Communications & Content Specialist

Andover Public Schools; Andover (MA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Andover Public Schools is seeking a Communications & Content Specialist under the direction of the Chief Communications Officer to create clear, engaging content that helps residents understand town happenings and why it matters.

You will develop stories, updates, newsletters, website content, social media posts, and multimedia materials for Andover public channels, translating complex topics into accessible language and supporting public forums and town initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in communications or related field.
• Experience producing written content in journalism, communications, public information, digital media, marketing, or related field.
• Experience creating content for websites, newsletters, social media, digital publications, or other public platforms.
• Experience in journalism, municipal government, public sector communications, or community reporting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Identify, research, write, and edit stories about Town programs, services, employees, events, community developments, and topics of interest to residents.
• Turn ideas into complete stories by sourcing sources, interviewing, and gathering context.
• Translate complex information into clear, accessible language.
• Develop content related to Town meetings, policy matters, initiatives, and upcoming public decisions.
• Collaborate to create photos, graphics, video, and other visual elements for town communications.
• Draft and publish notices about service changes, weather impacts, and public advisories.
• Maintain a communications calendar covering public decisions and events.
• Keep public-facing webpages and resources current for major Town initiatives.

Skills

Writing & Editing

Storytelling

Interviews

Research

Project management

Digital communications

Social media management

CMS proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, digital media, public relations, political science, public administration, or related field

Tools

WordPress

Mailchimp

Social media platforms

Job description

Under the direction of the Chief Communications Officer, the Communications & Content Specialist creates clear, engaging, and useful content that helps residents understand what is happening across the Town of Andover and why it matters.

This position is ideal for a strong writer and communications professional who can recognize a compelling story, ask the right questions, gather information, and turn complex or routine municipal topics into accessible content. The Specialist will create stories, project updates, newsletters, website content, social media posts, public information materials, and multimedia content for the Town’s communications platforms, including Andover46.

Content Development and Storytelling

• Identify, research, write, and edit stories about Town programs, services, employees, events, community developments, and topics of interest to residents.
• Turn initial ideas or limited information into complete and engaging stories by identifying sources, conducting interviews, and gathering relevant context.
• Translate complex, technical, or routine information into clear and accessible language.
• Develop content related to Town Meeting, policy matters, community initiatives, and upcoming public decisions.
• Identify overlooked or underreported stories and recommend opportunities to highlight the Town’s work and impact.
• Exercise sound judgment when determining the appropriate framing, tone, detail, and platform for different topics.

Multimedia and Public Communications

• Create, publish, and adapt content across Andover 46, the Town website, newsletters, social media, and other public channels for different audiences.
• Collaborate with communications staff to develop photography, graphics, video, and other visual elements that strengthen Town communications.
• Capture photographs and create basic graphics or visual content as needed.
• Coordinate with departments and external partners to gather accurate, timely information about Town services, programs, activities, and significant projects.
• Draft and publish timely notices about service changes, closures, weather impacts, seasonal operations, and public advisories.
• Develop frequently asked questions, explainers, and resident guidance based on common questions or areas of confusion.
• Support communications for public forums and neighborhood meetings, including outreach, meeting materials, and follow-up information.
• Maintain a communications calendar covering public decisions, service updates, key projects, seasonal activities, and events.
• Help keep public-facing webpages and resources current for major Town initiatives and projects, including schedules, maps, and status information when appropriate.
• Assist with other communications responsibilities as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, digital media, public relations, political science, public administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Professional experience producing written content in journalism, communications, public information, digital media, marketing, or a related field.
• Experience creating content for websites, newsletters, social media, digital publications, or other public platforms.
• Experience in journalism, municipal government, public sector communications, or community reporting is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent writing and editing skills, including the ability to make complex or routine subjects clear, accurate, and engaging.
• Strong editorial judgment and the ability to recognize a potential story, identify sources, conduct interviews, and independently develop publishable content.
• Understanding of digital communications and how content should be adapted for different platforms and audiences.
• Strong research, fact checking, proofreading, organizational, and project management skills.
• Familiarity with website content management systems, email marketing platforms, social media, and digital publishing tools.
• Photography, graphic design, video, or other multimedia skills are preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and work collaboratively with employees throughout the organization.
• Sound judgment, initiative, attention to detail, and the ability to manage sensitive or time sensitive information.

Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for public meetings, community events, and time sensitive updates. Regular field work may be required to report on Town projects, programs, events, and neighborhood impacts.