IT Writer and Communications Specialist

ACL Digital; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 92,000 - 129,000; Part time

Job summary

ACL Digital seeks an IT Writer and Communications Specialist to translate complex technology changes into clear, accessible messaging for thousands of university users. You will lead multi-channel campaigns, develop training materials, and align stakeholders across IT projects and leadership teams.

You will collaborate with project teams to anticipate user concerns, craft messaging, and drive adoption of new systems and processes in a dynamic university setting.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in marketing, communications, or related field, preferably in higher education, technology, or organizational change environments
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to adapt messaging for different audiences
• Strong technical aptitude with ability to quickly understand complex systems, processes, and technical concepts
• Project collaboration experience with demonstrated ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams including technical staff, project managers, and various stakeholders
• Change communication experience or strong interest in helping organizations navigate transitions
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills including collaborative features in Word, SharePoint, Excel, Teams, and Outlook
• Self-directed work style with strong project management abilities and attention to detail
• Adaptability in fast-paced, changing environments with shifting priorities

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive communication plans for IT projects that guide stakeholders through system changes, process updates, and technology implementations
• Collaborate with technical teams, project managers, leadership, and business stakeholders to understand project impacts on different user groups
• Create targeted messaging that explains what's changing, why it's changing, how it affects you, and what you need to do for various stakeholder segments
• Design and execute multi-channel communication campaigns to support organizational change initiatives
• Translate technical concepts, system requirements, and process changes into language appropriate for diverse audiences
• Develop training materials, quick reference guides, FAQs, and other resources that help users adapt to new systems and processes
• Create informational and educational content that drives user engagement and adoption of new technologies
• Partner with IT project teams to understand technical requirements, timelines, and user impacts throughout project lifecycles
• Participate in project planning meetings to provide communications expertise and identify potential user concerns early
• Monitor communication effectiveness through user feedback, adoption metrics, and other data sources
• Stay current on change management best practices and emerging communication technologies
• Counsel leadership on communication strategies for complex or sensitive technology changes

Skills

Strong written communication

Verbal communication

Project collaboration

Change communication

Microsoft Office

Self-directed work style

Adaptability

Empathy

Tools

WordPress

Contentful

SharePoint

Excel

Teams

Outlook

Job description

Duration: 12 weeks with potential to extend (3 Months Contract)

Job Summary

Information Technology Services (ITS) is seeking a dynamic IT Writer and Communications Specialist to drive digital transformation forward. In this pivotal role, you'll be the strategic communications leader who transforms complex technology changes into compelling narratives that inspire and empower university community. You'll craft communication strategies that don't just inform—they guide, educate, and motivate thousands of faculty, staff, and students through major system implementations and process innovations, both big and small.

As our communications bridge between technical teams and end users, you'll translate intricate technical concepts into powerful, accessible messaging that resonates across diverse audiences. You'll collaborate at the highest levels with IT project teams, university leadership, and key business stakeholders to anticipate challenges, shape perceptions, and orchestrate communication campaigns that ensure successful technology adoption and organizational change.

Key Responsibilities

Change Communication and Stakeholder Engagement (40%)

• Develop comprehensive communication plans for IT projects that guide stakeholders through system changes, process updates, and technology implementations
• Collaborate with technical teams, project managers, leadership, and business stakeholders to understand project impacts on different user groups
• Create targeted messaging that explains "what's changing," "why it's changing," "how it affects you," and "what you need to do" for various stakeholder segments
• Design and execute multi-channel communication campaigns to support organizational change initiatives

Content Development and Technical Translation (35%)

• Write and edit compelling, accessible content for web, email, digital signage, print, user interfaces, and other communication channels
• Translate technical concepts, system requirements, and process changes into language appropriate for diverse audiences (faculty, staff, students, administrators)
• Develop training materials, quick reference guides, FAQs, and other resources that help users adapt to new systems and processes
• Create informational and educational content that drives user engagement and adoption of new technologies

Cross-Functional Collaboration and Project Support (20%)

• Partner with IT project teams to understand technical requirements, timelines, and user impacts throughout project lifecycles
• Participate in project planning meetings to provide communications expertise and identify potential user concerns early

Strategic Communication and Continuous Improvement (5%)

• Contribute to overall IT communications strategy and help identify opportunities to improve change communication processes
• Monitor communication effectiveness through user feedback, adoption metrics, and other data sources
• Stay current on change management best practices and emerging communication technologies
• Counsel leadership on communication strategies for complex or sensitive technology changes

Required Qualifications

• Substantial experience in marketing, communications, or related field, preferably in higher education, technology, or organizational change environments
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to adapt messaging for different audiences
• Strong technical aptitude with ability to quickly understand complex systems, processes, and technical concepts
• Project collaboration experience with demonstrated ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams including technical staff, project managers, and various stakeholders
• Change communication experience or strong interest in helping organizations and individuals navigate transitions
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills including collaborative features in Word, SharePoint, Excel, Teams, and Outlook
• Self-directed work style with strong project management abilities and attention to detail
• Adaptability in fast-paced, changing environments with shifting priorities

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ITIL processes, change management frameworks, or IT service management
• Proficiency with content management systems (WordPress, Contentful, or similar)
• Familiarity with user experience (UX) principles and user-centered design thinking
• Experience creating multimedia content (graphics, video, interactive materials)
• Knowledge of web accessibility standards and inclusive design practices
• Data analysis skills for measuring communication effectiveness and user engagement
• Experience in complex organizational environments or higher education settings

AI and Technology Fluency

• Curiosity and openness to exploring AI-powered tools for content creation, editing, optimization, and distribution
• Interest in leveraging technology to enhance communication processes and user experiences
• Willingness to experiment with emerging communication technologies and platforms
• Understanding that AI literacy is increasingly important in modern communications roles

Personal Qualities

• Strong problem-solving mind-set with ability to anticipate user concerns and communication challenges
• Empathetic approach to understanding how change impacts different user groups
• Collaborative leadership style with ability to influence without direct authority
• Resilience and flexibility when projects shift or timelines change
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development
• Customer service orientation with focus on user success