Associate Of Communications Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Education Secretariat is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves and where collaboration, innovation, and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically. We seek teammates committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.  

Educational Vision of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education: Our educational vision describes the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's (DESE) aspiration for elementary and secondary public education and adult basic education in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This vision is anchored in our commitment to high-quality teaching and learning in the Commonwealth. We will continue to work with districts, schools, and educators to promote teaching and learning that is antiracist, inclusive, multilingual, and multicultural; that values and affirms each and every student and their families; and that creates equitable opportunities and experiences for all students, particularly those who have been historically underserved. For more information on our vision, click here.    

The Associate Commissioner of Communications and Marketing for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education serves as the agency's lead strategist for enterprise communications, marketing, and brand management. This role is responsible for developing and executing an integrated, data-driven communications ecosystem that advances the agency's mission, strengthens public trust, and drives engagement across the Commonwealth's K-12 and adult education system. Leading efforts across paid, owned, earned, and shared media, the Associate Commissioner ensures consistent, accessible, and audience-centered messaging across all organizational units and stakeholder groups, including educators, students, families, policymakers, and the public.

Reporting to the Chief of Staff and advising the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners, the Associate Commissioner translates complex policy and priorities into clear, compelling narratives that inform and inspire action. The role provides strategic oversight of brand stewardship, digital experience, media relations, and creative direction, while establishing performance metrics to measure impact and continuously improve outcomes. In addition, the Associate Commissioner leads and develops a high-performing team, champions accessibility and inclusive communication practices, and represents the agency in high-level internal and external engagements.

In addition, this position represents the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners at meetings when required and appropriate; advises the Commissioner, providing extensive professional assistance, project management and performs highly responsible management work covering a broad range of activities, including the supervision of the Director of Communications, Media Coordinator, Graphic/Motion Designer and Video Production Coordinator. This is a professional position requiring extensive experience with leading communications and/or marketing teams and projects with exceptional analytical and communication skills.

The selected candidate will perform the following duties:

Strategic Communications - Develop and implement agency-wide external communications policies,         ensuring consistent messaging, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and alignment with departmental priorities.

       External Communications- Oversee all external communications including events, department stakeholder messaging, and media relations

       Integrated Marketing and Campaign Strategy - Develop and oversee data-driven, multi-channel marketing campaigns that increase awareness, engagement, and impact across priority initiatives.

       Digital Experience and Content Strategy Lead the agency's digital communications ecosystem, ensuring a user-centered, accessible, and high-performing online presence. Inclusive of new website redesign.

       Creative Direction and Brand Management - Provide strategic oversight of the agency's creative function to ensure high-quality, impactful visual and multimedia communications.

       External Relations and Executive Representation - Represent the Department and support executive engagement with key stakeholders across government and the public.

       Other duties as assigned.

       Based on assignment, travel may be required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The qualified candidate will possess:

Deep knowledge of communications strategy, public relations, and marketing principles, including how to develop and execute integrated campaigns across multiple channels and audiences.

Strong understanding of digital communications, including website management, social media strategy, content marketing, and email communications. Knowledge of brand development and visual identity principles, including how to establish and maintain a coherent brand across a large, complex organization.

Familiarity with government communications, public sector media relations, and the political and regulatory environment in which state agencies operate.

Knowledge of accessibility standards for digital content and a commitment to ensuring communications are inclusive and reach diverse audiences.

Understanding of project management principles sufficient to lead a major initiative such as a website overhaul, including vendor management, timeline development, and cross-functional coordination.

Exceptional written and verbal communications skills, with the ability to write clearly, persuasively, and accurately for a wide range of audiences - from technical reports to public-facing campaign copy to executive-level briefings.

Strong editorial judgment and the ability to translate complex policy and programmatic content into accessible, compelling public communications.

Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and manage a high-performing team of communications professionals across writing, design, digital, and video disciplines.

Skilled in managing multiple high-priority projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Strong visual and design literacy - sufficient to provide informed direction to designers and ensure brand consistency, even if not a hands-on designer.

Proficiency with digital communications tools and platforms, including content management systems, social media management tools, email marketing platforms, and basic web analytics.

Effective relationship-building and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across agency divisions, with the Governor's Office and Secretariat, and with external partners and media.

Sound political judgment and discretion, with the ability to navigate sensitive communications situations and advise senior leadership accordingly.

A minimum of eight to ten years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field, with at least three to five years in a senior leadership role managing a communications team or function.

Demonstrated experience developing and executing multi-channel communications strategies, including digital, print, social media, and earned media.

Experience leading or playing a central role in a website redesign or major digital transformation initiative, including vendor selection, content strategy, and stakeholder coordination.

Experience working in or with government, public sector, or mission-driven organizations is strongly preferred, with an understanding of the unique communications challenges and opportunities in that environment.

A track record of advising and supporting senior executives - including preparing executives for media appearances, drafting public statements, and managing reputational issues.

Experience managing agency or organizational branding, including developing and implementing brand guidelines across a complex organization.

Please include a cover letter and resume with your online application.  

Questions regarding this posting or the application process should be referred to Maureen O'Brien @maureen.t.o'brien@mass.gov

This is a full-time position based at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in Everett, MA.   The position will report to the Everett office 5 days/week.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) six (6) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least two (2) years must have been in a supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience.

II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.

III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience.

IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.