Duties:
The Communications Specialist serves as the official spokesperson for the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). The incumbent executes all aspects of communications throughout the state about DHCD’s mission, policies and priorities to the media, as well as to other internal and external constituencies. He/she coordinates their activities with the Communications Offices of the Secretary and of the Governor on all matters.Duties also include speechwriting, preparation of magazine articles, editorial pieces for publication in major newspapers and periodicals through the Commonwealth, planning and execution of public events involving DHCD, EOHED or the Governor’s Office, and preparation of briefing documents for the Undersecretary, Secretary or Governor’s Office as needed. Incumbent will have access to confidential material/information that must be safeguarded at all times.
Detailed Statement of Duties and Responsibilities
1. Oversee the communication activities of the Office of the Undersecretary. .Proactively control the quality and flow of information for the Divisions of Public Housing and Rental Assistance, Housing Development, Community Services and Housing Stabilization to the Undersecretary, the Secretary and the Governor’s Office.
2. Prepare drafts of remarks, speeches, talking points and press releases, as requested by the Undersecretary, Secretary, or Governor’s Office.
3 Coordinate all activities with the Secretary’s and Governor’s communications staff on matters related to DHCD.
4. Prepare internal and external documents for the Department, including managing the homepage on the DHCD website, maintaining social media accounts, preparing the daily press update, the weekly calendar, and the quarterly newsletter.
5. Ensure a consistent message and coordinate responses to media or stakeholder inquiries.
6. Assist in developing strategies to promote a positive understanding of DHCD programs and initiatives by working with DHCD staff in crafting messages that are effective for consumers.
7. Monitor various media outlets to identify DHCD stories and reports, and to recommend appropriate responses.
8. Initiate contact with the media to relay information about topics of interest to the agency’s agenda.
9. Review web content for DHCD with respect to public messaging around housing-related matters.
10. Other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) two 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 or higher degree with a major in business administration, business management or public administration may be substituted for the required experience.*
II. 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.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's license may be required.
Preferred Qualifications:
1. It is preferred that candidate have experience in public relations, journalism, or government relations.
2. A premium is placed on social media skills.
For directions to apply, contact career@mountida.edu.
