Senior Communications Specialist jobs in Southbridge, MA

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

Under the direction of the Director of Communications, the Communications Specialist assists with day-to-day operations related to the Commission’s communications efforts, develops original, brand-building content, conducts research, and supports other department functions as needed. The ideal candidate is highly self-motivated, detail-oriented and exercises good judgment in a variety of situations with the ability to handle a range of tasks under pressure in a dynamic environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with other staff to support the planning and logistics of large events, such as public meetings, with internal and external stakeholders;

• Support Commissioners and staff in departments across the Commission with projects in but not limited to: Communications, Community Outreach, Government Affairs, Human Resources, Enforcement, and Operations;

• Develop or assist with developing talking points and outreach materials such as fact sheets, posters, brochures, and PowerPoint presentations, for Commission presentations;

• Assist with fielding media inquiries and drafting press releases, advisories, and responses;

• Write and produce material for the Commission’s websites and social media channels;

• Assist staff at Commission and public speaking events, seminars, and trade shows as requested;

• Assist in the collection, management, and production of information for the purpose of analyzing and communicating data, trends, and reporting; and

• Administrative support work as needed, and all other duties as assigned.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain the highest standards of personal, professional, and ethical conduct and support the Commission’s goals for a diverse and culturally aware workforce;

• Manage department equipment;

• Collaborate with other staff to track and promote outreach activities;

• Track all internal creative service requests and ensure communications projects are completed efficiently and timely; and

• Ability to spend approximately 10% of the time out of the office and travelling throughout the state.

SALARY RANGE: $55,000 - $65,000

Benefits Package:

The Commission is pleased to offer a comprehensive benefits package to its employees. The specific components and eligibility may vary based upon position classification, hours worked per week and other variables. Therefore, specific benefits for this position may be discussed as part of the interview and offer process.

This position is non-civil service. This position is a non-exempt position.

The overall benefits available include: paid vacation, sick and personal leave time, health, dental and vision insurance through the Commonwealth’s Group Insurance, and optional pre-tax Health Savings Account plans.

In addition, the Commission provides employees the opportunity to elect life insurance, long term disability insurance, deferred compensation savings, tuition remission and pre-tax commuter account plans, along with other programs.

The Commission employees also participate in the Commonwealth’s State Retirement Plan, which can become a defined benefit plan for those that both vest and subsequently retire from State service. Follow this link for additional retirement information: http://www.mass.gov/treasury/retirement/state-board- of-retire/.

Commitment to Diversity:

The Commission is committed to building a diverse staff across its entire agency and at all levels. The Commission is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Notice of Required Background Check – Including Tax Compliance:

The Commission requires a background check on all prospective employees as a condition of employment.

Candidates should be aware of this requirement but should also know that such background check is not initiated until:

This background check includes a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, Federal IRS and Department of Revenue state tax compliance on all prospective employees as a condition of their employment.

Candidates with advanced degrees and professional licenses may have these credentials verified. Individuals other than those references provided by a candidate may be contacted in the course of completing a full background and qualification check.

Those candidates invited to interview will be contacted by the Commission. Unfortunately, due to the anticipated high volume of applicants for this vacancy, we are unable to provide status updates to specific individuals.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Excellent problem solver and utility player;
• Exceptional character and professionalism;
• Ability to work independently in a rapidly changing environment;
• Excellent oral and written communications skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills and track record of relationship building;
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a fast-paced environment;
• Ability to contribute actively to a work environment that embraces diversity;
• Ability to build constructive working relationships characterized by a high level of acceptance, integrity, cooperation, and mutual regard;
• Ability to accept personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work, and for meeting expectations;

• Ability to seek opportunities to resolve problems, achieve goals, or otherwise advance the Commission’s mission; and
• Ability to work in and travel to the Commission’s offices in Worcester and/or Boston.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree required;
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a high-level administrative position supporting multiple projects and departments;
• Strong administrative and organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office with advanced knowledge of Power Point, Excel, and similar project management tools; and
• Demonstrated excellence in written and verbal communication skills.