Communications Specialist

The Massachusetts Historical Society, America’s oldest historical society, is seeking a full time Communications Specialist to work with its Communications team.

Purpose: The Communications Specialist helps promote the Massachusetts Historical Society (MHS), manages and implements its social media strategy, and oversees electronic communications. The position works closely with the Assistant Director of Communications to implement an assortment of communications and marketing activities. The Communications Specialist is focused on creating written and multimedia content, managing the Society’s social media presence and e-mail campaigns, and updating the MHS website with the overall goal of growing our audiences and keeping our supporters engaged. This is the ideal role for someone who is passionate about social media, graphic design, American history, and working collaboratively.

Reporting Relationships: This position reports to the Assistant Director of Communications.

Schedule and Onsite/Offsite Work Expectations: This is a full-time, 35 hour per week position, with most working hours during the Society’s on-site business day. This position works primarily on-site at the MHS’s Boston headquarters, with some remote work possible via discussion with the Assistant Director of Communications. Some flexibility in working hours in the early evenings is required around occasional weekday events. Fully remote work is not available, due to the small size of the Society and other departmental requirements.

All employees of the society are required to reside in New England as a condition of employment.

Major Responsibilities:

• Manages daily administrative tasks to ensure the Communications Department runs smoothly.
• Under the direction of the Assistant Director of Communications, manages the Society’s social media presence by creating compelling content (e.g.: videos, graphics, and brief stories) that can be shared across multiple platforms. Helps oversee social media content generated by other staff members. Assists with developing and managing new social media initiatives to increase engagement.
• Assists with e-communications using Constant Contact and Altru. Creates weekly e-mails promoting MHS news, programs, Member events, and special events. Collaborates with Development and Programming staff on e-communications including appeals, program notifications, program follow-ups, and event promotion.
• Maintains e-mail contact lists and implements procedures to ensure lists are clean. Oversees process to make sure other staff members are following best practices.
• Assists in the promotion of and registration processes for MHS programs, activities, and events.
• Assists in the graphic design and layout of marketing collateral.
• Creates website calendar listings for MHS events (includes Development, Programs, and special events). Updates other website content as needed.
• Helps ensure that all marketing materials adhere to MHS brand guidelines to maintain brand consistency.
• Tracks and reports user engagement for e-communications and social media posts.
• Serves as an occasional back-up for visitor services staff at the front desk, which includes welcoming and assisting guests and researchers, ensuring safety and security of visitors and collections by monitoring software, and answering telephone calls.
• Compliance with the Society’s policies and procedures, including workplace safety and illness prevention, and willingness to model the Society’s mission, vision, and values
• Other duties as assigned, temporarily or permanently

Requirements:

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a relevant professional position
• Experience preferred in a customer service, office, or related setting
• Demonstrated capabilities creating engaging and well-written social media posts
• Knowledge of and demonstrable experience using Adobe Creative Suite software
  • Experience using content management systems to update website
• Experience managing individual and batch email communications
  • Demonstrated experience managing social media content and calendars on a variety of platforms

Skills

• Energetic, flexible, collaborative, and proactive
• Excellent written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and multi-task
• Ability to act on and incorporate feedback
• Interest in American History and the work and mission of the Society
• Ability to evaluate primary source materials and willingness to research
• Ability to be detail-oriented and attentive to accuracy
• Ability to work collaboratively inside an organization
• High level of initiative and creativity
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Office 365, Outlook, Word, and Excel) and the Adobe Creative Suite
• Proficiency in social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), YouTube, Bluesky
• Strong proficiency in managing individual and batch email communications using Constant Contact or equivalent
• Basic knowledge of HTML and working with content management systems
• Interest in and ability to stay up to date on changes in the field, including trends and technical changes
• Basic knowledge of Altru, Raiser’s Edge, or comparable fundraising software is preferred