Director of External Affairs

Boston, MA, United States

Agency Overview

The Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM), which oversees over $2 billion in capital programs and projects, is responsible for capital planning, project delivery, property management, and real estate services for the Commonwealth. We are stewards of the Commonwealth's assets, which include 61 million square feet of state buildings. As an agency, we care for the people of our state and the future of our planet.

We work with state agencies to create and manage forward-thinking, sustainable buildings to meet the needs of the Commonwealth's citizens and help achieve a zero-carbon future.

We are partners with fellow agencies to help them meet their strategic needs with fiscally responsible building and real estate solutions.

We support the growth of the Commonwealth's economy and actively engage with private sector partners to make it easier to do business with the Commonwealth.

We work to expand access, opportunity, and equity to create more inclusive services, planning and outcomes for all the citizens of the Commonwealth.

DCAMM is a central agency in implementing several key policy priorities of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, including promoting decarbonization and climate resilience in all state facilities, identifying and facilitating opportunities to repurpose underutilized state property for housing production, and increasing the participation of underrepresented groups in public construction contracting and in the public construction workforce.

G eneral Statement of Duties and Responsibilities

The DCAMM Director of External Affairs reports to the Chief of Staff and serves as an important member of the Executive Office team, helping DCAMM contribute to the Administration's policy and goals related to decarbonization and housing, as well as access and opportunity for underrepresented populations, in addition to supporting the core mission of the agency in real estate, planning, design and construction.

The Director of External Affairs serves as the agency's legislative and governmental affairs liaison. This includes all communication between both the Senate and House of Representatives at the State House to promote DCAMM's and the Administration's priorities, and to address issues and concerns of legislators and their constituents as they relate to DCAMM activities; and communications with local and county officials. Additional focus will consist of forging effective relationships with legislators, municipal officials, county officials and their staff to assist the Commissioner in meeting the goals and priorities of the Administration, and to further the mission of DCAMM. At the direction of the Commissioner, Chief of Staff and ANF, this role may also extend to the Commonwealth's congressional delegation.

Due to the nature of this role, the Director of External Affairs will periodically be required to be available for extended hours, including nights and weekends. Please note that this position is eligible for a hybrid schedule.

Other duties for this role include: Develop legislative strategy to carry out the agency's objectives.

Analyze and track legislation related to the agency in conjunction with the Operations & Policy Analyst. Manage review of and response to legislation on behalf of the agency. With the assistance of the Operations & Policy Analyst, provide regular reports to the Commissioner and Chief of Staff on the status of legislation impacting the agency

Develop external communication and coordinate the production of external communication including drafting press releases, talking points/remarks for the Commissioner, presentations and annual reports.

Advise on facility wide communications.

Primary point of contact for all press related inquiries, including coordinating response and monitoring media coverage of the agency.

Assist the Office of the General Counsel in responding to public records requests.

Direct and plan special events as needed (example, ground breakings and ribbon cuttings.)

Advise and help manage community engagement as needed.

Manage communications and interactions with external stakeholders.

Develop knowledge and understanding of DCAMM's programs, policies and procedures.

Perform other duties and responsibilities, as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications Excellent communications skills, including writing and proofreading.

Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex or technical information into accessible communications content.

Excellent interpersonal skills and customer-service orientation with the ability to develop positive working relationships with legislative members/staff, external stakeholders and others.

Experience in dealing with media and press inquiries, including drafting press statements and press releases.

Excellent organizational skills and follow-up.

Excellent attention to detail.

Demonstrated creative problem-solving skills.

Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours when needed.

Demonstrated experience in effectively managing multiple projects in a fast-paced, demanding environment and managing competing priorities and demands.

Ability to exercise discretion and sound judgment.

Working understanding of the structure and functions of the Massachusetts State Legislature and Massachusetts Government.

General knowledge of the print, electronic and social media community of Massachusetts

Proficiency in use of Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Teams.

Experience working in a local, state or federal government office.

Salary will be commensurate with candidate's experience. Please include a cover letter and resume with your submission for this position.

*For more information about employment at DCAMM, please view our RECRUITMENT VIDEO .

Qualifications:

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) five (5) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least one (1) year must have been in a project management, supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience.

II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.

III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience.

IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

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