Massachusetts Education Jobs

The Education Secretariat is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves, where collaboration, innovation, and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically. We seek teammates who are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment, where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education provides leadership, oversight, funding, support, and accountability for the Commonwealth's approximately 400 school districts that educate close to 1 million public school children each year. We also oversee programs that serve 20,000 adult learners each year. Our work is guided by five strategic priorities and the commissioner's Our Way Forward plan. The Office of Communication and Planning oversees internal and external communications for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This includes all media inquiries and direct contact with k-12 education community, members of the Board of Elementary and Secondary, and the general public. The Communication Specialist is responsible for development and writing a variety of communication pieces to a broad audience to ensure that the Department’s message is accurately and effectively portrayed in the local, state, national media and beyond. Key Responsibilities: The selected candidate will: * Handle all inquiries from the media and manage the Department’s responses; * Provide primary support to the Office of the Commissioner around state and local media outreach and news monitoring; * Develop and write effective communications for external audiences; * Prepare briefing documents, correspondence, and other communication materials for the Commissioner’s Office; * Draft op-ed’s, press releases, talking points, and other communication materials,including the Commissioner’s weekly update and other newsletters to the education community; * Gather content from other agency centers/offices and assist in the development of key communication materials related to their work; * Produce and edit content for the Department’s website, including targeted communications around key initiatives and programs; * Develop relationships internally and externally with key stakeholders to effectively convey the Department’s core mission and work; * Perform other duties as assigned. * Based on assignment, travel throughout the Commonwealth is required. * Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Experience: Below are characteristics we will look for in the selection process. We recognize that the depth of each individually and the balance of all of them collectively may vary from candidate to candidate and, as such, we encourage applications from individuals with a range of backgrounds, experiences, and skills. * At least four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in media relations or public relations as a writer, reporter, or journalist; * Excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as strong organizational skills; * Strong understanding of media relations and the ability to make well-informed decisions; * Expertise in using virtual communication technologies; * Intermediate to advanced knowledge and skills with Microsoft Office applications; * Ability to collect, understand, present, analyze and interpret data accurately and objectively; * Demonstrated success in managing multiple tasks under strict deadlines; and demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative environment as well as work independently with minimal supervision: * Must have a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communication, public relations, or related field; * Travelwithin state and/or out of state may be required: * Supervisory experience: * Superior project management skills; * Ability to effectively manage varied projects while balancing multiple and competing priorities; * Experience working with a range of diverse stakeholders and tailoring approach and communications to successfully meet project goals and timelines; * Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to establish rapport, motivate, and maintain positive and productive relationships with colleagues and clients from diverse backgrounds; * Ability to process and assimilate detailed factual information presented orally or in writing; * Demonstrated attentiveness to detailed tasks and a record of accomplishing such tasks without direct supervision; * Ability to exercise sound judgment; * Ability to work with confidential information and maintain the highest level of confidentiality; * Knowledge of state and federal education laws and the culture, organization, and structures of schools and districts; and * Strong computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook *Please include a cover letter and resume with your online application. Questions regarding this posting or the application process should be referred to Maureen O’Brien @ maureen.t.o’brien@mass.gov This position is based at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in Malden. Staff are currently operating within a hybrid model, telecommuting up to three days per week. 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: Education *Organization: Department of Elementary and Secondary Education *Title: *Media and Communications Specialist Location: Massachusetts-Malden - 75 Pleasant Street Requisition ID: 230004TW