Director of Communications

Who We Are:

The Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS) serves as the primary advocate for veterans, active service members, and their families across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. EOVS is committed to ensuring that veterans and their families have awareness of and access to the benefits, services, and support they have earned, and that they are treated with dignity, honor, and respect.

Through its oversight of veterans’ programs, state-operated Veterans’ Homes, Memorial Cemeteries, outreach initiatives, and constituent services, EOVS works to improve the lives of those who have served and their loved ones.

Job Opening:

The Executive Office of Veterans Services seeks applicants for the position of Director of Communications.

Reporting to the Chief of Staff, the Director of Communications serves as the principal communications strategist for EOVS and is responsible for developing and leading a comprehensive communications plan that advances the Secretariat’s mission and Administration priorities.

This role provides strategic direction for all communications functions, including media relations, executive communications, speechwriting, digital and social media, internal communications, public engagement, and crisis communications. The Director serves as a key advisor to the Secretary, Chief of Staff, and executive leadership team on messaging, public positioning, and communications strategy for agency initiatives, policy matters, and sensitive issues.

The Director of Communications serves as the primary spokesperson and principal media contact for EOVS, oversees communications staff and agency-wide messaging standards, and ensures coordination across all divisions, including the Veterans Homes and Memorial Cemeteries.

The position also leads communications planning for major statewide events and observances and provides strategic guidance during emergency and crisis situations.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive agency-wide communications strategy aligned with EOVS priorities and Administration goals.

• Advise the Secretary, Chief of Staff, and executive leadership on communications strategy, messaging, and stakeholder engagement.

• Serve as the primary spokesperson and lead all media relations efforts, including press inquiries, interviews, statements, and coordination with the Governor’s Office.

• Prepare speeches, remarks, talking points, briefing materials, and other executive communications.

• Oversee digital, web, social media, and internal communications to ensure consistency of messaging and branding.

• Supervise communications staff and provide leadership in content development, multimedia production, and internal messaging.

• Lead communications planning and execution for public events, press conferences, ceremonies, and statewide observances.

• Monitor media coverage, assess reputational risk, and develop crisis and emergency communications strategies.

• Build and maintain relationships with media outlets, veteran-serving organizations, community partners, and other stakeholders.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief of Staff and Secretary.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated supervisory and managerial experience leading professional communications or public affairs staff.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively to executive leadership, media, stakeholders, and the public.

• Demonstrated experience in media relations, public messaging, and issues management.

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.

• Sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive, confidential, or politically complex matters.

• Experience working across multiple divisions, agencies, or stakeholder groups to ensure coordinated outcomes.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in public sector communications, government affairs, public policy, or public administration.

• Experience in executive-level communications support, including speechwriting and briefing preparation.

• Demonstrated experience in crisis communications and reputational risk management.

• Experience overseeing digital communications, website content, and social media strategy.

• Experience supporting high-profile public events, ceremonies, and press conferences.

• Familiarity with veteran-serving organizations, military communities, or public service agencies.

Pre-Offer Process:

A criminal and tax history background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.