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Media and Communications Specialist The Education Secretariat is committed to equity and values 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. TheMassachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education(DESE)provides leadership, oversight, funding, support, and accountability for the Commonwealth's approximately 400 school districts that educate close to 1 million public schoolchildren each year. We also oversee programs that serve 20,000 adult learners each year. Our work is guided by ourEducational Visionthat seeks to ensure that: • All students are known and valued; • Learning experiences are relevant, real-world, and interactive; and • Individualized supports enable students to excel at grade level (or beyond). The communication and planning team, as part of theCommissioner’s Office, oversees internal and external communications for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. This includes all media inquiries and direct contact with the K-12 education community, members of the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the general public. The Media and Communication Specialist is responsible for developing and writing a variety of communications for different audiences to convey DESE’s message accurately and effectively to local, state, and national audiences. Key Responsibilities: The selected candidate will: • Assistthe communications director in responding to inquiries from the media, including records requests, and proactively reach out to the media when needed. • Help the Commissioner’s Office monitor and share news coverage with relevant staff. • Write or proofread effective communications for internal and external audiences. The communications may include briefing documents, correspondence, press releases, talking points, theCommissioner's Weekly Update, messages to districts and external stakeholders, communications for other offices within DESE, content for DESE’s website, documents for the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, and other materials. • Support other administrative tasks in the Commissioner’s Office as needed. • 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 or journalist; • Excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as strong organizational skills; • A strong understanding of media relations and the ability to make well-informed decisions; • Expertise in using remote communication technologies; • The ability to process and assimilate detailed information presented orally or in writing; • The ability to collect, understand, present, analyze and interpret data accurately and objectively; • Demonstrated success in managing multiple tasks under strict deadlines; • Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative environment and to work independently with minimal supervision: • The ability to effectively manage varied projects while balancing competing priorities; • Experience working with a range of diverse stakeholders and tailoring approaches and communications to suit different audiences; • Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to establish a rapport, motivate, and maintain positive and productive relationships with colleagues and clients from diverse backgrounds; • Demonstrated attentiveness to detailed tasks; • Sound judgment; • The 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 Everett. 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! *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: Administrative Services *Organization: Department of Elementary and Secondary Education *Title: *Media and Communications Specialist Location: Massachusetts-Everett- 135 Santilli Highway Requisition ID: 240007PJ