Communications Specialist

City of Boston Residency Required

Mission Statement

The mission of the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) is to work in partnership with communities to protect and promote the health and well-being of all Boston residents, especially those impacted by racism and systemic inequities. The BPHC sets an expectation that all staff and leadership commit, individually and as part of the BPHC team, to hold ourselves accountable to establishing a culture of anti-racism and advance racial equity and justice through each of our bureaus, programs, and offices.

Job Description

The Communications Office guides and works closely with BPHC program staff to develop all forms of media and communications deliverables including press releases, messaging, public health campaigns, digital and social media, print materials, audio, video, and more. The Communications Office also develops communication strategy, handles all press requests, and collaborates with other city departments and the Mayor's Office to amplify public health messages, priorities, and policies.

ROLE:

The Communications Specialist helps advance BPHC's goals by supporting all aspects of the Communications Office. This includes working closely with BPHC programs and partners to develop communication campaigns; promote public health messages and programs; and create press releases, prep documents and talking points, graphics, and other materials. The Communications Specialist strategically advances public health goals by developing communications for the public, key stakeholders, and the media. The Communications Specialist also helps support the Communications Office, leads in project management, and adheres to editorial calendars.

DUTIES:

• Create engaging public health-related content that brings BPHC's voice to important conversations and promotes BPHC programs and services across all communications channels.
• Work closely with BPHC program staff to develop proactive and creative communication campaigns and become an expert in specific initiatives.
• Draft a wide range of communications materials, including advisories, press releases, talking points, promotional materials, web copy, social media copy, emails and newsletters, and video scripts.
• Create dynamic, multilingual materials, including flyers and graphics for digital and print.
• Work closely with communications vendors to support public health campaigns and events and to ensure consistency in branding.
• Create and manage project timelines and workplans, maintain editorial calendars, and keep projects on deadline.
• Lead on assigned projects, including campaigns, press events, and initiatives with little oversight
• Prepare staff members for interviews, write press releases and talking points, and help manage media requests.
• Manage communications for events, meetings, and press conferences as needed, including on weekends and evenings.
• Manage press and media relations with little oversight
• Support crisis and emergency response communications, ensuring delivery of timely, accurate information to the press and public.
• Support the production of multimedia and digital projects.
• Help maintain the website to ensure information is up to date.
• Work to help BPHC advance as an antiracist organization by meeting or exceeding the standards set by the BPHC Anti-Racism Policy.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Passionate commitment to health equity and racial/social justice issues.
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn about the role of public health in addressing racism, the social determinants of health, inequities in health outcomes, and strategies to advance racial justice and health equity.
• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public health, or public policy related field; OR equivalent work experience
• Two (2) to five (5) years of full-time experience working in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, content creation and management, social media, or other similar positions.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills with experience distilling complex policies and data into engaging, understandable content for diverse audiences.
• Experience writing talking points and preparing speakers for events and interviews
• Experience writing press releases and working with press and media relations.
• Experience writing, creating, and editing graphics and photos on platforms such as Canva and Adobe Creative Suite for public distribution
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and planning skills, able to work on multiple projects at the same time with competing priorities
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills and ability to maintain calm and focus in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work flexible hours including some evenings, weekends, and holidays and attend events across the city.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to create a welcoming work
• Proficiency in current and emerging social media
• Comfortable working under pressure and strict deadlines.

Preferred or Plus:

• Experience developing communication campaigns and creating and managing content for advertising campaigns
• Experience managing professional social media accounts
• Proficiency in a language other than English
• Knowledge of Boston neighborhoods
• Experience in community outreach to diverse populations
• Experience in public health communications
• Experience in or familiarity with public health, government, and/or health care sectors

Additional Information

• City of Boston residency is required; Allston, Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Brighton, Charlestown, Chinatown, Dorchester, Downtown, East Boston, Fenway-Kenmore, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, Mid-Dorchester, Mission Hill, North End, Roslindale, Roxbury, South Boston, South End, West End, West Roxbury, Wharf district.
• A Criminal Offenders Records Information request must be completed for this position. However, a record is not an automatic bar to employment but is reviewed in relation to the job applied for.
• Certain immunizations will be recommended and/or required prior to commencement of employment duties.
• Any position that requires an advanced degree will be subject to education verification.
• Certain positions at the BPHC may be Grant Funded.
• The Boston Public Health Commission is an EEO Employer and all applicants meeting the minimum requirements are eligible to apply.
• Certain positions at the BPHC may require Child Protective Service Background verification.
• The advertised shift and schedule are subject to change at the department's discretion.

Shift

Mon- Fri 35 hours per week.

Expectation of some evenings and weekends, particularly during periods of high need and for staff coverage.

Pay Range

70,000 - $80,000