Media Relations Director

Media Relations Director (260002VJ)

The Massachusetts State Police (MSP) is seeking a dynamic and experienced communicator to be its newest Director of the Media Relations Unit. The Director serves as the main spokesperson for the Department and is the primary contact for members of the media. Under the direction of the Chief Community Affairs Officer within the Superintendent’s Office, the Media Relations Director works to strengthen, develop, and shape the internal and external messaging and overall public affairs communication strategy of the Massachusetts State Police.

The incumbent is expected to work collaboratively with members of Command Staff, individuals in units across the Department, members of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, and other internal and external stakeholders on providing appropriate, accurate, and timely information to members of the media and the general public.

The Massachusetts State Police is the largest law enforcement agency in the Commonwealth, and this is a tremendous opportunity for a skilled communications leader to make a positive impact.

The Director will ensure that messaging from the Department remains consistent, while promoting public trust through statements, interviews, and social media posts. The incumbent will facilitate the rollout of information on Department initiatives, coordinate proactive media interest in stories that highlight the work of the Department, coordinate press conferences, and author press releases. This role is additionally responsible for ensuring the training, supervision, and evaluation of the staff in the media relations unit.

• Serve as the primary Department spokesperson and respond to inquiries for Department information.
• Lead the media relations team of sworn Troopers who are trained to respond to media inquiries in a timely manner.
• Ensure all photo, video, and production projects are completed by media troopers by deadline, and result in suitable content for marketing and news for distribution on our various platforms.
• Work alongside the Chief Community Affairs Officer to oversee the development of written materials and presentations associated with specific projects and initiatives to ensure they are of the highest quality and professional standards.
• Draft and disseminate strategic information and messages, as well as news releases and respond to department inquiries involving MSP investigations and actions.
• Develop contacts with media members, community members, and other stakeholders.
• Collaborate on the messaging, marketing, and maintaining the integrity of the department across various platforms: media, social media, appearances, and speaking engagements.
• Collaborate with the Command Staff, Divisions, Sections or Units on special projects and initiatives that contain a significant communication or community outreach component.
• Develop talking points to ensure special projects and initiatives are clearly communicated to the intended audiences.
• Coordinate MSP responses to department inquiries during critical situations, which involves being on call 24 hours to prepare information for all key MSP officials during an active crisis incident, guiding the public affairs staff in preparing said information, assisting key situational personnel with appropriate responses to the public.
• Respond to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests after collaborating with the MSP leadership and legal teams.
• Develop priorities, goals, policies and procedures to assure consistency of messages related to the MSP media relations objectives.
• Improve communication of positive stories coming out of the Department and create strategies to amplify those renderings.
• Ensure consistency and compliance with the Department’s strategic plan and proactively suggest modifications impacting alignment of communication strategies and the strategic plan.
• Communicate with internal and external stakeholders with transparency, courtesy, and professionalism and assist in preparation for department news conferences and releases.
• Monitor data analytics of social postings in order to assess if a strategy is working or needs to be…