Are you a Communications leader and strategic thinker with a passion for shaping the public perception of organizations? The State Bar of Arizona is seeking a dynamic Chief Communications Officer to join our team! As a key member of our senior leadership team, you will oversee public relations, the publication of Arizona Attorney magazine, advertising sales, AZBar.org website content, and government relations. Your role will be crucial in ensuring that our mission to serve and protect the public with respect to legal services and access to justice is effectively communicated both internally and externally. Join us and make a significant impact on our organization and the community we serve!

To hear more about our mission, please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTd_T8s6BNw
 

Benefits of working at the State Bar of Arizona include:

• 100% employer paid medical, dental, and vision insurance (employee only)
• $900 HSA funding provided by employer for individuals ($2,000 for families)
• Generous paid vacation and sick time
• 10 paid holidays per year + 2 additional floating holidays
• 8 hours of paid volunteer hours per year
• Paid parental leave
• 401(k) with employer match
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Quarterly wellness reimbursement for gym membership
• Hybrid work environment
• A community of friendly and collaborative co-workers

If this sounds like the perfect job for you… please feel free to apply using our easy 3-minute online application.

Job Summary

Under minimal supervision, the CCO provides leadership and direction to the Communication and Government Affairs Division for the State Bar of Arizona. This division has primary responsibility for State Bar marketing, public relations, publishing Arizona Attorney magazine plus other print and electronic publications, advertising sales, AZBar.org website content, and government relations. In addition to managing the staff of the division, the CCO is a part of the State Bar senior leadership team. The CCO is responsible for ensuring that the Bar’s mission to serve and protect the public with respect to the provision of legal services and access to justice is effectively communicated both internally and externally.

Leadership 

As part of Senior Leadership Team demonstrates:

• Highest personal and professional standards, as well as superior technical skills and expertise;
• Necessary emotional intelligence to lead subordinates in an effective and positive manner, and to collaborate with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders; 
• Awareness of and accountability for the corporate well-being of the State Bar of Arizona beyond specific division or departmental responsibilities. 

Board Participation

Staffs Strategic Planning Working Group and other task forces, committees and working groups as required.

Duties and Responsibilities

In collaboration with the CEO/ED, develops and executes the SBA’s organizational image and brand. Partners with senior leadership regarding organizational strategy.

• Establishes and develops PR strategies, campaigns, and initiatives to improve public perception of the SBA and its mission. 
• Oversees branding and messaging to SBA members.
• Manages and maintains relationships with key media contacts.
• Oversees SBA social media presence. 
• Has managerial responsibility for Arizona Attorney magazine and all SBA newsletters. 
• Ensures timely and accurate preparation of public record requests. 
• Responsible for managing SBA member and public surveys
• Leads the SBA’s legislative and lobbying efforts. 
• Oversees the content of AZBar.org.
• Represents the SBA at various member and public events.
• Oversees financial management of division to include budget preparation and management and administration of assigned activities.
• Establishes and manages long-range plan for areas of responsibility and in support of the SBA’s strategic plan.
• Responsible for managing crisis communication as needed
• In coordination with Human Resources, hires, trains, develop, and appraises staff effectively.
• Performs all other related duties, as assigned.

Education and/or Experience

A Bachelor’s Degree (preferably in Communications, Journalism, Marketing or related field) with seven (7) or more years experience in marketing and communication activities.  Proven experience in building successful relationships both internally and externally (e.g., media, general public).  Extensive and progressively increased responsibilities in management of the communications for an organization; to include relevant leadership experience.

Skills and Abilities

• Performs all duties in compliance with internal procedures and external regulations.  Is responsible for bringing compliance issues to the attention of management.
• Ability to handle high pressure, time-sensitive matters, quickly and accurately; demonstrated skills in responding to media in crisis situations.
• Requires in-depth knowledge of marketing, communications and government relations Is considered a subject matter expert in these areas.
• Strong creative, strategic, analytical, organization and negotiating skills in a positive manner.
• Conversant in and demonstrated abilities with current communications technology (e.g. social media, web design)
• Plans the work of others and coordinates work with other departments and/or external organizations.
• Ability to read, write, analyze, and effectively interpret policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from staff, peers, supervisors, board members, members of the bar and public..
• Must have high level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations.  Position requires demonstrated poise, tact and diplomacy.  Works effectively and relates well with others including superior, colleagues, and individuals inside and outside of the agency.  Exhibits professional manner in dealing with others and works to maintain constructive working relationships.
• Ability to solve problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations.  Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule forms.
• Strong attention to detail and well organized.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to lead and develop staff. 
• Can be depended upon to complete work in a timely, accurate, and thorough manner and is conscientious about assignments.
• Must be a self-starter, able to work independently as well as work effectively with teams.

Model the behaviors expected of all SBA employees by:

• Cultivating a positive work environment.
• Prioritizing and setting manageable goals.
• Being efficient with time at work.
• Communicating effectively with management, staff, members, clients, visitors, and the public.
• Being flexible and taking criticism constructively.
• Maintaining the highest ethical standards.

Computer Skills

Microsoft windows environment with Office Suite to include formatting and production of word processing documents, spreadsheets, reports and presentations. 

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

Required:

• Must have and maintain a valid Arizona Driver’s License, maintain automobile insurance coverage and have access to an automobile.

Other

Regular attendance is required.  Additional hours including weekends may be required on a regular basis to fulfill duties of position.  At times, individual must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with ability to handle and prioritize multiple, competing tasks and demands and to seek supervisory assistance as appropriate.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee regularly is required to stand, walk, sit, use hand to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.  The employee frequently lifts and/or moves up to 10 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, ability to adjust focus, and manual dexterity in combination with eye/hand coordination.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.  Other functions may be assigned and management retains the right to add or change the duties at any time.