Director of Communications (SCA 111116)

Job Description

The Iowa Judicial Branch is seeking applicants for the Director of Communications position. This position will be located at the Judicial Branch building in Des Moines, Iowa, with the possibility of occasional remote work opportunities.

Under the immediate supervision of the Counsel to the Chief Justice, this is a highly responsible position which leads the strategy for all communications across the branch. The Director of Communications is responsible for developing, producing, and disseminating information, internally and externally, that consistently articulates and promotes the branch’s mission, goals, and activities.

The successful candidate will have strong organizational skills, time management skills, and sharp attention to detail. This position will be able to:

• Respond to media requests for information; develop and maintain relationships with reporters, editorial boards, and the Iowa Freedom of Information Council; write news releases, media advisories, and op eds; develop news ideas for media coverage; arrange press conferences and interviews; and facilitate judges and media roundtables.
• Work with regional media coordinators to assist district and appellate courts on logistics of media coverage of cases; train judges and staff on media best practices; develop expanded media coverage policy; and suggest revisions to Chapter 25 rules on Expanded New Media Coverage as needed.
• Respond to questions from staff and public inquiries, including public records and data requests; track media coverage of courts, including clipping service and Google Alerts.
• Develop, design, write, edit, and produce publications, reports, public services announcements, and presentations for public audiences; assist with development, production, and coordination of public outreach materials; helps plan, coordinate, and promote special public events sponsored by the courts such as Court on the Road; maintain public displays; develop public education initiatives and supporting materials; assist State Court Administration with development of legislative support materials

What’s in it for You:

• Collaborative, positive professional work environment
• Opportunities to make a widespread difference in the Iowa communities
• Excellent benefits package
• Paid Holidays/Vacation/Sick Leave
• Iowa Public Employees’ Retirement System (IPERS) plan
• Employee discount program
• Employment with the Iowa Judicial Branch may qualify for the federal student loan repayment program

The pay range for this position is $102,481.60 – 163,716.80 annually. This is a FLSA-exempt position. The starting salary for new state employees is expected to be at the base of the pay range. Adjustments may be made if the successful candidate has relevant experience.

Position classification is determined as the ‘best fit’ of the duties assigned to and performed by a position. This position is classified as a Director of Communications as summarized below.

Summary

Oversee and execute the Iowa Judicial Branch’s communication and public relations strategy.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive Iowa Judicial Branch public image strategy.
• Direct and manage media events, communications, and public relations campaigns.
• Develop and maintain relationships with media outlets, journalists, and influencers.
• Ensure the Iowa Judicial Branch has consistent and positive messaging and branding across all communication channels.
• Oversee high-quality content in all communications.
• Assist in writing or editing speeches.
• Monitor and analyze the effectiveness of communication strategies and initiatives.
• Develop and manage the communications budget and ensure efficient use of resources.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of current industry trends and technologies.
• Ability to effectively write in clear, grammatically correct, professional communication.
• Professional demeanor to project a positive image for the Iowa Judicial Branch.
• Excellent presentation skills with public and media audiences.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and communication skills
• Attention to detail.
• Creative, strategic thinker with problem solving skills.

The Iowa Judicial Branch is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Applicants may review the Equal Employment Opportunity Utilization Report from the Iowa Judicial Branch website as part of our commitment to transparency and compliance with federal and state regulations. Please go to www.iowacourts.gov and click on the Careers page.

Candidates need to complete the NEOGOV application and attach a cover letter and resume. Final applicants are subjected to a criminal background check. The Iowa Judicial Branch is an E-Verify employer.

This is a non-merit position with the Iowa Judicial Branch. Candidates must follow the instructions in the “To Apply” section.

Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services – Human Resources Enterprise.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

The incumbent must meet the minimum requirements to qualify for the position.

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Eight (8) years of experience in public relations or a closely related field.

Experience may be substituted with related education on the basis that successful completion of thirty (30) semester hours or academic equivalent equals one year of experience.

A completed IJB LinkedIn Learning Leadership and Professional Development Certificate is equivalent to six (6) months of education or experience for supervisory-level positions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Supervisory experience.
• Degree in journalism, public relations, communications, or political science.
• Additional training or experience in graphic design.