Director of Communications

NJ Department of Banking and Insurance; Trenton (NJ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The NJ Department of Banking and Insurance is seeking an experienced Communications Director to develop a consistent voice for external and internal audiences.

Reporting to the Director of External Affairs, this role will work closely with senior leadership to proactively develop and execute communications strategies that convey the Department’s priorities, help support and educate external stakeholders, respond to inquiries from the media and interested parties, and contribute to internal

Qualifications

• Six years of experience in journalism, public relations, or a related field, two in a supervisory capacity.
• Minimum seven years in communications, public relations, or campaign roles preferred.
• Exposure to banking, insurance or real estate is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with ability to simplify technical subjects.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute a comprehensive communications strategy for the Department, mindful of constituencies and functions.
• Lead the communications team across four core functions: strategic communications, media relations, internal communications, and digital strategy.
• Manage drafting and rollout of Department press releases, announcements and other external communications.
• Handle press inquiries and responses.
• Draft speeches and talking points for the Commissioner and other Department leadership.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to Department leadership by tracking key issues and developing key messages.
• Collaborate with the Governor’s Office and other state communications professionals to ensure messaging alignment.
• Draft employee communications, newsletters, and official correspondence.

Skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Public speaking

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Under direction, has charge of the work programs and staff concerned with internal and external communications; directs the activities pertaining to communications including the writing of speeches and correspondence for executives, and the provision of information to the public regarding agency or departmental programs and policies; does related work as required.

The Department of Banking and Insurance is seeking an experienced Communications Director to help develop a consistent voice and appropriate messaging for the Department, for both external and internal audiences. Reporting to the Director of External Affairs, this role will work closely with senior leadership to proactively develop and execute communications strategies that convey the Department’s priorities, help support and educate external stakeholders, respond to inquiries from the media and interested parties, and contribute to internal organizational management and culture.

The Communications Director will:

• Help design and execute a comprehensive communications strategy for the Department, being mindful of its varied constituencies and functions
• Lead the communications team across four core functions: strategic communications, media relations, internal communications, and digital strategy.
• Manage the drafting and rollout of Department press releases, announcements and other external stakeholder communications
• Handle press inquiries and responses
• Help draft speeches and talking points for the Commissioner and other Department leadership
• Serve as a strategic advisor to Department leadership by tracking key issues and developing key messages in coordination
• Collaborate with the Governor’s Office and other state communications professionals to ensure messaging alignment
• Draft employee communications, newsletters, and official correspondence

REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree.

NOTE

Applicants who do not meet the above educational requirements may substitute additional experience as indicated below on a year-for-year basis with thirty (30) semester hour credits being equal to one (1) year of experience.

NOTE

A Master's degree in journalism or related field may be substituted for one year of experience.

EXPERIENCE

Six years of experience in journalism, public relations, or a related field, two years of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity.

Preferred Candidate Profile

Minimum of seven (7) years’ experience with significant roles in a communications, public relations, or campaign function. Exposure to banking, insurance or real estate a plus.

Other Key Attributes

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to make technical subjects accessible to lay audiences.
• Self-starter with creative ideas and customer service orientation
• Keen political sense and close attention to detail
• Comfortable working under tight deadlines, ability to manage multiple projects at once.
• Highly collaborative, comfortable working with colleagues at all levels in an organization