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Assistant editor/communications coordinator

Purpose: The Assistant editor and communications coordinator assists with myriad publications-related tasks, primarily the Journal of The Missouri Bar, and supports the work of the communications department by assisting in developing and carrying out communications strategies which rely on print, broadcast, the web, and social media. The person in this role supports those strategies by creating and editing original content and repurposing that content for publication to multiple audiences across multiple platforms. These strategies are designed to improve public understanding of the justice system, provide useful information of a substantive and practical nature to lawyers to help them even better serve their clients and communities, and keep members aware of all services and opportunities available to them through The Missouri Bar.

General qualifications

This position requires an exceptional writer and the ability to think creatively to design accompanying visual campaigns that meet brand standards and are compelling for print, the web, and social media. In addition, the position requires someone who is highly organized and detail oriented, with the ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment in managing multiple projects in an organized fashion while collaborating with colleagues and members to achieve the best final work product under deadline. A basic competency in civics is required, and a more thorough understanding of the legal system, the rule of law, and the role of a unified bar in our society is a definite plus.

Responsibilities

• Co-production of the Journal of The Missouri Bar, published six times a year, including coordination with authors; communication and collaboration with the Review Board; detailed fact-checking and cite-checking; indexing; editing of recurring content and scholarly legal articles; writing engaging features about lawyers and beneficial legal services; and creating visually-appealing advertisements for various Missouri Bar departments, services, and events
• Assist with selection, review, and edit of content written and submitted for publication on The Missouri Bar’s blog, News.MoBar.org, by Missouri Bar staff, lawyers, freelancers, and advertisers
• Help guide internal and public information strategies for print and web using discretion and independent judgment
• Exercise discretion and independent judgment in writing, repurposing, and managing written and visual content on an array of legal issues that are distributed to various audiences (including lawyers, the public, and the media) across multiple print and online platforms
• Serve as communications liaison for selected Missouri Bar departments and programs
• Edit and format content based on style guidelines of The Missouri Bar and AP Style, as well as assist in developing, maintaining, and enforcing brand and style guidelines
• Consistently track and stay abreast of relevant news and trends as it relates to The Missouri Bar to support sound news judgement when developing editorial content
• Help seamlessly carry out a diverse array of on-going, reoccurring, and one-time communications projects, simultaneously and within deadlines
• Coordinate with various departments to create, edit, and send engaging emails to lawyers and the public
• Create visually engaging graphics and program guides as assigned
• Professionally photograph Missouri Bar events, activities, award winners, and other subjects as assigned
• Ensure campaign and design elements support the organization’s goals and mission
• Consistently measure the success of internal and public information strategies to adapt content and delivery to continually improve upon the organization’s goals
• Provide communications and staff support at Missouri Bar events and conferences as assigned
• Assist long-standing and special committees as assigned
• Support short-term initiatives as assigned
• Provide updates and help maintain The Missouri Bar’s websites
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to work under pressure to handle multiple tasks with frequent deadlines
• Pay attention to detail and display a commitment to accuracy
• Make sound judgments and respond appropriately to a high volume of work
• Exhibit tact, diplomacy, and professionalism in communicating with elected and appointed leaders of the organization, members of the bar, judges, the media, and the public
• Copywriting and editing experience using AP Style
• Proficiency in Microsoft programs, including Word, Excel, and Forms
• Proficiency in graphic design programs, including InDesign and Photoshop
• Experience with content management systems and familiarity with HTML
• Experience creating and sending engaging emails
• Skilled photographer
• Successful track record in using analytics from written and visual content, emails, and social media to improve strategies
• Comfort with incorporating and managing all social media platforms
• Desire and ability to stay fluent in industry news to bring innovative ideas to enhance and improve the organization’s content
• Ongoing commitment to understand and grow with the organization
  
  

Education and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, or related field.
• Experience in a communications role, including proven capabilities in writing and research. Magazine, newspaper, online news outlet, or other publications experience preferred.
• Proven ability to handle multiple tasks professionally and efficiently under deadline pressure.

Reports to: Communications director

Purpose:  The general counsel is responsible for overseeing legal matters and providing legal advice, guidance, and support to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations to achieve the mission and purposes of The Missouri Bar. The general counsel will provide strategic insights and assist in managing risks and protecting The Missouri Bar’s best interests.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Provide legal advice to the Board of Governors and its Executive Committee and to departments and committees of The Missouri Bar

• Monitor and stay updated on relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards that impact The Missouri Bar to anticipate and identify legal issues and assist in developing legal strategies and solutions

• Provide guidance and compliance recommendations consistent with Keller v. State Bar of California and related cases as relevant to a unified state bar

• Conduct legal research; prepare legal documents (including opinions, memoranda, briefs, reports); and provide legal interpretations, risk analyses, and solution-oriented recommendations in support of the operations, strategic mission, and purposes of The Missouri Bar

• Oversee litigation matters, legal investigations, and other legal proceedings, working with external counsel when necessary

• Recommend and monitor the work of outside counsel

• Review, draft, and negotiate various contracts and agreements, including without limit, client contracts, vendor agreements, and partnership agreements. Ensure compliance with contract terms and conditions, protecting The Missouri Bar’s interest

• Recommend policy and procedure updates and assist with policy and procedure development

• Participate in meetings of the Board of Governors and its Executive Committee, and other meetings of staff or members of The Missouri Bar, to address legal issues

• Manage and coordinate special projects of strategic concern and/or legal importance to The Missouri Bar

• Proactively look for solutions and better practices to mitigate risk and maximize legal rights

• Prepare and manage an annual budget for risk management

• Perform other duties as assigned by the executive director or Board of Governors

Required Education, Experience, and Skills:  The General Counsel must be licensed to practice law in Missouri and be a member of The Missouri Bar in good standing (or be eligible for admission to practice in Missouri within a reasonable time after employment). A juris doctorate degree from an American Bar Association-accredited law school and ten or more years of experience practicing law are required. Five or more years of experience as a general counsel or in a senior legal leadership role are preferred. Understanding of corporate governance and demonstrated experience working with a governing body are also preferred. Proven ability to think strategically, analyze complex legal issues, and provide practical solutions. 

• Strong organizational, verbal/written communication, and negotiation skills

• Commitment to excellence with high level of integrity and ethical standards

• Strong people skills, including the ability to be patient, discreet, and tactful and to interact effectively with a wide range of individuals and stakeholders

• Knowledge of the applicable laws and regulations and current and developing legal issues and trends that might affect the policy and operations of The Missouri Bar

• Ability to provide competent legal advice and counsel to the leadership of The Missouri Bar on a wide range of legal and policy issues

• Ability to anticipate and analyze intersecting legal, regulatory, and operational issues in a variety of regulated and risk areas

• Ability to develop and implement legal strategies and solutions

• Even temperament and ability to deliver unwelcome advice, deal with unhappy stakeholders, and manage challenging situations

• Demonstrated leadership and experience managing or interacting with multiple workstreams and multiple departments or individuals

• Ability to collaborate and work effectively as part of a team

• Working knowledge of legal and office technology (such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams; Adobe Acrobat; and remote work technology) and willingness to learn evolving technology for purposes of effective administration

• Ability to supervise and coordinate the work of legal professionals, paraprofessionals, and consultants

• Knowledge of the judicial system and procedures

• Knowledge of legal documentation procedures and requirements

Reports to:     Executive director

Position located in Jefferson City. Some travel required. Hybrid remote work schedule (three days per week in office in Jefferson City, two days remote) and excellent benefits. Compensation commensurate with experience.

Apply by sending cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to hrdept@mobar.org. Preference will be given to applications received by May 20, 2024, but the posting will remain active, and applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled. EOE

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