Massachusetts Creative Jobs

The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) is the independent state agency that enforces the Commonwealth’s anti-discrimination laws (M.G.L Ch. 151B), to fulfill its mission of “eradicating discrimination in the Commonwealth, is seeking a motivated individual with the passion of protecting civil rights to be its Press Secretary, Communications Coordinator and Legislative Liaison. ThePress Secretary, Communications Coordinator, and Legislative Liaisonplays a critical role in strengthening and expanding the Commission’s communications, outreach, marketing and legislative initiatives. This position leads and supports key outreach projects and initiatives, including developing and executing the Commission’s internal and external communications plan, including: online and media presence, publications, and the Commission’s legislative communications strategy. The position supports essential communications tasks from the Executive Director and Commissioners including responding to time-sensitive responses and requests for information, planning and organizing public events, writing and reviewing press releases, and responding to media requests. This position reports to the Executive Director. DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES * Promote the MCAD’s work to engage new and existing audiences, in coordination with the Executive Director; * Assist with the implementation of a comprehensive, strategic communications plans to advance the MCAD’s programs and practices, stakeholder engagement and other initiatives, using the most up-to-date communications means and best practices; * Implement best practices for social media strategies to support MCAD’s communication goals; * Maintain and oversee the agency’s website and its content, responsible for maintaining and updating webpages to reflect the current laws, policies, initiatives, and practices at the MCAD. * Create engaging content for use on MCAD’s webpage, social media platforms and manage, track, and report social media performance; * Lead the development of advertising and public awareness campaigns that align with the agency’s goals and objectives * Measure, report, and improve performance of outreach, awareness and engagement goals * Research, develop, author, and promote a variety of internal/external communication materials including but not limited to press releases, letters, fact sheets, web articles, and other materials; * Responsible for the creation and development of MCAD publications, and other products, including but not limited to creating the MCAD’s Annual Report, maintaining the agency’s internal e-newsletter (Civil Writes), manuals, presentations, reports, and other materials; * Assist with drafting and reviewing press releases, media advisories, and other products for engaging with the news media; * Respond to requests for information from internal and external stakeholders, coordinating with MCAD staff as needed. Including the managing, monitoring and responding to messages in the MCAD’s general inbox; * Respond to constituent concerns and assist with communications from students, stakeholders and the general public. * Work with the agency Records Access Officer to respond to public requests for information from government agencies, businesses, advocacy groups, and other associations. * Act as Press contact for the agency:Maintain professional communications with members of the media, including responding to press inquiries, drafting media releases, and pitching stories; * Leads the planning, preparation, and logistics management of public events and conferences, including the coordination of briefing materials and collaboration on relevant documents, as needed; * Oversee coordination of media events, including scheduling press availability and interviews with Authorized MCAD staff and Commissioners; * Prepares staff for public speaking events and media engagements, advise staff about effective communications practices, and ensure that consistent messaging is communicated to key audiences and partners; * Act as the agency’s Legislative liaison. Duties include corresponding with Massachusetts elected officials, and their staff, relative to the MCAD and its process; * Legislative duties also include assisting the Executive Director and Commissioners in outreach to legislators, including drafting correspondence and assisting in scheduling meetings; * Assist in the posting and notification of MCAD open meetings, maintain all open meeting documents on the agency’s webpage; set up and run public meetings. * Collaborate cross-functionally with department heads to advance Communications plan * All other related duties as assigned. OTHER DUTIES: * Provide editorial input to staff, as requested Preferred Qualifications * 3 years relevant communications and work experience; * Experience implementing communications plans and strategies for a range of audiences; * Ability to assess coworker and stakeholder needs, develop initiatives to meet identified needs, and work independently to guide and implement the needed initiatives; * Strong writing and editing skills; able to write effectively for a variety of stakeholder audiences. * Experience in Website Design and Maintenance; * Experience creating content for various social media platforms (e.g. Twitter, Instagram, Facebook). Familiarity with managing and tracking social media performance to inform social media strategies; * Experience writing editorials, press releases, public remarks, web pages, blogs, social media posts, and other content; * Experience coordinating content from various writers, editing pieces, and ensuring a consistent voice; * Familiarity with public affairs work, such as drafting press releases, public affairs and outreach event coordination, briefing leadership level staff, and developing talking points or speeches for leadership staff; * Media relations experience, including crisis communications; * Experience with Legislative affairs; * Knowledge of Massachusetts State Government; * Lived commitment to the mission and values of the MCAD * Experience using Adobe Creative Suite or similar design software * Experience with website Content Management Systems * Ability to work independently and as part of cross-functional teams, with the capacity to plan and prioritize tasks appropriately; * Ability to advance multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment; * Ability to motivate and mobilize others to complete joint projects and reach shared goals; * Proficient usage of Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook; * Ability to establish positive relationships and deal tactfully with others; * Ability to adjust to varying or changing situations to meet emergency or changing program requirements; * Ability to exercise sound judgment; * Ability to exercise discretion in handling confidential information. A cover letter addressed to Michael Memmolo, Interim Executive Director, and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached “as relevant” to the requisition. * First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) three years of full time, or equivalent part-time, professional, administrative or managerial experience in business administration, business management or public administration the major duties of which involved program management, program administration, program coordination, program planning and/or program analysis, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. Substitutions: I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the-required experience. II. A Graduate degree with a major in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for the required experience.* III. A Bachelor's or higher degree with a major other than in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required experience.* Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed. _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: Commission Against Discrimination *Title: *Press Secretary, Communications Coordinator, and Legislative Liaison Location: Massachusetts-Boston-1 Ashburton Place Requisition ID: 230005IZ