Director of Communications

JOB SUMMARY


Under the direction of the Chief of Staff and in collaboration with team members, the Director of Communications, manages the Commission's external and internal communication efforts, implements the agency's media relations strategy, and monitors for messaging opportunities to enhance the organization's public reputation.


CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• In collaboration with the Executive Director, Chief of Staff, Commissioners, senior staff, and the Communications team, execute a proactive strategic communications plan that drives initiatives and accomplishes priorities for the Commission;
  
  

• Serve as primary advisor to the Chief of Staff;
  
  

• Manage integrated communication campaigns, including coordination with external partners as well as the Communications Manager, Press Secretary, and Communications Specialist, to ensure output meets the Commission's high standards and distribution needs;
  
  

• Manage the development of timely and relevant press releases, media advisories, op-eds, web and social media content, speeches, presentations, and other external communications that raise the Commission's visibility and enhance the agency's brand, reputation, and voice;
  
  

• Manage relationships with local, state, and national press, partner regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders to develop innovative communication opportunities that promote Massachusetts' safe, equitable, and effective cannabis marketplace;
  
  

• Manage inbound media responses and strategize outbound pitches to garner positive Commission press;
  
  

• Monitor relevant news stories and identify emerging media trends regarding the Commission, the Commonwealth, and the cannabis industry;
  
  

• In collaboration with the Communications team, organize and oversee press conferences, media availabilities as appropriate, media training, and preparation for public speaking engagements and interviews;
  
  

• Manage crisis communications planning in collaboration with Commissioners, Executive Director, Chief of Staff, Press Secretary, and other relevant Commission staff;
  
  

• Develop opportunities for Commissioners and staff to engage with the public and serve as subject matter experts, including but not limited to speaking opportunities, interviews, and panel discussions at organized events, media engagements, conferences, and other public-facing appearances;
  
  

• Oversee agency digital media channels, in collaboration with the Chief of Staff and the Communications Manager, to boost engagement, public awareness, and outreach to applicants, licensees, municipalities, and other constituents, especially those from areas of disproportionate impact and disproportionately harmed communities;
  
  

• Work collaboratively with Department Heads to ensure appropriate and timely processing of internal branding and general communication requests.
  
  

• Collaborate on cross-department communications materials to ensure design, voice, and messaging are consistent with Commission style and reflect agency priorities.
  
  

• Work with the Chief of Staff, Executive Director, and Commissioners to ensure consistent, on-brand messaging throughout integrated communication channels;
  
  

• Support the Chief of Staff in managing the Commission's editorial content calendar to ensure all team deadlines are met;
  
  

• Maintain the Commission's strategic communications and media relations strategy in line with the Communications team's budget;
  
  

• Attend public meetings and hearings that directly impact the Commission's communications, marketing, and outreach, and manage relevant media inquiries and/or availabilities with subject matter experts; and
  
  

• Perform related duties as assigned.
  
  

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• The Director of Communications will oversee the work of the Press Secretary, Communications Manager, Copywriter, and Communications Specialist.
  
  

• Provide Clear Direction and Guidance
  
  

• Encourage Teamwork
  
  

• Provide Opportunities for Employees to Learn and Improve Skills
  
  

• Provide Mentoring Towards Advancement of Career Goals
  
  

• Hold Self and Staff Accountable for Behaviors, Conduct, and Achieving Individual and Team Goals
  
  

Qualifications:
PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS

The Cannabis Control Commission expects all employees to model:

• Commitment to its Mission, Vision, and Values
  
  

• Contributions Toward Meeting Organizational Goals and Objectives
  
  

• A High Level of Integrity, Collaboration, and Professionalism
  
  

• A Culturally Sensitive, Inclusive, and Accountable Workplace Environment
  
  

• Working Respectfully with Others, Supporting Diverse Perspectives, and Upholding Organizational Values
  
  

• Transparent, Meaningful, and Effective Communication
  
  

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS, AND ATTRIBUTES

• Maintain the highest standards of personal, professional, and ethical conduct and support the Commission's goals for a diverse and culturally aware workforce;
  
  

• Strong communication skills with the ability to tailor information that establishes rapport and the ability to communicate and disseminate this information across the Commission;
  
  

• Organized self-starter and effective collaborator;
  
  

• Comfortable leading communication initiatives that require input, collaboration, and buy-in from multiple Commission departments and external partners;
  
  

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse community groups, media, and partner organizations;
  
  

• Ability to analyze situations, create processes, and demonstrate problem solving and analytical thinking skills for successful project outcomes;
  
  

• Ability to build constructive working relationships characterized by a high level of acceptance, integrity, cooperation, and mutual regard;
  
  

• Ability to work on multiple assignments; exercise good judgment in decision-making; meet deadlines; demonstrate attention to detail and be flexible;
  
  

• Adept at presenting information in an accurate and concise format;
  
  

• Ability to think critically and strategically;
  
  

• Ability to seek opportunities to resolve problems, achieve goals, or otherwise advance the Commission's mission;
  
  

• Sound project management and proofreading skills, with sharp attention to detail; and
  
  

• Self-starter with strong interpersonal traits who is comfortable working independently as well as manage a team in a fast-paced environment.
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations , Communications, Journalism, or a related field from an accredited institution of higher education required; Advanced degree preferred;
  
  

• 7-10 years of experience working in media, public relations, or communications;
  
  

• Proven ability to design and/or manage a publicity campaign; and
  
  

• Knowledge of the Commission's mission, standards, and goals.
  
  

1. ADA REQUIRMENTS
   
   

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to lift, push, or pull up to 20 pounds.
  
  

• Must tolerate sitting, standing, or walking for extended periods of time.
  
  

• Must be sensitive to and can manage frequent interruptions.
  
  

• Standard office environment with use of, and exposure to various office temperatures, and equipment such as computers, fax machines, copiers, etc.
  
  

Benefits Package:


The Commission is pleased to offer a comprehensive benefits package to its employees. The specific components and eligibility may vary based upon position classification, hours worked per week and other variables. Therefore, specific benefits for this position may be discussed as part of the interview and offer process.


This position is non-civil service. This position is an exempt position.


The overall benefits available include paid vacation, sick and personal leave time, health, dental and vision insurance through the Commonwealth's Group Insurance, and optional pre-tax Health Savings Account plans.


In addition, the Commission provides employees the opportunity to elect life insurance, long-term disability insurance, deferred compensation savings, tuition remission and pre-tax commuter account plans, along with other programs.


The Commission employees also participate in the Commonwealth's State Retirement Plan, which can become a defined benefit plan for those that both vest and subsequently retire from State service. Follow this link for additional retirement information: .


Commitment to Diversity:


The Cannabis Control Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse workforce and equitable, and inclusive workplace. The Commission prohibits any discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other legally protected class or characteristic. All employment decisions- including recruitment, hiring, promotion, etc., are made solely on the basis of merit, qualifications and Commission needs.


CANNABIS CONTROL COMMISSION'S MISSION STATEMENT AND OPERATING PRINCIPLES

OUR MISSION


The mission of the Cannabis Control Commission is to honor the will of the voters of Massachusetts by safely, equitably, and effectively implementing and administering the laws enabling access to medical and adult-use marijuana in the Commonwealth.


The Commission will foster the creation of a safely regulated industry that will create entrepreneurial and employment opportunities and incremental tax revenues in and to communities across the state and which will be a best practice model for other states.


The industry will be characterized by participation by small and larger participants and with full and robust participation by minorities, women, and veterans.


We will develop policies and procedures to encourage and enable full participation in the marijuana industry by people from communities that have previously been disproportionately harmed by marijuana prohibition and enforcement and positively impact those communities.


OUR OPERATING PRINCIPLES

The Commission promises to:

• Conduct all of our processes openly and transparently; and
  
  

• Engage in regular two-way communication with all concerned citizens, patients, health care providers and caregivers, partners, and other constituencies.
  
  

Build a world-class state agency by:

• Committing to the highest level of constituent services using state-of-the-art technology and multiple media;
  
  

• Defining and publicly measuring our performance versus metrics regarding timely execution, accessibility, impact on public health and safety, impact on disproportionately harmed communities, and incremental tax revenue generation;
  
  

• Becoming self-funding and generating a revenue surplus; and
  
  

• Creating a great place to work.
  
  

Enhance and ensure public health and safety by:

• Developing and enforcing effective regulations;

• Developing and executing a program of continuing public education;

• Conducting and contributing to research on marijuana-related topics; and

• Using surplus funds to help address issues in these areas.