Communications Manager

The Opportunity

The Communications Manager supports the development and execution of MSEF’s messaging and communications strategy, ensuring alignment with the organization’s programmatic, operational, and fundraising priorities. Reporting to the Program Director, this role is responsible for shaping clear, compelling narratives that reflect the full scope of MSEF’s impact, partnerships, and statewide reach.

The Communications Manager also serves as a central connector - linking audiences, ideas, and opportunities across the organization. This includes strengthening MSEF’s presence across key sectors such as education, corporate, and policy, while deepening student engagement through meaningful connections to content, networks, and experiences.

Each year, thousands of Massachusetts students explore original research questions - from climate science to biomedical engineering - through science fair projects. This role brings those stories to life while creating stronger pathways for students, schools, industry, and academia to engage with MSEF.

MSEF is a small, fully remote organization where team members collaborate closely across functions. Candidates must be based in Massachusetts.

Key Responsibilities

Communications

Develop and execute MSEF’s communications strategy and core messaging across channels.

• • Help refine and maintain MSEF’s core messaging framework (“why we exist”)
  • Ensure consistency, clarity, and alignment of all communications
  • Partner with Program and Development teams to support communications tied to fundraising, partnerships, and program initiatives
  • Manage key communications, including newsletters (general and educator), social media, impact reports, and school recruitment materials
  • Develop and manage a strategic communications calendar to align outreach across the organization

Content Development & Management

Develop, organize, and deploy content that communicates MSEF’s impact and value.

• • Craft narratives that connect student experiences, program outcomes, and organizational impact
  • Develop tailored materials for key stakeholders (funders, schools, teachers, volunteers, corporate partners, and alumni) supporting recruitment, fundraising, and engagement (e.g., posters, social assets, short videos)
  • Build and maintain organized content libraries (stories, images, and assets) for use across channels
  • Source and share compelling stories and insights, including student highlights, sponsor-aligned content, and key organizational milestones
  • Use stories and data to highlight MSEF’s role in STEM education, workforce development, and the innovation ecosystem
  • Support development of blog posts, op-eds, and other thought leadership content (potential growth opportunity)

Community Building & Engagement

Build communication systems and relationships that expand participation, strengthen networks, and increase long-term engagement.

• • Develop judge recruitment campaigns for regional and state Fairs, engaging sponsors, alumni, and professional networks
  • Cultivate relationships with STEM organizations, affinity groups, and partners to grow volunteer and funding opportunities, as well as mentorship and resources for students
  • Ensure funders and other partners are recognized, informed of their impact, and engaged as active supporters and ambassadors
  • Identify and track engagement metrics to measure success and inform strategy

Success in This Role Looks Like

• • A clear and consistent organizational communications strategy and calendar
  • Increased sponsor, school, and teacher retention
  • Growth in new school onboarding with sustained engagement over time
  • Formalized and effective judge recruitment campaigns
  • Expanded visibility across education, industry, and policy sectors
  • Stronger student engagement through improved connectivity and opportunities
  • Regular trend analysis to inform strategy

Are You a Good Fit?

• • You are a clear and thoughtful communicator
  • You are a natural connector and systems thinker
  • You are a strong relationship builder who enjoys working with diverse stakeholders
  • You are organized, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple priorities
  • You love a good plan and action items and you’re comfortable creating processes to keep things organized
  • You’re comfortable with experimentation and being flexible
  • You enjoy both independent work and collaboration
  • You believe all students can find a place in STEM

What’s Needed to Succeed

• • Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Experience supporting communications channels (e.g., newsletters, social media, websites)
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and timelines in a dynamic environment
  • Experience creating digital and visual content
  • Facility with Microsoft Office software, Google, and other digital tools (e.g. Hootsuite, Constant Contact) and experience with databases and organizational systems
  • Strong organizational and systems-building skills
  • Experience working with diverse and underrepresented student populations in STEM
  • Ability to work remotely (in Massachusetts) as part of a collaborative team
  • A driver’s license and willingness to travel within Massachusetts
  • Comfort contributing across functions in a small organization

We recognize that no candidate will meet every qualification. If your experience aligns with many of these areas, we encourage you to apply.

MSEF is a small non-profit with a rich history and strong links to education, industry and academia. This position will be one of 6 staff. MSEF does not have an office and operates as a remote organization. All candidates must be amenable to working remotely. Given local events, meetings, and relationship building, candidates must be based in Massachusetts.

MSEF is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a culturally diverse, equitable, and inclusive team. We encourage applicants from a broad spectrum of backgrounds to apply.

Please see application requirements below, which include a writing sample. This should answer one of the following questions (no longer than 500 words):

• Tell us about a time you built a communications plan, project, or strategy from scratch. What problem were you solving, what was your strategy built around, and how did you measure success?
• Give an example of a time you had to adjust your messaging after realizing it wasn’t resonating with the audience. Share the specifics of the messaging, what happened, and how you responded.