Massachusetts Jobs

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is seeking a dynamic and innovative professional who will lead DPH’s communication, branding, and marketing strategies via news/print media, social media, social marketing and health promotion. The role will support the communication needs of the agency through development and execution of communication plans with clear priorities and proactive initiatives including strategies and talking points on key issues. Our ideal candidate flourishes in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment. We are seeking an individual who excels at project management and can take ideas and develop work plans, collaborate with other staff members, subject matter experts, and direct projects through launch. To be successful in this role, the Director of Communications is analytical, strategic, and a big-picture thinker, with a proven ability to understand complex ideas and articulate them clearly and concisely in a digestible way, using anecdotes and analogies. The incumbent is diplomatic, able to understand and appreciate policy/politics and use sound judgment in messages addressing the Commonwealth, especially in the event of public health emergencies. The DPH Office of Communications manages (1) a wide range of statewide and national media requests including public record requests; (2) award winning health communications campaigns; (3) ethnic media and translation services; (4) DPH website and social media; (5) development of communication and risk communication messages; and (6) writing, editing and presentation support for the Commissioner and senior leaders. _Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):_ * Develop and facilitate an overarching strategic communications strategy and message based on agency priorities and core public health needs in collaboration with the Commissioner. * Supervise DPH communications team which includes media relations team and health marketing team. * Manage and approve all internal/external communications as needed or requested for departments including press releases, social media marketing, blogs, communication updates to staff, and presentations for external meetings. * Formulate policies, procedures, and plans for the effective development and implementation of a comprehensive, agency-wide communication program and brand. * Collaborate with the Office of Emergency Preparedness and Management and DPH Bureaus, such as the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Science, and the Bureau of Environmental Health, during public health emergencies. * Oversee RFQ process led by Health Marketing and provide budgetary authority for all health and social marketing initiatives, exercise oversight and final approval of all awarded health communication contracts. * Establish relationships and synergies with subject matter experts, external groups, organizations, individual influencers, local communities, and other stakeholders to align initiatives and message. * Identify gaps in agency/department risk communication plans, developing a plan to meet those needs, and the ability to implement them during an emergency. * Partner with other agencies within the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) to ensure the communication needs of at-risk populations in accordance with Risk Communication Planning and Emergency Response. * Manage communications for sensitive change management issues and DPH priorities with EOHHS communications staff. * Provide supervision and support to staff through timely feedback and facilitate the ability to achieve highest level of professional growth, performance, and career advancement. * Lead team meetings, establishing short-term and long-range goals, and provide adequate resources to meet team and departmental objectives. _Preferred Qualifications_: * 8 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, media relations, or public relations, preferably in public health, healthcare industry or a community health organization. * Master’s degree in Health Communications, Marketing, Communications, Journalism or related field. * Strong track record as an implementer, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, assignments, and initiatives simultaneously. * Excellent self-leadership and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to interact and coach others effectively, persuasively, and tactfully. * Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations, and at-risk populations (elderly, the disabled, non-English speaking persons, and other persons that require additional assistance during an emergency). * Ability to quickly adapt to change and demonstrate flexibility to a variety of schedules and hours to meet communication needs. * Exceptional writing skills, with the demonstrated ability to write persuasively on a wide variety of topics and to adapt for a range of audiences. * Exceptional organizational and time-management skills. * Familiarity with change management processes or have knowledge of change management principles. * Ability to communicate effectively and maintain professional and cooperative work relationships with employees, stakeholders, news media, elected officials and the general public. * Leadership skills with the ability to build a unified, skilled, and effective team. * Technical and digital experience with diverse platforms including web and social media. * Proficient usage of Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams and Outlook. _About the Department of Public Health:_ The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to prevent illness, injury, and premature death, to assure access to high quality public health and health care services, and to promote wellness and health equity for all people in the Commonwealth. We envision a Commonwealth in which all people enjoy optimal health. Massachusetts ranks among the healthiest of states according to comparative analyses, but we face numerous challenges, including chronic and infectious disease, substance abuse, violence, preventable hospitalizations, and health disparities. DPH coordinates programs and policies to address specific diseases and conditions and offer services to address the needs of vulnerable populations. We also develop, implement, promote, and enforce regulations and policies to assure that the conditions under which people live are most conducive to health and enable people to make healthy choices for themselves and their families. We license health professionals, healthcare facilities and a variety of businesses that impact public health. We operate the state laboratory and four public health hospitals. We monitor health status and manage vital records including births, marriages and deaths. We educate people about public health issues and work closely with local boards of health and community partners to identify and solve public health problems. /Learn more about our important work:/http://www.mass.gov/dph *Pre-Hire Process:* A tax & background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Human Resources Division prior to the candidate being hired. Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website. If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form For questions regarding this requisition, please contact Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510- 4122 Ext. #2. 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 project management, 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! Executive Order #595:As a condition of employment, successful applicants will be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination or an approved exemption as of their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment. Applicants who receive an offer of employment who can provide documentation that the vaccine is medically contraindicated or who object to vaccination due to a sincerely held religious belief may make a request for exemption. 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. *Job: Administrative Services *Organization: Department of Public Health *Title: *Director of Communications Location: Massachusetts-Boston-250 Washington Street Requisition ID: 230002VQ