Director of Communications and Community Engagement

ABOUT THE ROLE: 

The Director of Communications and Community Engagement is responsible for overseeing the Mayor’s Office’s communications and community engagement efforts, with a focus on increasing visibility, accessibility, and meaningful connection between the Mayor and Cambridge community members. Reporting to the Chief of Staff, this role manages external messaging and engagement strategies while serving as a key liaison between the Mayor’s Office and the community.

Responsibilities include developing and overseeing communications across digital, print, and in-person channels; creating public-facing content; managing social media and digital communications; supporting press relations and speechwriting efforts; and planning and coordinating community outreach initiatives and events

This position works closely with other team members to identify emerging community concerns, coordinate cross-functional communications strategies, and ensure messaging is timely, inclusive, and aligned with the Mayor’s priorities. Success in this role requires strong communication skills, creativity, and a deep commitment to public service and community engagement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Develop and implement the Mayor’s Office communications and community engagement strategy.
• Produce and oversee public-facing content, including social media, newsletters, and website content.
• Manage the Mayor’s social media channels, content calendar, and engagement analytics to inform outreach strategies.
• Coordinate and support the Mayor’s community engagement initiatives, forums, panels, public events, and external appearances.
• Provide support for speechwriting, press releases, and media coordination as needed.
• Collaborate with the Executive Assistant on scheduling, logistics, and dissemination of approved communications.
• Support constituent services and outreach efforts as needed in coordination with the Director of Constituent Services.
• Represent the Mayor at community meetings, events, and functions, including evenings and weekends when necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Mayor or Chief of Staff.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree and 2–3 years of professional experience in communications, community engagement, outreach, or a related field; demonstrated experience managing professional social media accounts and creating original, audience-centered content; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential duties of the job.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent copywriting and editing skills for clear, compelling public-facing communications.
• Strong interpersonal and presentation skills; comfort with public speaking and representing the Office in community settings preferred.
• Proficiency in Canva and other digital tools for developing creative, professional, and audience-focused social media and communications content.
• Experience planning, coordinating, or supporting community outreach initiatives and events.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality as required.
• Excellent organizational skills; able to prioritize competing responsibilities and multitask effectively.
• Highly adaptable with demonstrated sensitivity to working with diverse populations.
• Photography and videography skills preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with Smartsheet or similar systems preferred.
• Familiarity with the Cambridge community or municipal government preferred.
• Cambridge is a diverse city representing many languages and cultures; multilingual proficiency is preferred.

The City of Cambridge's workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse. Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES:

All team members in the Mayor’s Office are expected to demonstrate:

• Strong work ethic and ownership: Takes pride in work, approaches tasks proactively, and enjoys meaningful work.
• Team orientation and positivity: Collaborates seamlessly, brings optimism and good humor to the workplace.
• Communication and attention to detail: Communicates clearly, both verbally and in writing, and ensures accuracy in all tasks.
• Adaptability and multitasking: Manages competing priorities effectively while maintaining focus and quality.
• Commitment to values: Upholds the Office’s principles, including equity, service, and inclusivity, cultural competency.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is conducted primarily in a standard office environment which includes fluorescent lighting, air conditioning, computers, and other standard office equipment, The position is 100% in-office. Remote work is not available.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  Work requires the ability to access, input, and retrieve information from a computer. Ability to read and analyze large quantities of information. Ability to travel back and forth from office locations.

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS:

• Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Vacation and Sick leave eligible.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• Sick Incentive Pay Eligible.
• 3 Personal days.
• 14 Paid Holidays.
• Management Allowance, $2,700/year.
• City employee commuter benefits (T-Pass reimbursement Bluebikes membership, EZRide Shuttle membership.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

Please upload the following documents to complete your application:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS:

• Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Vacation and Sick leave eligible.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• Sick Incentive Pay Eligible.
• 3 Personal days.
• 14 Paid Holidays.
• Management Allowance, $2,700/year.
• City employee commuter benefits (T-Pass reimbursement Bluebikes membership, EZRide Shuttle membership.