Massachusetts Jobs

The communication and planning team, as part of the Commissioner?s Office, oversees internal and external communications for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This includes all media inquiries and direct contact with the K-12 education community, members of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the general public. The Media and Communication Specialist is responsible for developing and writing a variety of communications for different audiences to convey DESE?s message accurately and effectively to local, state, and national audiences. Key Responsibilities: The selected candidate will: ? Assist the communications director in responding to inquiries from the media, including records requests, and proactively reach out to the media when needed. ? Help the Commissioner?s Office monitor and share news coverage with relevant staff. ? Write or proofread effective communications for internal and external audiences. The communications may include briefing documents, correspondence, press releases, talking points, the Commissioner\'s Weekly Update, messages to districts and external stakeholders, communications for other offices within DESE, content for DESE?s website, documents for the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, and other materials. ? Support other administrative tasks in the Commissioner?s Office as needed. ? Perform other duties as assigned. ? Based on assignment, travel throughout the Commonwealth is required. Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Experience: Below are characteristics we will look for in the selection process. We recognize that the depth of each individually and the balance of all of them collectively may vary from candidate to candidate and, as such, we encourage applications from individuals with a range of backgrounds, experiences, and skills. ? At least four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in media relations or public relations as a writer or journalist; ? Excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as strong organizational skills; ? A strong understanding of media relations and the ability to make well-informed decisions; ? Expertise in using remote communication technologies; ? The ability to process and assimilate detailed information presented orally or in writing; ? The ability to collect, understand, present, analyze and interpret data accurately and objectively; ? Demonstrated success in managing multiple tasks under strict deadlines; ? Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative environment and to work independently with minimal supervision: ? The ability to effectively manage varied projects while balancing competing priorities; ? Experience working with a range of diverse stakeholders and tailoring approaches and communications to suit different audiences; ? Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to establish a rapport, motivate, and maintain positive and productive relationships with colleagues and clients from diverse backgrounds; ? Demonstrated attentiveness to detailed tasks; ? Sound judgment; ? The ability to work with confidential information and maintain the highest level of confidentiality; ? Knowledge of state and federal education laws and the culture, organization, and structures of schools and districts; and ? Strong computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. 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. Full job description: https://massanf.taleo.net/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=240007PJ&tz=GMT-04%3A00&tzname=America%2FNew_York