EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS AND POLICY SPECIALIST (4562-47)

Class Title Executive Communications and Policy Specialist (Public Defender)
Code #
(Generalist)

BOCC Pay Grade: 23

Latest Revision:
Minimum Annual Salary: $86,016
EEO Category: Professional
Maximum Annual Salary: $120,423
Department(s) using this spec: 47

Summary:
The Hamilton County Public Defender is currently recruiting a Communications and Policy Specialist. Under general supervision of the Deputy Director. This person is responsible for both internal and external communication and policy development for the Law Office of the Hamilton County Public Defender in keeping with our Mission Statement and statutory and ethical obligations.
Public defenders work on the frontlines of the racial justice movement. Each day, defenders see how systemic injustices impact the people we represent. Hamilton County is no different. As local attitudes about the criminal legal system change, the Office is uniquely positioned to leverage the experience and expertise of public defenders and people directly impacted by the criminal legal system for strategic communications directed at public education and policy change.
The Office seeks to hire the Executive Communications and Policy Specialist, who will manage the Office’s communications practice, highlighting important work the Office is doing and critical issues clients are facing, developing strong relationships with media outlets, and working closely with Office management to create compelling communications and advocacy campaigns. This person will also be a key stakeholder as leadership develops and implements a strategy of systemic advocacy work within the Office.

Job Requirements (Education, Experience, Licensure, Certification):
Attorney and non-attorney candidates are invited to apply.
For attorney candidates, admission to the Ohio Bar is preferred with one Admission to the Ohio Bar pursuant to O.R.C.§4705.01 or ability to waive in through reciprocity; one (1) year of experience as an attorney in Ohio, preferably with experience in indigent criminal defense. A related undergraduate degree (communications, broadcasting, journalism, marketing, political science, etc.), or experience in these fields, is a plus.
Non-attorney candidates with the requisite educational and employment background will be considered.
Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.
The successful candidate will be required to visit various locations outside of the traditional office setting including correctional facilities, courthouses, treatment centers (mental health, substance abuse) schools, non-profit agencies, media outlets, community events, public meetings, etc.
This position will require work outside of the normal office hours (M-F 8am-4pm), during the evening, weekends and some Holidays.

Illustrative Duties:
Translate complex legal issues into compelling and humanizing stories to be shared with journalists and with the public on the Office website and social media platforms.
Develop compelling messaging and communication strategies for the Office website and other electronic communication.
Develop deep relationships with journalists and media outlets; proactively pitch stories and commentaries, attend and plan press conferences and media events, share context about issues related to the Office, respond to media inquiries and provide information to journalists on background.
Coordinate and prepare press responses and other public statements on behalf of the Office, while identifying other credible messengers inside and outside of the Office.
Create and maintain relationships with community stakeholders and community organizations to cultivate increased support for public defense and build opportunities for future collaboration.
Work with the Office’s leadership to develop tools, policies, and training materials for staff on media advocacy.
Work with the Office’s leadership to create communications strategies for internal and/or public publication of Office priorities, policies, mission, etc.
Assist in researching and applying for grants. Experience in grant writing a plus

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
The following are necessary to perform the duties of this classification. Items with an * may be developed after employment.

Knowledge of: The indigent legal system, from personal experience working within it and/or driving policy and strategy outside of it. The latest media trends and best practices for translating complex topics into digestible, powerful and actionable advocacy messaging. The ideal candidate must be cognizant of the importance of maintaining client confidentiality and legal ethics in relation to making any public comment on behalf of the office. Knowledge of the Hamilton County media and political landscape, as well as journalistic experience, is a plus.

Skill in: Must have excellent written and verbal skills, including composing material for public release. Creative and tenacious problem-solver. Bridge-building, creating and strengthening relationships and partnerships. Requires strong organizational skills, the ability to prioritize, work under pressure, and advance the office in a professional manner. Strong computer skills are required. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite required.

Ability to: Work both in-person and remotely. Effectively communicate with a very wide audience – staff, clients, judges, courtroom staff, attorneys (staff, private and prosecuting), social workers, service providers, media outlets, etc. Cultivate diversity and lift up underheard voices. Identify any additional resources needed to perform the job functions of this position.