Deputy Director - Communcations

For more than 165 years, the Office of the Indiana Attorney General (OAG) has been committed to serving the best interests of the State and all Hoosiers. OAG employees have earned an outstanding reputation for meeting the highest professional standards, providing great service, and demonstrating courageous leadership and commitment to excellence to the people of Indiana. If you share our determination to make Indiana a better place to live and work, we invite you to join over 400 of the very best employees and seek a career with the Office of the Indiana Attorney General.

The Deputy Director of Communications develops and implements internal and external communications efforts on behalf of the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) by working closely with the agency division staff to compile and develop materials for internal and external use.  

• Directly manages the staff of the communication department
• Proofread and edit all communications materials to ensure consistent, high quality and strategically aligned messaging.
• Create news releases, op-eds, social media content, and talking points
• Prepares attorney general for all media-related interviews
• Serve as OAG spokesperson when needed
• Travel with the attorney general to media events when needed
• Analyzes OAG cases from each department and uses them to develop appropriate messaging
• Develop and manage relationships with local, state, and national media
• Assists in writing speeches for the AG and other key staff as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Written Communication – Writes clearly and informatively; Able to digest and define legal terms and simplifies complex issues for public consumption; ability to write speeches on a variety of timely topics relating to public service and office related issues
• Quality Management – Looks for ways to improve and promote quality of communications products; demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness, including excellent proofreading and editing skills
• Professionalism – Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under extreme pressure; remains calm in chaotic situations with evolving priorities; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments without reminders
• Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully
• Interpersonal and Verbal Communication – Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; solves conflict, maintains confidentiality; listens for clarification
• Teamwork – Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit
• Leadership – Exhibits confidence in self and others; inspires and motivates others to perform well; effectively influences actions and opinions of others; inspires respect and trust; accepts feedback from others; provides vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates
• Organizational Support and Ethics – Follows policies and procedures; completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports organization’s goals and values; benefits organization through outside activities; supports and respects OAG diversity efforts.
• Dependability – Follows instructions, responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions; keeps commitments; commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan
• Judgment – Displays willingness to make decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment; supports and explains reasoning for decisions; includes appropriate people in decision-making process; makes timely decisions
• Motivation – Sets and achieves challenging goals; works independently and is self-motivated; demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence; takes calculated risks to accomplish goals
• Planning/Organizing – Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently; plans for additional resources; sets goals and objectives; organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; develops realistic action plans

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Education – Bachelor’s Degree preferred
• Language Ability – Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex legal pleadings and documents. Ability to understand and respond to controversial or complex topics. Ability to respond effectively to most sensitive inquiries or complaints
• Computer Skills – To perform this job successfully, an individual should have a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite and Adobe Acrobat XI

The Office of the Indiana Attorney General is an Equal Opportunity Employer.