COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING SPECIALIST

COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING SPECIALIST The City of Worcester is seeking qualified applicants for a Communications and Marketing Specialist for the Division of Public Health within the Department of Health and Human Services. Under the direction of the Commissioner of Health and Human Services, this position provides advanced communications, branding, and outreach support to the City of Worcester’s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The role develops and executes strategic marketing and communications initiatives that elevate the department’s visibility, strengthen public trust, and support growth in programs, budget, and community impact. The Communications and Marketing Specialist serves as a key storyteller for HHS, translating complex public health information into clear, compelling, and culturally responsive messaging for internal and external audiences. The position oversees day‑to‑day communication operations, including media relations, digital content, website management, and social media engagement. It collaborates closely with department leadership, City departments, and community partners to promote public health initiatives, events, services, and data‑informed priorities. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing and communications plan aligned with HHS’ mission, strategic priorities, and growth goals. Strengthen and maintain the department’s brand identity through consistent messaging, visual standards, and storytelling across all platforms. Maintain relationships with local and regional media outlets, journalists, and community media partners. Regularly track media news, articles, and updates directly and indirectly related to health and services locally, regionally, and nationally. Manage and regularly update the department’s website content, ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and timely dissemination of public health information. Create, schedule, and manage engaging content for social media and digital platforms; monitor trends and respond as appropriate. Draft and edit newsletters, press releases, public engagement talking points, website content, and brochures to raise awareness of agency programs. Utilize digital analytics and engagement metrics to evaluate communications effectiveness and refine strategies. Develop culturally competent outreach materials tailored to Worcester’s diverse communities and priority populations. Support community engagement campaigns that promote public health initiatives, programs, events, and services. Collaborate with internal programs, City departments, coalitions, and community partners to coordinate messaging, outreach, plan events, and programs. Support internal communications, including staff updates, newsletters, presentations, and tools that enhance collaboration and information sharing. Assist with communications related to public health emergencies, advisories, and time‑sensitive issues. Maintain project timelines, content calendars, and documentation related to communications initiatives. Perform other duties as assigned. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Knowledge of public health principles, including health equity, social determinants of health, and health disparities. Knowledge of strategic communications, branding, and media relations practices. Knowledge of digital communications platforms and analytics tools. Ability to translate complex public health information into clear, accessible messaging for diverse audiences. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines. Ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams and external partners. Ability to exercise sound judgment in media and public‑facing communications. Excellent written, oral, and visual communication skills. Strong organizational and time‑management skills. Strong analytical skills related to audience engagement and communications impact. Regular onsite attendance is required. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Bachelor’s degree in communications, public health, marketing, public relations, public administration, journalism, or a related field. Or an equivalent combination of education, training and five (5) years of relevant experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Three (3) years of professional experience in marketing, communications, or a related field. Experience developing and executing communications strategies. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Experience working with digital platforms, social media, and content management systems. Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Master’s degree in communications, public health, marketing, public relations, public administration, journalism, or a related field. Two (2) years of experience working in public health, healthcare, government, or a municipal setting. Two (2) years of experience with graphic design, multimedia content creation, and branding. Experience engaging diverse communities using a health equity and cultural competency framework. Experience using analytics tools to measure and improve communications performance. SALARY RANGE $67,519 – $88,348 annually, full‑time, exempt with an excellent benefits package. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT The City of Worcester is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr