Director Communications & Community Engagement

ABOUT THE OFFICE:

The Northwestern District Attorney’s Office (NWDAO) serves the people of Hampshire and Franklin counties and the town of Athol.  In partnership with the communities it serves, the NWDAO is dedicated to the pursuit of truth, justice, and the protection of the public through fair and effective prosecutions and progressive prevention initiatives. Although the primary responsibility of the Office is prosecuting crime, we also have a strong focus on progressive education and prevention efforts in the areas of domestic  and sexual violence, child abuse, juvenile justice, elders and persons with disabilities, and consumer protection. We are the law office of the People and are steadfast guardians of the rights and liberties of every citizen.  We advocate for making our communities safer and stronger, while protecting civil rights and promoting social and racial justice.

POSITION SUMMARY:

 The Director of Communication & Community Engagement is tasked with three main areas of responsibility: communications, public engagement and education.  The Director communicates with the public about the day-to-day work of the organization, spearheads internal NWDAO communications, coordinates educational events both within the office and in the community, and works with community groups on initiatives that address the root causes of crime in an effort to increase safety and justice for all. 

The Director coordinates with prosecutors, staff and law enforcement partners to provide the public with information about court matters and police investigations in an accurate, timely and ethically-sound manner, using the NorthwesternDA.org website, curated media email lists, social media, videos and printed materials. The Director engages with community organizations on prevention and education initiatives, coordinating participation by other NWDAO staff. The Director also develops collaborative relationships with and serves as chief liaison to organizations, agencies, and community groups working to promote healthy, vital and safe communities.

 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

COMMUNICATIONS 

·       Respond to press queries, issue press releases and coordinate press conferences, often in conjunction with outside law enforcement partners;

·       Consult with Senior Management about media outreach related to timely, local news events relevant to office;

·       Ensure communications with the public and media comply with open records laws and prosecutorial ethics;

·       Establish and maintain relationships with local, regional and national news outlets, responding to their inquiries in a timely fashion;

·       Stay informed about significant court hearings and prepare press releases when appropriate;

·       Monitor news relevant to the NWDAO and/or the criminal justice system, preparing and disseminating daily updates to staff via email;

·       Respond to questions submitted through office website;

·       Take pictures of office activities for use in internal newsletter, social media and annual report;

·       Maintain NWDAO visual and printed identity and integrity across all platforms;

·       Work with all Unit Chiefs to develop, update and maintain all unit and program brochures and other printed materials;

·       Coordinate and provide primary editorial review over NWDAO annual report;

·       Assist in the creation of digital, video, audio and print content;

·       Maintain and update office website and social media pages; and

·       Network with fellow District Attorney’s Offices communications staff.

 PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

 ·       Build and maintain relationships with civic, business, faith, school communities, and other community organizations;

·       Coordinate the Office’s partnership in community prevention efforts;

·       Support growth of community leaders and organizations focused on building resilient communities;

·       Represent the Office on coalition and committee meetings and coordinate participation by other NWDAO staff;

·       Recruit, maintain, train and coordinate staff participation in the Outreach Hub for outside community events and service opportunities; and

·       Work with other NWDAO units to develop and maintain printed and online materials for promotion and documentation of outreach and education efforts. 

EDUCATION 

·       In coordination with other staff, develop educational events related to the goals of the Office and the needs of the community;

·       Coordinate the NWDAO’s Citizens Advisory Board (CAB);

·       Facilitate internal educational trainings for staff, unit chiefs and Senior Management; and

·       Curate and maintain district-wide schools and youth-serving organizations mailing list and maintain communication with school leaders.

·       Bachelors degree in media/communications/journalism preferred;

·       Five (5) years experience in media/communications/journalism, community outreach, or comparable experience;

·       Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to maintain relationships with various departments, community organizations, and the general public;

·       Ability to seek out, obtain, process and distribute information in a timely fashion;

·       Familiarity with various social media platforms and website maintenance;

·       Basic knowledge of criminal justice system and the duties of a prosecutor’s office;

·       Ability to draft, format and update digital, video, audio and print content, all while maintaining NWDAO visual and printed identity and integrity across all platforms;

·       Excellent organizational skills with the ability to multi-task, prioritize competing obligations, and work both independently and collaboratively;

·       Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment; and

·       Demonstrated commitment to professional discretion and confidentiality.