Communications Coordinator

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICE PROGRAMS:

The Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) creates and coordinates services that enhance the quality of life for Cambridge residents. Driven by the needs of residents, DHSP’s extensive services and programs touch almost every sector in the city: from newborns to senior citizens, from school-aged children to homeless families, from non-profit organizations to local employers.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The City of Cambridge is seeking a talented and highly motivated Communications Coordinator to join the Department of Human Service Programs. Reporting to the department’s Communications Director, the ideal candidate will be a creative thinker and effective storyteller who is dedicated to equitable and accessible information-sharing and engagement.

Work will primary involve:

Creative and Effective Storytelling: Develop dynamic messaging and communications campaigns that encompass multi-platform communications channels, tailored to effectively engage target audiences.

Writing and Editing: Coordinate with staff across divisions to plan, write, edit, and disseminate content that is conveys key messages and raises awareness about programs, services, and initiatives.

Project Management Support: Support long-term, department-wide communications initiatives. In particular, the ideal candidate will play a critical role in department's website upgrade process.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work with the department’s Communications Director and other staff to build on and execute a department-wide communications and outreach strategy.
• Collaborate with staff across divisions to identify and write content that raises awareness about DHSP’s programs, initiatives, resources, and events.
• Edit, upload, and publish content updates to department website.
• Play a key role in the department’s website upgrade process.
• Develop, schedule, and submit content to publicize on department and City social media platforms.
• Contribute to content development and review of department’s newsletters and email marketing.
• Monitor engagement and deliverables of communications efforts, including the generation of reports and analytics.
• Identify trends and outreach opportunities to optimize performance and reach communications objectives.
• Support the implementation of department-wide and citywide communications workflows. Coordinate with the City’s Communications Office and other staff as needed
• Actively participate in the Department of Human Service Program’s Race and Equity Initiative.
• Perform other communications or administrative duties as required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Experience and Education:

• A bachelor’s degree in English, communications, marketing or a related field.
• Two years of relevant work experience preferred.
• Experience developing content for a variety of print and digital platforms.
• Experience with content management systems. Experience with Sitecore CMS a plus.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, including Microsoft Teams, a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Interest in civic engagement and storytelling through various print and digital platforms.
• Ability to meet deadlines and work both independently and collaboratively; the candidate will be detail-oriented and capable of discussing “big picture” ideas.
• Ability to prioritize and manage simultaneous tasks and projects.
• Ability to communicate with a diverse staff and other City employees in a courteous and professional manner.
• Willingness to learn and implement best practices related to communications and accessibility.
• The City of Cambridge’s workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse. Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS, WORKING CONDITIONS, WORK FLEXIBILITY AND ACCOMODATIONS:

• Work is performed primarily in an indoor shared office setting at 51 Inman St; also involves frequent site visits and/or off-site meetings within Cambridge; normal office exposure to noise, stress and interruptions.
• Ability to travel throughout the City of Cambridge to various sites, events, and meetings.
• Ability to access, input, and retrieve information from a computer. Answer telephones and maintain multiple files.
• This position may be eligible for hybrid work under the City’s Telework Policy depending on operational needs.
• Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.