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The State Bar of Michigan has an opening for a Director of Communications

General Summary

Responsible for setting department objectives, policies, and practices. Oversees the budget, strategic planning, staff development, and supervision of the department, including media relations, website, social media, Michigan Bar Journal, e-Journal and other electronic newsletters, print center, and sales. Oversees the development of specific plans and strategies to prioritize, organize, and accomplish internal and external communication, consistent with the SBM strategic plan. Participates as a member of the SBM management team to accomplish the organization strategic planning goals. Responsible for developing marketing campaigns, cultivating new communities, monitoring social media policy/activity, and SBM brand.

Principal Responsibilities:

Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy, including crisis management and preemptive planning.
Operationalize all communications aspects of the organization’s strategic plan and maintain an awareness of organization risks and threats.
Oversee operations for SBM communication channels and platforms.
Oversee social media sites, including the creation and promotion of posts.
Execute strategy for media advocacy that advances SBM’s policy goals.
Identify and maintain a strong relationship with relevant members of the media, work with senior management to answer media inquiries, and use all appropriate media outlets to publicize SBM information.
Work with president and executive director to optimize their effectiveness as the primary SBM spokespersons.
Maintain and protect organization’s brand and image to members and various stakeholders, including the public.
Lead development of market messaging for events and issues.
Assist the finance director in the management of all financial matters pertaining to budgets and accounts for the communications department.
Supervise a diversely skilled communications department staff, including goal setting and professional development.
Develop metrics for evaluation of success.
Determine need for, procure, and oversee contractual services for SBM communications.
Develop processes to ensure quality control of all SBM information released.
Serve, or supervise staff serving, as staff liaison to SBM committees related to communications.
Assume other special activities and responsibilities as directed by the executive director.

Position Guidelines (Education, Experience, Knowledge Skills, and Abilities):

Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or related field. Familiarity with the law or legal profession is a plus.
Significant communications experience, including staff supervision.
Experience in stakeholder/community engagement.
Strong interpersonal skills, particularly in collaboration, facilitation, and team building.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deliver on commitments.
Excellent writing and presentation skills.
Experience in determining/managing a departmental budget.
Strong self-motivation and ability to motivate others.
Demonstrated ability to meet department standards regarding job knowledge, leadership, quality, efficiency, initiative, teamwork, dependability, customer service, and overall performance.
Basic knowledge and skill with Microsoft Office 365 used for word processing, email, presentations, and spreadsheets. Advanced knowledge and skill with these and other programs are preferred.
Some travel required.

Please send resume and salary requirements to employment@michbar.org.

The State Bar of Michigan has an opening for a paid law student intern in the Justice Initiatives program.

This position is part time, up to 20 hours per week, at $15.00 per hour.

Principal Responsibilities

Support the JI Committee and other SBM committees and programs.
Accurately input data into the Michigan Legal Assistance Partnership Program (MI-LAPP) database used for administration of the QDRO Pro Bono Program, Tax Pro Bono Program, Patent Pro Bono Project, and Malpractice for Pro Bono Program.
Prepare detailed and accurate program reports.
Prepare, review, and evaluate the satisfaction of program clients by initiating telephone calls, written surveys, and other methods.
Speak with bar staff, bar members, partner programs, program clients, and other members of the public in a professional and courteous manner.
Research and write articles, memoranda, and other documents as assigned.
Edit documents for proper grammar, style, and spelling.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Position Guidelines (Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

Current law student (1L or 2L preferred).
Knowledge of the Voluntary Pro Bono Standard and practice and procedure rules related to Limited Scope Representation.
Basic knowledge of federal and state tax law is helpful but not required.
Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office products, Adobe, and other frequently used business software.
Excellent English and writing skills.
Strong editing and proofreading skills.
Ability to meet department standards regarding job knowledge, quality, efficiency, initiative, teamwork, customer service, and overall performance

Interested applicants should send a resume, cover letter, writing sample, copy of current law school transcript, and contact information for at least one professional reference to employment@michbar.org. Please include “Justice Initiatives Law Student Intern” in the subject line of your email.

Please direct questions to:
Human Resources Department at employment@michbar.org

Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by persons assigned to this job. They are not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities, and working conditions associated with this job. This job description is not an employment contract and SBM reserves the right to change this description at any time. SBM is an equal opportunity employer.