Chief of Communications
The Chief of Communications serves as the senior communications point person for Rhode Island Commerce, responsible for shaping the organization’s public voice and overseeing external and internal communications. The professional in this role works to ensure clear, effective messaging about Rhode Island’s economic strengths and Commerce’s programs, services, and business support initiatives.
The Chief of Communications acts as the primary media liaison; the spokesperson for the Commerce team; and the lead strategist for press relations, executive communications, brand management, and event-related communications. The Chief of Communications also serves as a key advisor to Commerce leadership.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy that elevates Rhode Island Commerce’s mission and programs.
- Serve as Communications Director for Commerce leadership, managing overarching messaging and guiding communications priorities.
- Act as the primary point of contact for reporters, journalists, and media outlets; lead proactive media outreach and rapid media response.
- Draft and oversee production of speeches, talking points, press releases, op-eds, newsletters, social media posts, and other executive communications materials.
- Plan and coordinate communications for public events, announcements, and program launches that highlight Commerce initiatives and support business engagement.
- Strengthen Rhode Island Commerce’s brand and digital presence through clear, consistent, high-quality content across platforms.
- Ensure communications alignment across Commerce divisions and maintain timely information sharing.
- Lead crisis and issues communications with a steady, solutions-focused approach.
- Manage internal communications to support transparency, staff engagement, and organizational alignment.
Key Competencies
- Communications Leadership: Ability to define communications direction and raise the visibility of Commerce’s priorities.
- Media Relations: Skilled in engaging reporters, coordinating interviews, pitching announcements, and serving as spokesperson.
- High-Quality Writing & Editing: Strong ability to convert program information into concise, accessible, and persuasive messages across formats.
- Event Communications: Experience preparing messaging, press materials, and on-site support for public events and program announcements.
- Crisis Communication: Level-headed and strategic in fast-moving or sensitive situations.
- Collaboration: Works effectively across internal teams and with external partners to ensure consistent, accurate communication.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or relevant field preferred.
- 7–10 years of experience in communications, media relations, or related fields.
- Strong ability to develop and implement communications strategies across platforms.
- Proven experience managing media relationships and serving as spokesperson.
- Demonstrated excellence in writing and editing across a wide range of formats, including talking points, op-eds, and digital content.
- Enthusiasm for working closely with leadership on a daily basis (including in an iterative and collaborative drafting process regarding public statements and documents).
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and willingness to be accessible to Commerce leadership as needed to meet deadlines.
- Experience supporting communications for events, announcements, and program rollouts.
- Familiarity with Rhode Island’s media landscape and business community is highly desirable.
Classification: Regular – Full-Time, Exempt
Reports to: Secretary of Commerce