Community and Government Relations Assistant

WGBH; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 51,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

On-site two days per week

Job summary

GBH is seeking a Community and Government Relations Assistant to support outreach with community organizations, government stakeholders, and audiences in the region. Reporting to the Community and Government Relations Manager, the role emphasizes administrative support, event coordination, and collaborative teamwork.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, service-oriented, and committed to equitable community engagement, including GBH’s preschool through school-age initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience preferred.
• 2–4 years of administrative support, event coordination, community engagement, or related experience.
• Experience coordinating multiple projects, events, schedules, or stakeholder activities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Support planning and execution of community engagement programs.
• Coordinate logistics for events at GBH Studio and other venues.
• Welcome and direct inquiries from community members and partners.
• Assist in planning family and school-age audience activities.
• Maintain records of partnerships, events, and stakeholder contacts.
• Support government and community relation activities, including meetings.
• Conduct basic research on community issues and public policy developments.
• Coordinate meetings for the Community Advisory Board.
• Assist with department operations and special projects.
• Support on-site events with children and families to ensure safety.

Skills

Record keeping

MS Office

CRM systems

Communication skills

Organization

Social media

Photo basics

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Databases

CRM systems

Event platforms

MS Excel

Job description

GBH enriches people's lives through programs and services that educate, inspire, and entertain, fostering citizenship and culture, the joy of learning, and the power of diverse perspectives. At GBH, we believe in the advantages of coming together to build community, mentor and learn from colleagues, and connect more deeply with our mission. As a result, the majority of our staff are hybrid and work both from home and onsite. Our current hybrid approach requires staff to work onsite a minimum of two days each week, every Tuesday and Wednesday, Hybrid staff are also welcome to come in additional days each week or may be asked to come in on other days by their manager.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Government and Community Relations team, part of GBH's Marketing and Communications Department, advances GBH's mission by building and sustaining strategic relationships with government officials, public agencies, community organizations, civic leaders, and key external stakeholders. The team serves as a critical bridge between GBH and the communities it serves, leading outreach, advocacy, and engagement efforts that strengthen public trust, expand community impact, and elevate awareness of GBH's programs, services, and public media mission. Through collaboration, stakeholder engagement, partnership development, and government relations activities, the department helps ensure GBH remains responsive to community needs, informed by public interests, and well-positioned to advance its organizational priorities and service to audiences across the region.

JOB OVERVIEW

The Community and Government Relations Assistant supports GBH's efforts to foster meaningful connections with community organizations, public institutions, government stakeholders, and audiences across the region. Reporting to the Community and Government Relations Manager, this role provides essential administrative and operational support that enables effective community engagement, public outreach, and relationship-building initiatives. The ideal candidate is highly organized, service-oriented, and collaborative, with a commitment to creating positive experiences for internal and external stakeholders. A significant part of this position also supports family- and youth-focused engagement efforts connected to GBH's children's programming, helping create positive and inclusive experiences for preschool through school-age children, their caregivers, and community partners. Through supporting the day-to-day operations of the Community and Government Relations function, this position helps advance GBH's mission and strengthen its role as a trusted public media organization and community partner.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the planning and execution of community engagement programs, events, and activities that advance GBH's mission and strengthen relationships with the communities it serves.
• Coordinate logistics for events and programs at GBH Studio at the Boston Public Library and other community venues, including scheduling, room setup, guest support, and operational readiness and programming.
• Serve as a welcoming point of contact for community members, event attendees, partners, and stakeholders by responding to inquiries and directing requests to the appropriate teams.
• Assist in the planning and delivery of family and school-age audience engagement activities connected to GBH's children's programming, educational initiatives, and community partnerships.
• Maintain accurate records, databases, and tracking tools related to community partnerships, event participation, engagement activities, and stakeholder contacts.
• Provide administrative support for government and community relations activities, including scheduling meetings, preparing materials, tracking action items, and coordinating logistics for special initiatives.
• Conduct basic research and gather information on community issues, public policy developments, and stakeholder activities to support departmental planning and reporting.
• Support the Community Advisory Board (CAB) and other stakeholder groups by coordinating meeting logistics, preparing materials, and assisting with communications and follow-up activities.
• Assist with department operations by maintaining supplies, coordinating resources, processing administrative requests, and supporting special projects, including scholarship and community recognition programs.
• Support on-site event activities involving children and families by helping ensure a welcoming, safe, age-appropriate, and engaging environment for participants.

SKILL SET

• Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate records, track information, and manage administrative processes with attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other standard business applications; experience with databases, CRM systems, or event management platforms preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with community members, partners, government representatives, and internal stakeholders.
• Proven organizational, problem-solving, and time management skills, with the ability to work independently while managing competing priorities.
• Social media and some basic photography skills.
• Experience working with, supporting, or engaging preschool and school-age children and their families through educational, community, youth development, library, museum, media, or related programs.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent Work Experience Coursework in communications, marketing, public relations, event management, public administration, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 2-4 years of related experience in administrative support, event coordination, community engagement, customer service, marketing, communications, or a similar support role.
• Experience coordinating multiple projects, events, schedules, or stakeholder activities in a fast-paced environment.

JOB SPECIFICS

Staff Location: This position requires regular on-site presence at both the GBH Studio located in the Boston Public Library (Copley) and GBH's offices at Guest Street in Brighton. Flexibility to work at both locations is required.

LOCATION

• One Guest Street, Brighton AND BPL Copley Square

SALARY RANGE

• $50,820 - $66,975 Compensation offered within this range is determined by skills, experience and internal pay equity.

EEO

GBH is an equal opportunity employer. The community and audience we serve are diverse, and we wish to foster that diversity in our workplace. Toward that end, GBH does not discriminate against individuals in hiring, employment, or promotion based on race, religion, color, sex/gender, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship, disability, veteran or military status, political belief, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICATION PROCESS ASSISTANCE

GBH will reasonably accommodate applicants with disabilities who need adjustments to participate in the application or interview process. To initiate an accommodation request, contact the Human Resource department by sending an email to [e-mail] or by calling 617-300-2000.