Digital Communications Director
City of Boston · Boston, MA
- On site
- Full-time
- $110,000 / year
- Boston, MA
Job highlights
- Lead digital team for Mayor's Office.
- Develop and execute digital strategy.
- Manage social media channels and content.
- Collaborate with city departments.
- Require advanced creative software knowledge.
About the role
Digital Communications Director
Overview
The Mayor's Office is looking for an experienced, innovative, and thoughtful Digital Communications Director to shape the brand and voice of Mayor Michelle Wu and lead the Mayor's Digital Team. The Digital Communications Director will drive the strategy and production of all digital communications, including social media, online engagement, video, branding, and design. As a senior leader on the communications team, the Director is responsible for working across the Mayor's Office and City departments to create, develop, and manage digital communications aligned with Mayor Wu's priorities and the City of Boston's values. The ideal candidate must work effectively and efficiently alongside a diverse team of municipal leaders to execute a successful, engaging, and integrated digital communications effort.Responsibilities
- Supervise and lead a robust team of digital media strategists and creatives, including social media strategists, photographers, videographers, and graphic designers operating at senior and junior levels.
- Ensure the highest standard of quality for all content and achieve consistent success and growth across Mayor Wu’s social media channels, including Instagram, TikTok, Bluesky, Facebook, YouTube, and Reddit.
- Work closely with the Chief of Communications and the Mayor to set high-level goals and strategy in alignment with the administration’s priorities and policies.
- Direct an innovative, authentic, values-driven social media strategy that elevates our presence with dynamic content that aims to engage all of Boston’s residents.
- Provide constructive feedback, final edits, and approvals on social copy, graphics, and videos.
- Develop and drive an effective social media calendar delivering content reflective of the work of the Mayor and City departments.
- Partner with City departments on short- and long- term digital communication projects that engage, help, inform, educate, and entertain Boston residents.
- Represent the Digital Team in internal and external meetings and drive strategy across the City of Boston aligned with the Mayor’s priorities.
Minimum Entrance Qualifications
- Six (6) years of experience working in digital communications, including social media and/or online marketing, preferably with a focus on progressive government and/or campaign communications. A bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred and may be substituted for two (2) years of experience. A master’s degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of required experience.
- Advanced knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, specifically: Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, and After Effects, or comparable professional creative software.
- At least two (2) years of experience supervising creative, digital, and/or communications teams, building and providing constructive feedback on graphic design, video production, and platform strategy, and with a leadership style focused on worker growth and development.
- Admin-end mastery of social media platforms, specifically: Instagram, TikTok, Bluesky, Facebook, YouTube, and Reddit.
- Experience in monitoring and interpreting social media engagement and analytics informs digital strategy.
- Knowledgeable of different constituent groups and neighborhoods across the City of Boston.
- Familiarity with growing and enforcing brand guidelines.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and navigate rapid-response situations, including availability on evenings and weekends as needed.
- Strong oral and written communication skills, with experience working closely with and understanding the voice of a single principal.
- Detail-oriented and deadline-oriented, with strong organizational and planning skills. Multilingual preferred.
- Experience with managing projects, deadlines, calendars, and short- and long-term communications timelines.
- Experience with photography and video recording equipment, such as DSLR cameras, lenses, tripods, microphones, gimbals, and more, is preferred.
Boston Residency Required
Terms:
- Union/Salary Plan/Grade: Non-Union/MM2-11
- Hours per week: 35
Key skills/competency
- Digital Communications Strategy
- Social Media Management
- Team Leadership
- Content Creation
- Video Production
- Graphic Design
- Brand Management
- Public Relations
- Project Management
- Stakeholder Engagement
Skills & topics
- Digital Communications Director
- Social Media Strategy
- Content Creation
- Team Leadership
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Government Communications
- Public Relations
- Video Production
- Graphic Design
- Boston
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight experience in progressive government or campaign communications and digital strategy leadership.
- Showcase your portfolio: Include examples of successful social media campaigns, content creation, and team supervision.
- Demonstrate Adobe Suite skills: Emphasize proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, and After Effects in your application.
- Prepare for interviews: Be ready to discuss your experience leading creative teams and managing rapid-response communications.
Technical preparation
Master Adobe Creative Suite applications.,Become proficient with all listed social platforms.,Learn to analyze social media analytics.,Familiarize with DSLR camera equipment.
Behavioral questions
Describe leading a creative team.,How do you handle rapid response?,Explain your experience with brand guidelines.,How do you align communication with priorities?
Frequently asked questions
- What is the primary responsibility of the Digital Communications Director for the City of Boston?
- The Digital Communications Director is responsible for shaping the brand and voice of Mayor Michelle Wu, leading the Mayor's Digital Team, and driving the strategy and production of all digital communications, including social media, online engagement, video, branding, and design.
- What social media platforms does the Digital Communications Director manage?
- The Digital Communications Director manages and oversees growth on platforms including Instagram, TikTok, Bluesky, Facebook, YouTube, and Reddit.
- What are the required technical skills for the Digital Communications Director role?
- Advanced knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, After Effects) or comparable software is required, along with admin-end mastery of major social media platforms and experience with social media analytics.
- Does the City of Boston require residency for this role?
- Yes, Boston residency is required for the Digital Communications Director position.
- What kind of team will the Digital Communications Director lead?
- The Digital Communications Director will supervise and lead a team of digital media strategists and creatives, including social media strategists, photographers, videographers, and graphic designers.
- Is experience in government or campaign communications preferred for this role?
- Yes, experience in digital communications, particularly with a focus on progressive government or campaign communications, is preferred.
- What is the expected level of leadership experience required for the Digital Communications Director?
- At least two years of experience supervising creative, digital, or communications teams is required, with a leadership style focused on worker growth and development.
- Are there any specific software requirements beyond Adobe Creative Suite?
- While Adobe Creative Suite is preferred, comparable professional creative software experience is also acceptable. Mastery of social media platforms is also essential.