MDCS Communications Manager

DescriptionWorking in coordination with the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development’s Director of Communications, the Communications Manager leads the development, coordination, and delivery of clear, consistent, and mission aligned communications across the organization. This role oversees strategic messaging, internal and external communications, digital content, and stakeholder engagement to ensure that staff, partners, and the public receive timely, accurate, and accessible information. The Communications Manager works closely with senior leadership to advance organizational priorities, strengthen brand identity, and support systemwide alignment.The Communications Manager will also help guide the organization through changes. In this role, assist people to understand, navigate, and embrace new ways of working—whether the change involves processes, technologies, structures, or culture. Design and deliver clear communication strategies, build alignment across audiences, and support leaders driving successful, sustainable transformation.Key Job Responsibilities:Strategic CommunicationsDevelop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy that supports organizational goals, initiatives, and priorities.Develops, interprets, and recommends communications policies, standards, and guidance to ensure consistent, accurate, and compliant messaging across the organization.Evaluates emerging issues, legislative and regulatory changes, and organizational priorities to determine appropriate communications strategies and policy direction.Ensure aligned messaging with EOLWD as appropriate.Ensure consistent messaging across all platforms, materials, and audiences.Provide strategic counsel to leadership on communications opportunities, risks, and emerging issues.Lead internal messaging to support staff alignment, organizational updates, and change management.Produce clear, timely communications for leadership, including announcements, talking points, and briefing materials.Maintain communication channels that support transparency, engagement, and information flow across teams.Manage public‑facing communications, including press releases, newsletters, website content, and social media.Strengthen relationships with external partners, stakeholders, and media outlets.Support public events, presentations, and outreach efforts with high‑quality materials and messaging. Content Development and Brand StewardshipOversee creation of written, digital, and visual content that reflects the organization’s mission and voice.Ensure brand consistency across all communications, templates, and collateral.Review and edit materials produced by staff to ensure clarity, accuracy, and accessibility. Leadership, Data, Evaluation, and Continuous ImprovementManage communications workflows, timelines, and priorities to ensure timely delivery of high‑quality products.Coordinate cross‑functional communications efforts with program, policy, and operations teams.Supervise communications staff or contractors as needed.Monitor engagement metrics and audience feedback to refine communications strategies.Identify opportunities to improve communication processes, tools, and platforms.Maintain awareness of best practices in public sector and workforce communications.Event PlanningCoordinate with EOLWD Comms to develop, plan, and execute on MDCS events. This will also include working with career centers and workforce boards.Building Infrastructure and Long-Term Capacity Lead strategic communications and change‑management efforts by developing clear, audience‑focused messaging that explains the purpose, impact, and expectations of organizational changes.Partner with leaders, managers, and cross‑functional teams to align messaging, support adoption, and prepare employees for transitions.Conduct change impact assessments and translate insights into communication plans, engagement strategies, and readiness activities.Oversee internal communications strategy, editorial direction, and content development to ensure clarity, consistency, and alignment with organizational values and goals.Coordinate messaging across channels, events, and leadership platforms, ensuring information is timely, relevant, and connected to the broader organizational narrative.Monitor communication effectiveness, gather feedback, and refine strategies to strengthen employee understanding, engagement, and culture.Build strong relationships across the organization to anticipate communication needs, support crisis response, and maintain awareness of trends that inform internal messaging.Support the operation of the Office of Workforce Innovation and MassHire Innovation Project as requested.Experience NeededExperience needed for this role centers on strong communication expertise, strategic judgment, and the ability to operate effectively in a complex, fast‑moving environment. The position requires a solid foundation in communications or related fields, with advanced writing, editing, and storytelling skills that make complex information accessible to diverse audiences.Candidates need demonstrated experience managing multi‑channel communications, leading projects, and collaborating with leaders, staff, and external partners. Technical proficiency with digital tools, analytics platforms, and content management systems is essential, along with the ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to changing circumstances. Strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and familiarity with public sector or workforce development environments further strengthen readiness for the role.These requirements are not intended to substitute for additional skills required by state law for positions at this level.QualificationsMINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:Applicants must have at least (A) five (5) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least one (1) year must have been in a project management, supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.Substitutions:I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience.II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience.IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience.Comprehensive BenefitsWhen you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.Job Field: Administrative ServicesOrganization: Department of Workforce DevelopmentSchedule: Full-timeShift: Day