Marketing and Communication Specialist

Title: Marketing and Communications Specialist

Position Type: Contract role(12 months)

Location: Boston, Hybrid (3 days onsite)

Pay rate: $50.35/hr on W2

Work Schedule: 40 hours/week

Interview process: 2 rounds

Top technical & soft skills:

• Strong Writing & Editing for a General Audience
• Proven ability to produce clear, polished communications for non-technical audiences across web, email, newsletters, or UI copy.
• Hands-On Content Execution & Editorial Management
• Experience managing or contributing to editorial calendars and delivering coordinated content across multiple channels in deadline-driven environments.
• Practical Use of AI Tools in Content Workflows
• Demonstrated comfort using AI tools for drafting, editing, summarizing, researching, or optimizing content as part of day-to-day work. AI experience should be applied and practical, not purely conceptual.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration in Complex Organizations
• Experience partnering with subject-matter experts, technical teams, or stakeholders to ensure content accuracy, alignment, and usability. Higher-ed or IT experience is helpful but not required if translation skills are strong.
• Ability to Ramp Quickly & Manage Multiple Priorities
• Proven ability to juggle multiple assignments, adapt to changing needs, and maintain quality.

Position Overview

The Marketing and Communications Specialist plays a key role in the IT Services department at Northeastern University, with responsibility for content strategy and editorial execution across key ITS communication channels. Reporting to the Senior Communications Specialist, this mid-level role plans, manages, and delivers coordinated, high-quality content that supports IT Services priorities, with a strong focus on AI enablement.

A central part of this role is shaping how the university community understands and engages with IT Services offerings, including AI tools and services. The Specialist develops and executes content that explains technologies, use cases, guidance, governance, and value in clear, practical terms for faculty, staff, and students. At the same time, the role maintains a broader content strategy that supports other IT Services initiatives, services, and operational communications.

This position serves as a translator between technical teams and non-technical audiences and is expected to actively use AI tools in their own day-to-day work to improve efficiency, quality, and impact. The ideal candidate brings demonstrated experience planning and maintaining editorial calendars, managing multiple channels, and delivering consistent, audience-focused content in a complex organization.

Key Responsibilities

Content Strategy and Editorial Leadership

• In partnership with team and department leadership, develop and maintain an integrated content strategy for IT Services communications

• Plan, oversee, and execute editorial calendars across ITS channels, including client and the Tech Update newsletter

• Serve as editor of the monthly Tech Update newsletter, managing content planning, stakeholder coordination, editing, and distribution

• Ensure content across channels is coordinated, timely, and aligned with ITS and university priorities

• Balance AI-focused content with broader IT Services communications, including service updates, project launches, governance messaging, and change initiatives

• Advise stakeholders on content opportunities, timing, and channel selection based on audience needs and goals

• Support change management communications related to new or evolving technologies, including AI capabilities

Content Development and Optimization

• Develop content that explains AI tools, use cases, guidance, and responsible use practices in clear, plain language for non-technical audiences

• Write and edit compelling copy for web, email, digital, print, user interfaces, and other channels

• Partner with team members, stakeholders, and leaders in IT and around the university to ensure content is accurate, practical, and aligned with university priorities and brand standards

• Write and edit UI/UX copy for university enterprise applications and systems

• Use data, analytics, and audience feedback to inform content planning and continuous improvement

• Actively use AI tools for drafting, editing, summarization, content optimization, research, and workflow efficiency

Digital Media and Channel Management

• Support and maintain the IT Services web presence, including the ITS website, LinkedIn social, and related digital platforms

• Identify opportunities to use visual, multimedia, and interactive content to support storytelling and education

• Collaborate on the creation of digital creative assets such as graphics, digital signage, video, and animated content

• Monitor performance metrics across digital channels and apply insights to improve engagement and usability

• Stay current on emerging digital, content, and AI communication best practices

Collaboration and Team Contribution

• Serve as a communications partner for IT projects and initiatives, with particular emphasis on AI and emerging technologies

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including IT colleagues, project teams, vendors, and campus partners

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines and quality standards

• Track project progress and report on communication outcomes

• Contribute to the overall creative and strategic direction of ITS communications

• Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to adapt responsibilities as university needs evolve

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in a mid-level communications, marketing, or content role

• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills

• Proven experience planning, maintaining, and executing editorial calendars across multiple channels

• Ability to communicate complex or technical topics clearly and concisely

• Experience developing and executing content strategies and campaigns

• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders

• Experience creating and managing digital content, including web and email

• Familiarity with web content management systems and digital platforms

• Demonstrated interest in and comfort using AI tools in daily work

• Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively in a complex organization

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience communicating about technology, data, analytics, or AI-related topics

• Hands-on experience using AI tools for content creation, editing, research, or design

• Experience with email marketing platforms, analytics tools, or content performance reporting

• Knowledge of UX writing principles and web accessibility standards

• Experience with visual, video, or multimedia storytelling

Personal Qualities

• Curious and proactive learner, especially around emerging technologies and AI

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality

• Strategic thinker who can balance long-term planning with day-to-day execution

• Adaptable and comfortable working in a fast-changing environment

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build trust with stakeholders

• Willingness to experiment, iterate, and improve processes using AI and new tools

Working Environment

The role is hybrid and in the office a minimum of three days a week to facilitate collaboration and teamwork. In-office presence is an essential part of our on-campus culture and allows for engaging directly with staff and students, sharing ideas, and contributing to a dynamic work environment. Being on-site allows for stronger connections, more effective problem-solving, and enhanced team synergy, all of which are key to achieving our collective goals and driving success.