Title: Communications Specialist

Pay Grade: Management

Starting Pay: $88,695.37

Departmental Mission Statement: The Executive Office of the Trial Court is led by the Chief Justice of the Trial Court and the Court Administrator and oversees judicial and court operations, including the Office of Court Management. The Executive Office works collaboratively with the Trial Court’s seven Departments and Commissioners of Probation and Jury to develop and implement policies and initiatives that promote an environment of continuous improvement and ensure the most effective use of resources to support and enhance the delivery of justice in the Trial Court. The Executive Office also oversees the development and implementation of strategic planning for the Trial Court.

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE:

https://www.mass.gov/orgs/executive-office-of-the-trial-court

Notes:

• This position may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

• This position is designated as management position and is covered by the Trial Court Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual.

Position Summary: Working within the Executive Office of the Trial Court, the Communications Specialist supports the development and implementation of internal and external communications plans, public outreach programs, messages, and materials for the Trial Court. The Communications Specialist works closely with members of the Communications team, court department staff, and operations and planning teams, to advance the court’s strategic priorities and organizational goals. This role involves drafting a variety of high-level communications, including internal articles, announcements, presentations, and reports, along with external press releases and social media posts. The Communications Specialist uses graphic design skills to ensure messages are visually engaging and conveyed clearly and consistently across Trial Court publications and platforms, translating complex concepts into compelling messages that engage diverse audiences. The Communications Specialist plays a key role in advancing the Trial Court’s mission of access to justice with dignity and speed.

Supervision Received: Receives direction and supervision from the Senior Communications Manager.

Duties: Researches, writes, and edits a variety of communications materials, including newsletters and internal website articles, video scripts, fact sheets, talking points, presentations, and reports to enhance public understanding of the Trial Court’s work.

Collaborates with the Director of Communications and Senior Communications Manager on
court wide communications strategies and messaging. Implements short- and long-term
communications plans and campaigns that support the Trial Court’s goals and mission.

Assists in creating and managing the editorial calendar, curating, designing, and publishing content for monthly newsletters, weekly intranet updates, and social media channels to keep court users, employees, and the public informed about court news, programs, and initiatives, fostering greater engagement. Recommends and develops improvements and innovations to continuously encourage workplace engagement.

Facilitates, participates in and contributes to outreach committees to advance access to justice and educate the public on the Trial Court’s initiatives, managing administrative support for key events such as Judicial Outreach Month.

Analyzes the effectiveness of communications using research and metrics, providing
recommendations for continuous improvement.

Collaborates with key internal stakeholders on standards and best practices related to assessing and improving communication tools and best practices.

Engages with other court departments, such as IT, to improve and develop effective and thoughtful methods of internal and external communication.

Coordinates and collaborates with the Supreme Judicial Court Public Information Office and Probation Communications Director to align communications efforts.

Supports internal and external event planning and execution as needed.

Performs additional duties as assigned.

Job Competencies: All applicants must be able, through the interview process, to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the following areas:

Ethics and Values Communicates and demonstrates the ethics and values of the Trial Court.

Mission Understands, upholds, and communicates the Trial Court missions.

Applied Knowledge Understands research, information services operations, specialized tools, applications, and software, with some understanding of the various court departments and divisions.

Problem Solving Ability to successfully address data issues, draw conclusions, and make recommendations.

Customer Service Conducts oneself in a courteous and professional manner towards both Trial Court employees and the public.

Performance Measurement Understands the value and importance of performance measures as a basis for both individual and departmental assessments.

Commitment to Diversity Promotes an environment of diversity through understanding, respect, and positive communication with persons of varied economic and cultural backgrounds.

Collaboration Works with others cooperatively, demonstrating a willingness to be a team player, and contributing to a work environment that focuses on shared departmental goals.

Continuous Learning Demonstrates a commitment to continuously improving himself or herself through professional development.

Minimum Requirements: These are the minimum requirements necessary to apply for the position of Communications Specialist

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Concentration in a field such as English, communications, journalism, public relations, program management, or a related field is preferred.

Five (5) years of demonstrated professional experience in communications, writing, public relations, or a related field.  Equivalent combinations of education and/or applicable experience may be substituted for satisfying the required minimum requirements.

Excellent writing, editing, research, and communication skills, including the ability to translate
complex ideas into accessible communications for a variety of audiences. Demonstrated ability to write clearly, concisely, and quickly across multiple formats.

Proven content creation skills, producing high-quality materials across formats (e.g., newsletter articles, web content, press releases, presentations, social media).

Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively, fostering stakeholder relationships and serving as an effective department liaison.

Proficiency in design and content creation tools (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects, Premiere Pro, Acrobat Pro, Canva), Microsoft Office Suite, and video platforms (YouTube, Vimeo), or other content creation software.

Excellent analytical skills, judgment, and attention to detail.

Flexibility to adapt to organizational needs, including statewide travel and support for additional projects and initiatives, as needed.