Senior Communications Specialist

Title: Senior Communications Specialist
Position Type: Long term contract role with potential extensions(12 months to begin with)
Location: Boston, MA-Hybrid(3 days onsite)
Work schedule: 40 hours/week
JOB ID: NEU12112025

TOP SKILLS

• Incredibly strong communication written and verbal
• Demonstration of leading small team or program with strong communication skills
• Knows how to run an IT communication team
• Technical concepts
• Strategic thinking
• Higher Education industry is a plus
• Specific experience in IT service organization

Job Summary
Information Technology Services at Northeastern University seeks a Senior Communications Specialist to play a critical role in shaping and executing strategic and operational communications that support the university's digital transformation. Reporting to the Director of Communications in ITS and working closely with the ITS Communications team, this senior practitioner will oversee day-to-day direction and execution of communications, mentor team members, and ensure the quality and strategic alignment of all communications supporting IT change initiatives and service delivery.
This is a temporary contract position ideal for a seasoned communications professional who can hit the ground running in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. The successful candidate will bring strategic thinking, operational excellence, meticulous attention to detail, and deep expertise in IT and/or higher education communications. This role requires someone who can work with urgency when situations demand, remains flexible in uncertain conditions, and thrives when navigating ambiguity and less-than-ideal circumstances.
This role requires a hybrid work schedule with a minimum of three days per week in-person at Northeastern's Boston campus.

Key Responsibilities
Communications Operations and Quality Assurance (40%)
Oversee the day-to-day direction and execution of user-focused communications that inform and engage university stakeholders about IT services and technology solutions
Oversee all communications supporting IT change initiatives, service launches, IT incidents, and ongoing operations
Ensure all communications materials meet quality standards, brand guidelines, and strategic objectives
Work closely with the ITS Communications Operations Manager to monitor project schedules, prioritize work, coordinate communications schedules, and allocate resources effectively
Maintain and improve quality control processes and editorial standards
Collaborate effectively across the organization, including ITS teams and key university stakeholders
Interface with web, UI/UX, marketing, knowledge management, and change management functions to ensure cohesive communications

Content Development and Execution (40%)
Develop comprehensive communication strategies and plans for major technology initiatives, system implementations, and organizational change efforts
Translate complex technical concepts into clear, compelling messaging for diverse audiences
Produce communications for multiple channels including email, web, digital signage, presentations, and events
Write and edit high-priority, complex communications including executive messages, major announcements, and sensitive stakeholder communications
Create compelling narratives that connect technology initiatives to institutional priorities and user benefits
Develop communication frameworks, templates, and toolkits to enable consistency and efficiency

Strategic Communications Leadership (20%)
Partner with Director and IT Leadership to shape overall communications strategy and approach for ITS
Counsel IT leadership, colleagues, and key university stakeholders on communication best practices, timing, and stakeholder engagement approaches
Contribute to overall unit creative and strategic direction and implementation, bringing fresh perspectives and industry best practices
Manage high-stakes and time-sensitive communications including crisis communications, major incident notifications, and executive messaging
Anticipate communication challenges and proactively develop mitigation strategies
Represent communications perspective in projects, discussions, and strategic planning sessions

Required Qualifications
Experience and Expertise
Demonstrated experience and success in communications or related field in an information technology and/or higher education environment
Proven track record developing and executing strategic communications for complex technology initiatives or organizational change efforts
Experience managing large-scale communication campaigns from concept through execution
Strong understanding of IT service delivery, change management, and incident management processes

Technical Skills
Ability to quickly grasp technical concepts and translate them for non-technical audiences
Proficiency with communication tools and platforms including content management systems, email marketing platforms, and collaboration tools
Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly PowerPoint, Excel, and project collaboration tools
Demonstrated familiarity and experience with AI, for both daily productivity workflows and for organizational transformations
Experience using AI tools to enhance communications efficiency and effectiveness

Communication and Leadership
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with a strong editorial eye
Demonstrated ability to craft compelling messages for diverse audiences-from highly technical to general university community
Experience creating communications across multiple channels including digital, print, events, and presentations
Ability to effectively communicate about AI tools, emerging technologies, and digital innovation in ways that drive understanding and adoptio
Understanding of accessibility standards and inclusive communication practices
Strong leadership presence with ability to influence without formal authority
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build productive relationships across all organizational levels
Collaborative team player who can also work independently with minimal direction
High degree of initiative, self-direction, and personal accountability
Comfort and confidence navigating complex, matrixed organizational structures

Personal Attributes
Mission-driven with passion for higher education and the role of technology in advancing institutional goals
Exceptionally organized with strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
Adaptable and resilient in the face of changing priorities and unexpected challenges
Strong sense of urgency balanced with commitment to thoroughness
Comfortable operating in uncertain environments and able to make sound decisions with imperfect information
Creative problem-solver who brings both analytical rigor and innovative thinking
Continuous learner who stays current on communications trends and best practices
Strong work ethic with flexibility to work outside regular hours when critical situations arise
Empathetic leader who values diverse perspectives and fosters inclusive team dynamics

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