communications, or others will act as spokesperson for OCABR or its agencies.
• Maintain working relationships with the Governor’s Office, EOHED, DOB, DOI, DOL, DOS and DTC.
• Direct internal communications at OCABR.
• Writing and content creation, including but not limited to: writing and targeting distribution of press releases; responding to media inquiries; writing opinion pieces for dissemination to regional media; drafting statements, speeches and talking points for the Undersecretary, agency leaders, and others; creating story lists, editing and designing newsletter(s); drafting correspondence and other materials. Creating content and updating new-media electronic platforms, including but not limited to: consumer blogs, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube.
• Develop new outreach ideas.
• Design and update content for existing and new websites; utilizing graphic design software to develop creative work for agency marketing and programmatic campaigns. Where necessary help in procurement process for outside vendors to assist with campaigns as well as management of projects.
• Oversee coordination of public events with the COE Manager, coordinate speaking engagements and prepare briefings and materials; maintain a proactive approach to planning and coordinating public events including outreach appearances; performing outreach to community and business groups to create exposure opportunities; and reaching out to the media. Proactively develop a media plan. Cultivate speaking opportunities for the Undersecretary and OCABR agency heads, and prepare talking points or speeches for events and media interviews.
• Manage external affairs staff and student interns.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum of six (6) years’ experience in communications, external affairs, media and public relations.
• Knowledge of communication program activities (media relations, community relations, government relations, external and internal communications).
• Knowledge and experience in social and online media, including basic video editing & publishing.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Outstanding verbal and written skills.
• Ability to write and edit under tight deadlines and crisis situations, meeting, if not exceeding, deadlines is essential.
• Demonstrated ability to clearly summarize and communicate sometimes complex data.
• Ability to establish collaborative relations within state government.
• Ability to effectively communicate and engender trust with the media community.
• Flexibility and a willingness to listen and apply feedback is essential.
• Ability to manage and coordinate legislative and communication programs.
• Ability to deal with external individuals and organizations in a diplomatic and efficient manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both writing and oral presentation are essential.
• Ability to mediate conflicts, coordinate competing interests, and work under time constraints is essential.
• Skilled in problem solving, consensus building, conflict resolution and team building.
• Background in government communications.
• Management and ability to mentor individuals with less developed skill sets.

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!