Associate Commissioner for Communications and Marketing

Overview Associate Commissioner for Communications and Marketing – Lead strategist for enterprise communications, marketing, and brand management for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The role is responsible for developing and executing an integrated, data‑driven communications ecosystem that advances the agency’s mission, strengthens public trust, and drives engagement across the Commonwealth’s K–12 and adult education system. It ensures consistent, accessible, and audience‑centered messaging across all organizational units and stakeholder groups, including educators, students, families, policymakers, and the public. Reporting to the Chief of Staff and advising the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners, the Associate Commissioner translates complex policy and priorities into clear, compelling narratives that inform and inspire action. The role provides strategic oversight of brand stewardship, digital experience, media relations, and creative direction, while establishing performance metrics to measure impact and continuously improve outcomes. It leads and develops a high‑performing team, champions accessibility and inclusive communication practices, and represents the agency in high‑level internal and external engagements. Responsibilities Strategic Communications – Develop and implement agency‑wide external communications policies, ensuring consistent messaging, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and alignment with departmental priorities. External Communications – Oversee all external communications including events, department stakeholder messaging, and media relations. Integrated Marketing & Campaign Strategy – Develop and oversee data‑driven, multi‑channel marketing campaigns that increase awareness, engagement, and impact across priority initiatives. Digital Experience & Content Strategy – Lead the agency’s digital communications ecosystem, ensuring a user‑centered, accessible, and high‑performing online presence, including a new website redesign. Creative Direction & Brand Management – Provide strategic oversight of the agency’s creative function to ensure high‑quality, impactful visual and multimedia communications. External Relations & Executive Representation – Represent the Department and support executive engagement with key stakeholders across government and the public. Other duties as assigned. Travel may be required based on assignment. Qualifications Deep knowledge of communications strategy, public relations, and marketing principles, including integrated campaigns across multiple channels and audiences. Strong understanding of digital communications, including website management, social media strategy, content marketing, and email communications. Knowledge of brand development and visual identity principles. Familiarity with government communications, public sector media relations, and the political and regulatory environment in which state agencies operate. Knowledge of accessibility standards for digital content and a commitment to inclusive communication practices. Understanding of project management principles sufficient to lead major initiatives such as a website overhaul, including vendor management, timeline development, and cross‑functional coordination. Exceptional written and verbal communications skills, with the ability to write clearly, persuasively, and accurately for a wide range of audiences. Strong editorial judgment and the ability to translate complex policy and programmatic content into accessible, compelling public communications. Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and manage a high‑performing team of communications professionals across writing, design, digital, and video disciplines. Skilled in managing multiple high‑priority projects simultaneously in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment. Proficiency with digital communications tools and platforms, including content management systems, social media management tools, email marketing platforms, and basic web analytics. Effective relationship‑building and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across agency divisions, with the Governor’s Office and Secretariat, and with external partners and media. Sound political judgment and discretion, with the ability to navigate sensitive communications situations and advise senior leadership accordingly. Minimum eight to ten years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field, with at least three to five years in a senior leadership role managing a communications team or function. Demonstrated experience developing and executing multi‑channel communications strategies, including digital, print, social media, and earned media. Experience leading or playing a central role in a website redesign or major digital transformation initiative, including vendor selection, content strategy, and stakeholder coordination. Experience working in or with government, public sector, or mission‑driven organizations is strongly preferred. Track record of advising and supporting senior executives – including preparing executives for media appearances, drafting public statements, and managing reputational issues. Experience managing agency or organizational branding, including developing and implementing brand guidelines across a complex organization. Minimum Entrance Requirements Applicants must have at least six (6) 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 at least two (2) years must have been in a supervisory or managerial capacity. Substitutions: A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience. A Bachelor’s degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required experience. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required experience. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr