Communications Associate

bphccareers; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Boston Public Health Commission seeks a Communications Associate to advance public health goals by developing and delivering campaigns, press materials, talking points, and multimedia content. You will collaborate with program staff, prepare speakers, and support media relations across multiple channels.

The role involves creating multilingual materials, coordinating with vendors, and maintaining editorial calendars to ensure timely, accurate communications and a strong public health voice for

Qualifications

• Commitment to health equity and racial/social justice.
• Ability to distill complex policies into accessible content.
• Experience writing talking points and prepping speakers.
• Experience producing public-facing graphics and materials.

Responsibilities

• Create engaging public health content across channels.
• Develop proactive communication campaigns with program staff.
• Draft advisories, press releases, talking points, emails, and scripts.
• Produce multilingual flyers and graphics for digital/print.
• Coordinate with vendors to support campaigns and branding.
• Manage project timelines and editorial calendars.
• Prepare staff for interviews and manage media requests.
• Support events, crisis communications, and media relations.
• Maintain the website and contribute to antiracism initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Health equity

Public health learning

Written & verbal communications

Talking points

Graphics creation (Canva)

Adobe Creative Suite

Multitasking & time management

Social media proficiency

Pressure management

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications/public health/public policy

Tools

Canva

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

The Communications Office guides and works closely with BPHC program staff to develop all forms of media and communications deliverables including press releases, messaging, public health campaigns, digital and social media, print materials, audio, video, and more. The Communications Office also develops communication strategy, handles all press requests, and collaborates with other city departments and the Mayor's Office to amplify public health messages, priorities, and policies.

ROLE:

The Communications Associate helps advance BPHC’s goals by supporting all aspects of the Communications Office. This includes working closely with BPHC programs and partners to develop communication campaigns; promote public health messages and programs; and create press releases, prep documents and talking points, graphics, and other materials. The Communications Associate strategically advances public health goals by developing communications for the public, key stakeholders, and the media. The Communications Associate also helps support the Communications Office, assists in project management, and adheres to editorial calendars.

DUTIES:

• Create engaging public health-related content that brings BPHC's voice to important conversations and promotes BPHC programs and services across all communications channels.
• Work closely with BPHC program staff to develop proactive and creative communication campaigns and become an expert in specific initiatives.
• Draft a wide range of communications materials, including advisories, press releases, talking points, promotional materials, web copy, social media copy, emails and newsletters, and video scripts.
• Create dynamic, multilingual materials, including flyers and graphics for digital and print.
• Work closely with communications vendors to support public health campaigns and events and to ensure consistency in branding.
• Create and manage project timelines and workplans, maintain editorial calendars, and keep projects on deadline.
• Prepare staff members for interviews, write press releases and talking points, and help manage media requests.
• Manage communications for events, meetings, and press conferences as needed, including on weekends and evenings.
• Support crisis and emergency response communications, ensuring delivery of timely, accurate information to the press and public.
• Support the production of multimedia and digital projects.
• Help maintain the website to ensure information is up to date.
• Work to help BPHC advance as an antiracist organization by meeting or exceeding the standards set by the BPHC Anti-Racism Policy.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Passionate commitment to health equity and racial/social justice issues.
• Knowledge of or willingness to learn about the role of public health in addressing racism, the social determinants of health, inequities in health outcomes, and strategies to advance racial justice and health equity.
• Bachelor's degree in a communications, public health, or public policy related field; OR equivalent work experience
• One (1) to three (3) years of experience working in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, content creation and management, social media, or other similar positions.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills with experience distilling complex policies and data into engaging, understandable content for diverse audiences.
• Experience writing talking points and preparing speakers for events and interviews.
• Experience writing, creating, and editing graphics and photos on platforms such as Canva and Adobe Creative Suite for public distribution.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and planning skills, able to work on multiple projects at the same time with competing priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills and ability to maintain calm and focus in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work flexible hours including some evenings, weekends, and holidays and attend events across the city.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and to create a welcoming work environment.
• Proficiency in current and emerging social media channels.
• Comfortable working under pressure and strict deadlines.

Preferred or Plus:

• Experience in public health communications.
• Experience in or familiarity with public health, government, and/or health care sectors.
• Experience in community outreach to diverse populations.
• Experience writing press releases and working with press and media relations.
• Experience developing communication campaigns and creating and managing content for advertising campaigns.
• Knowledge of Boston neighborhoods.
• Proficiency in a language other than English.