Communications Director

Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation (Main Branch)

Job Description

The Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation (MLAC) is accepting applications for a full-time Communications Director. MLAC is an exciting place to work with a diverse staff and inclusive work environment. We are located in a beautiful office space on Tremont Street near Government Center in Boston. Due to the pandemic, MLAC is following a hybrid work schedule with two days in the office. 

ABOUT MLAC AND EJC

The Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation (MLAC) is a non-profit organization established by the Commonwealth to ensure that low-income people with critical, non-criminal legal problems have access to legal information, advice, and representation. MLAC provides leadership and support for the continued improvement of legal aid to low-income people and is the largest funding source for civil legal aid organizations in the Commonwealth. 

The Equal Justice Coalition is a partnership of MLAC, the Boston Bar Association, and the Massachusetts Bar Association. The EJC advocates for expanded access to civil legal aid, and coordinates state-wide advocacy for increased funding for the Commonwealth’s civil legal aid programs. The EJC is staffed by MLAC, and includes representatives from bar associations, law firms, and legal services programs across the Commonwealth, who work together to protect the state appropriation for civil legal aid. Learn more about the EJC at http://www.equaljusticecoalition.org.

MLAC is committed to diversity in its workforce. A crucial part of MLAC’s vision is ensuring diversity of staff and volunteers, as well as supporting cultural and linguistic competence. Women, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals, people of color, and people who speak English as a second language are encouraged to apply. Learn more about us at www.mlac.org.

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The position supervises a full-time Communications Associate and reports to the Executive Director. Success will be measured through the person's contributions to increased visibility of civil legal aid in Massachusetts and increased awareness and financial support of civil legal aid organizations funded by MLAC. 

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Work with MLAC’s executive director, the EJC director, and all MLAC directors on various projects as needed, and develop strategy, content, and campaigns that promote civil legal aid and the work of MLAC grantees; ensure proper dissemination of organizational messaging through all channels; manage all projects to conform to editorial and graphic standards.
  • Create electronic and print marketing communications materials for MLAC and the EJC, including quarterly e-newsletter, annual report to the governor, annual report to all stakeholders, fact sheets, action alerts, event materials and more. Duties include developing layout and design, writing and editing, and preparing materials for production. 
  • Produce multimedia (print, audio, and video) stories on legal aid clients. 
  • Maintain the MLAC, EJC, and EJC Talk to the Hill websites; regularly update content and images; monitor traffic and address technical issues with website performance as they arise. Assist Access to Justice Commission Director with A2J website. Work with technology consultant to oversee functionality of websites.
  • Manage and oversee the social media presences of MLAC and the EJC; regularly update all social media channels, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. 
  • Implement MLAC’s media relations strategy by drafting op-eds and letters to the editor, drafting and disseminating press releases, responding to media inquiries, and serving as a spokesperson when required. 
  • Respond to communications-related needs of other MLAC departments, and work with colleagues to draft and disseminate information about organizational projects related to legislative advocacy; data and monitoring; technology; and diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
  • Support efforts to increase communications and media outreach capacity within legal services on a statewide basis by convening regular meetings and information exchange with legal aid organization communications and development staff, and other partners, including the Access to Justice Commission. 
  • Provide support to MLAC-funded legal aid programs and as approved by the MLAC executive director, related organizations. 
  • Support the EJC’s annual legislative campaign including drafting and/or editing correspondence, fact sheets, organizing mailings, distributing materials, and participating in meetings. 
  • Manage the communications budget, ensuring that projects are completed on time and on budget.
  • Assist in planning, promoting, and implementing organizational events, including but not limited to, the Constituent Services Briefing, Walk to the Hill lobby day, the annual Beacon of Justice legislative recognition event, and MLAC’s annual meeting. 
  • Maintain and update contact databases for MLAC and the EJC using MailChimp, Salsa, and other online communications tools.
  • Track and report media coverage of MLAC, the EJC, MLAC-funded legal aid programs, and issues related to legal aid.

 BACKGROUND AND QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline, preferably in public relations, journalism, or communications.
  • Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace.
  • Interest in the non-profit sector and issues that affect low-income people.
  • Experience in communications; political and/or grassroots campaign experience preferred.
  • Strong written and oral communications skills.
  • Creative and strategic thinker.
  • Strong organizational skills; ability to multi-task and manage multiple projects/deadlines.
  • Experience managing and developing communications staff. Hire and train new communications staff, as needed.
  • Experience creating social media strategy and planning across multiple platforms.
  • Page layout and design skills; familiarity with Photoshop and desktop publishing software such as InDesign necessary.
  • Website content and design skills; familiarity with HTML; experience using WordPress or other web content management systems necessary.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, especially Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Experience using online communication platforms (e.g., MailChimp, Salsa). 
  • Familiarity with data collection and analysis; excellent information management skills; experience in developing communications/media relations measurement plans and use of website analytics a plus.
  • Experience working with media such as print, radio, TV and Web-based communications outlets.
  • Ability to work both independently and in a team environment; excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with diverse organizations and constituencies.

BENEFITS 

MLAC offers competitive compensation and benefits, including:
  • Competitive salary
  • Comprehensive health and dental insurance plans
  • Generous paid time off, including 13 holidays, birthday off and increasing vacation time with tenure starting at 3 weeks of accrued vacation the first year
  • Flexible work schedule
  • 403(b) plan with current employer contribution of 13.5% of the employee’s annual salary
  • Flexible spending and dependent care tax free savings plan
  • Generous annual professional development allowance

To Apply: Interested candidates should submit a 1) resume, 2) cover letter, and 3) writing sample in PDF to hiring@mlac.org by June 19, 2022. Please include in your cover letter how you learned about this position. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please put the job title in the subject line of your email. Reasonable accommodation in the application process will be provided upon request to individuals with disabilities. No phone calls, please.