Marketing and Communication Specialist

Overview

As the Marketing and Communication Specialist for the Boston Parks and Recreation Department’s External Affairs Division, you will play a pivotal role in driving community engagement in capital and planning projects, public awareness of the department’s open space stewardship mission, and participation in recreational and cultural programs and events. Reporting directly to the Director of External Affairs, you will be responsible for executing aspects of marketing, communications, and public information. This includes assisting with traditional and digital marketing strategies, social media management, website updates, email campaigns, media relations, and serving as the primary point person for constituent inquiries. The incumbent will act as the department's marketing point of contact or communication liaison. The position requires a dynamic individual with a creative mindset, strong organizational skills, and a passion for civic engagement.

Responsibilities

Marketing and Communications Strategy:

• Develop and implement comprehensive marketing strategies to promote Parks and Recreation announcements, programs, events, properties, and facilities.
• Maintain a consistent brand voice and messaging across all communication channels.
• As part of a small internal content team, consisting of a graphic designer and this role (marketing communications specialist), drive project management and prioritize initiatives.
• Alongside the department’s graphic designer, evangelize the City of Boston and Parks Department brand to colleagues.
• Assist with writing the annual communications plans, marketing campaign roadmaps, and social media toolkits.
• Manage the department’s editorial calendar and content/asset libraries.
  
  

Digital Communications

• Manage and update the department's website with current information, schedules, and promotional content.
• Oversee various social media platforms, creating engaging content, monitoring trends, and interacting with the community.
• Execute targeted email campaigns and the department’s monthly email newsletter.
  
  

Media Relations

• Write and distribute press releases and media advisories on department initiatives, programs, and events; collect and disseminate clips.
• Foster positive relationships with local media outlets and coordinate media coverage of key events.
• Act as the primary contact for media inquiries and interviews.
• Pitch stories, answer media inquiries, and draft holding statements.
• Monitor trends to seize publicity opportunities and get ahead of issues.
  
  

Content Creation And Publishing

• Generate creative and informative content for various communication channels: the department’s earned, owned, and social platforms.
• Play a key role within a distributed social media team: program managers, as subject matter experts, contribute program-specific content, while this position focuses on managing generalized departmental content.
• Project manage print publications, including the annual report and Parks Summer Guide, coordinating with internal teams and external vendors to ensure timely and high-quality production.
• Create photographic and short-form, platform-first video content, specifically Instagram Reels and Stories.
  
  

External Communications

• Serve as the department's Public Information Officer, providing accurate and timely information to community members.
• Address constituent concerns, feedback, and inquiries in a professional and customer-focused manner.
• Draft on-message briefs, talking points, decks, attributed quotes, and remarks for departmental leadership.
• Under the direction of the Director of External Affairs and Marketing, fulfill routine public records requests.
  
  

Event Coordination

• Attend and support events to capture content for promotional use.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to coordinate marketing efforts for special events, major announcements, and community programs.
• Coordinate logistics and provide staffing support for press conferences and announcements.
  
  

Analytics And Reporting

• Monitor and analyze the effectiveness of marketing campaigns through data and analytics.
• Provide regular reports on key performance indicators and make recommendations for improvement.
• Provide daily updates to the Mayor’s Press Office.
• Performs related duties as required
  
  

Minimum Entrance Qualifications

• Applicants must have at least two (2) years of full-time or equivalent part-time experience in marketing, communications, or a related field.
• High school diploma required; Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field preferred.
• Proven experience in marketing and communications, preferably in a municipal or community-focused environment.
• Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to deliver basic but functional multimedia packages, photography, and short-form video content.
• Proficiency in digital marketing, social media management, and website content creation.
• Ability to learn various organizational software platforms including but not limited to Google Office Suite, cloud-based graphic design, social media scheduling, content management systems, email marketing, public records management, and more.
• Ability to think creatively and generate ideas for content that is engaging and compelling to audiences.
• Demonstrate a commitment to achieving departmental goals through a diligent and conscientious work ethic.
• Exhibit a proactive approach, taking the initiative to ensure successful outcomes.
• Strive for excellence in all tasks and consistently meet deadlines with a strong sense of responsibility and accountability.
• Adapt seamlessly to dynamic work environments and shifting priorities.
• Embrace change with a positive attitude, demonstrating the ability to pivot swiftly and efficiently in response to evolving circumstances.
• Remain open-minded and responsive to feedback, fostering a collaborative and agile approach to achieving organizational objectives.
• Demonstrate understanding of ways in which the Parks Department contributes to Mayor Wu’s efforts in making Boston the greenest, most equitable, and family-friendly city in the US through sustainable and community-focused practices.
• Performs related duties as required
  
  

CORI Check Required.

Boston Residency Required.

Terms

Union/Salary Plan/AFSCME Grade: RA 15

Hours per week: 35