Company: Massachusetts Health Policy Commission

Job description:

The Massachusetts Health Policy Commission (HPC) seeks an exceptional Communications Director to develop and facilitate a multi-channel communications strategy based on agency priorities and in collaboration with executive leadership. This is an opportunity for a motivated individual with a dedication to public service and a deep understanding of health care policy to support the HPC’s mission to advance a more transparent, accountable, and equitable health care system in the Commonwealth.  

Reporting to the Chief of Staff, the Communications Director serves as the official spokesperson for the agency, working closely with senior leaders and staff across the organization, as well as the HPC’s Board of Commissioners. This candidate will join a dynamic team to develop strategic communications, support public meetings and events, produce digital, recorded, and print content highlighting the important work of the agency, and build and maintain relationships with media contacts and key agency stakeholders.

Candidates for this position should demonstrate outstanding communication, interpersonal, leadership, and strategic planning skills, in addition to experience and understanding in health policy. A strong candidate will have prior experience developing and implementing a comprehensive, health policy communication strategy and brand.

Duties of this position may include but are not limited to:

  • Develop and facilitate the implementation of a multi-channel communications strategy, including comprehensive long-term and short-term strategic communications and media strategies, in collaboration with executive leadership.
  • Serve as chief agency spokesperson. Develop contacts and establish strong working relationships with members of the media.
  • Represent the agency with members of the media at in-person and virtual public meetings, including the facilitation of media availabilities when appropriate.
  • Manage media relations and provide timely information and responses to all inquiries.
  • Advise agency leadership on media relations and public affairs and provide timely and effective guidance on sensitive issues.
  • Draft and coordinate written communications materials such as press releases, social media posts, briefing documents, talking points, public presentations, official website content and fact sheets for public meetings and other events and engagements.
  • Formulate policies, procedures, and plans for the effective development and implementation of a comprehensive, agency-wide communication program and brand.
  • Identify gaps in agency communications plans and develop strategies to address needs.
  • Establish and maintain relationships with health policy stakeholders, subject matter experts, external groups and organizations, communities, and others to align initiatives and messaging.
  • Coordinate with inter-agency partners and stakeholders to ensure agency communications are received.
  • Monitor stakeholder websites, newsletters, and social media to find opportunities for promotion and dissemination of agency information and objectives.
  • Support the planning and communications elements of public-facing agency events and meetings.
  • Support the creation of digital, video, audio, and print content for the agency.

Minimum Entrance Requirement:

Applicants must have at least (A) eight years of full-time or equivalent part-time, professional, or professional internship experience in a related field, such as Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.

Substitutions:

  1. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.
  2. An Associate’s degree in a related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.
  3. A Bachelor’s degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.
  4. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 8+ years of progressively responsible experience in communications, media relations, or public relations, preferably in public health, health care, or a community health organization.
  • Exceptional writing skills, with the demonstrated ability to write persuasively on a wide variety of topics and to adapt for a range of audiences and platforms.
  • Demonstrated experience with health care policy and knowledge of the Massachusetts landscape.
  • Excellent leadership and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively, persuasively, and tactfully.
  • Ability to quickly adapt to change and demonstrate flexibility to a variety of schedules and hours to meet communication needs.
  • Ability to take initiative and work independently, as well as to function as a collaborative team member.
  • Exceptional organizational and time-management skills, and the ability to be flexible in prioritizing tasks.
  • Strong project management skills, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, assignments, and initiatives simultaneously.
  • Knowledge and experience working with media outlets and journalists in Massachusetts, with a proven track record of successfully pitching stories and securing media coverage on a range of issues related to health care or public policy.
  • Ability to build and maintain professional and cooperative working relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, media members, elected officials, and the general public.
  • Technical and digital experience with diverse platforms including web and social media.
  • Proficient usage of Microsoft Office Suite, as well as Zoom.

Experience working in a public department or agency will be strongly considered. Salary is commensurate with experience. The HPC may adjust title and responsibilities depending on the experience, education, and expertise of the individual selected.   

The HPC requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as detailed in the HPC’s COVD-19 Vaccination Policy. Individuals may request an exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons.  

The primary location for this position is in Boston, Massachusetts. The HPC operates in a hybrid workplace model with employees working remotely for part of the week and flexible scheduling options available. While the interview process will primarily be conducted virtually, in-office time is required for onboarding and ongoing employment.

Total Compensation:  

As employees of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, all HPC staff are offered excellent career and personal benefits. The state’s total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits which should be considered toward overall compensation, including:  

  • 12 paid holidays per year and generous sick, vacation, and personal time  
  • 12 weeks minimum paid parental leave for the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child
  • 75% state paid medical insurance premium  
  • Reasonable health, dental, and vision plans offered through the Group Insurance Commission  
  • Flexible Spending Account and Dependent Care Assistance programs  
  • Low-cost basic and optional life insurance  
  • Retirement Savings: State Employees’ Pension and a Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan
  • Tuition benefit for employee and spouse at state colleges and universities  
  • Extended sick leave program participation  
  • Professional development and continuing education opportunities  
  • Qualified employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program  
  • Generous commuting assistance program for public transit and bikeshare

Our Commitment:  

The HPC is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal employment opportunity. We recognize that diversity in the workplace is a source of strength, vital to its ability to effectively advance its mission. The HPC is committed to:  

  • Actively promoting diversity in our workforce, including greater racial and ethnic diversity, at all levels of the organization;  
  • Fostering a work environment in which all employees are inspired to do their best, strengthened by their different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences;  
  • Ensuring that no employee’s growth, achievement, or advancement is hindered because of race, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, genetic information, gender identity, pregnancy, veteran status, or disability;  
  • Holding ourselves to a high standard of inclusion and opportunity that will serve as a model for other public and private employers throughout the Commonwealth;  
  • Promoting our core values of equal opportunity, equal justice, and inclusion in HPC actions and initiatives.  

Apply: https://massachusettshealthpolicycommission.applytojob.com/apply/SfpvIZXESf/Communications-Director

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