Chief Communications Officer

The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) is a nonprofit organization that provides high-quality assessment products, services, and research for the benefit and protection of the public and the legal profession. We assist state courts and licensing authorities with fulfilling their responsibility to determine minimal competence for entry to the legal profession.

NCBE is committed to fostering a welcoming environment that values respect and collaboration. The organization provides competitive salary and benefits, flexible schedules, remote work options, and professional development opportunities. NCBE's headquarters is based in Madison, Wisconsin, a dynamic community with exceptional amenities.

The Chief Communications Officer (CCO) is a key member of NCBE's executive leadership team and is responsible for shaping and executing a comprehensive communications and outreach strategy. The CCO provides direction and oversight of enterprise communications, brand management, and media relations. This executive will elevate NCBE's visibility and influence within the bar admissions, legal education, and broader legal communities that impact the successful entry of newly-licensed lawyers into the profession, championing the organization's vision of a competent, ethical, and diverse legal profession.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

• Strategic Leadership : Partners with the CEO and executive team to shape and execute a comprehensive communications and outreach strategy that advances NCBE's mission and vision, strengthens brand reputation, and fosters understanding of NCBE's role within the legal profession.
• Executive Communications : Serves as a key spokesperson and thought leader for NCBE. Crafts and delivers unique and compelling narratives that explain NCBE's critical role in the lawyer admissions process and highlight the organization's contributions to building a strong legal profession.
• Integrated Communication Channels : Oversees all communication platforms-including digital, print, video, website, and social media-to ensure consistency of voice, tone, and brand across all channels.
• Content Strategy and Publications : Works across departments and with key stakeholder groups to identify and amplify storytelling opportunities. Leads development of publications such as the Comprehensive Guide to Bar Admission Requirements , Year in Review , and the Bar Examiner magazine, ensuring content quality, accuracy, and strategic alignment.
• Media and Public Relations : Leads NCBE's media and public relations strategy, cultivating trusted relationships with national, legal, and higher education media outlets. Oversees press releases, interviews, and constituent communications to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and credibility.
• Product and Service Lines : Partners with content leaders and subject matter experts for communications specific to product / service design, features, enhancements, and user experience. As NCBE approaches the launch of the NextGen bar exam, the CCO will assume the leading role in working collaboratively with other departments to ensure timely and proactive communication strategies for diverse stakeholder groups with interest in the NextGen exam, such as courts, admissions offices, law schools, law school faculty, law students, and the public. The successful candidate will also manage post-launch positioning and ongoing brand evaluation.
• Stakeholder Engagement : Engages with NCBE committees and key stakeholder groups to share updates on products and services, explore opportunities for collaboration, and address emerging issues and strategic initiatives.
• Measurement and Insights. Implements tools and processes to assess communications effectiveness, stakeholder sentiment, and brand impact, using insights to refine strategy and ensure continual improvement.
• Team Leadership and Development : Leads, mentors, and develops a high-performing Communications Department. Oversees administrative functions, budget management, and team operations.
• Board and Executive Relations : Serves as a liaison to the Board of Trustees on communication strategy and stakeholder relations, providing strategic counsel to the CEO and Board Chair on organizational reputation, risk, and messaging.

Qualifications :

NCBE welcomes applicants based in the following states : FL, IA, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, MN, NC, NE, NJ, NM, NV, OK, PA, TX, WA, and WI. Although the role may be performed remotely, our preference is for a candidate who can maintain an onsite presence at our Madison, Wisconsin headquarters or is willing to relocate there.

Mission

NCBE promotes fairness, integrity, and best practices in admission to the legal profession for the benefit and protection of the public. We serve admission authorities, courts, the legal education community, and candidates by providing high-quality

EEO Statement

NCBE is proud to be an equal employment opportunity organization. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all applicants and employees.

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