External Affairs Coordinator

Responsibilities

• Partner with MSBA leadership team to develop and execute external communications strategies for legislators, elected officials, school-affiliated organizations and districts that promote the mission of the organization.
• Track daily activity and schedule for the Massachusetts legislature, anticipate key timelines, and monitor emerging issues that impact the MSBA.
• Partner with the Director of Administration and Operations and the Director of External Affairs on the development of messaging, materials including graphics and the creation and facilitation of workshops.
• Develop educational materials including briefing documents and fact sheets on MSBA priorities as needed.
• Lead in drafting briefings, talking points, speeches, emails, letters, and other written materials as needed.
• Partner with the Director of External Affairs in scheduling and attending MSBA project milestone and educational outreach events.
• Prepare all advance materials including presentation materials and remarks needed for MSBA Executive team attending these events.
• Attend events statewide, as the MSBA representative responsible for maintaining existing relationships and building new contacts with the district representatives.
• Build and maintain contacts with state elected officials, policy makers and respective staffs, as well as policy and advocacy stakeholders.
• Develop and facilitate several educational workshops annually, in partnership with the Director of External Affairs including developing topics, panel speakers, venues, agendas and all supporting preparation.
• Lead and direct visual design activities, develop design concepts and methodologies for MSBA public affairs special projects and or events.
• Create new graphics and materials and maintain existing social media/ marketing content including timely postings of photographs and informational materials related to project milestone ceremonies and educational outreach events.
• Initiate efforts to maintain and develop increased visibility on social media platforms and MSBA website to bolster outreach.
• Initiate the drafting and assembling of print and electronic communications.
• Support the drafting and assembling of the MSBA Annual Report and marketing materials and provide graphic information for internal and external reports.
• Analyze effectiveness of visual designs and artwork used in MSBA publications, trade shows and signage.
• Provide support with responsibilities associated with the production of Board of Directors meetings.
• Including drafting project specific press releases, organize letters of support for the Director of External Affairs, distribute attendees list and coordinate registration.
• Track all proposed legislation that relates to the MSBA using InstaTrac, including daily monitoring of the House and Senate calendar, journal and docket for all legislation, hearings, and announcements.
• Prepare written correspondence, letters, and/or emails for the Director of External Affairs.
• Collaborate with MSBA departments to facilitate special projects and events.
• Support office operations activities, as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in areas such as public administration, communications or marketing/brand development.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant professional work experience including skills in conflict management and resolution.
• Preferred experience with constituent services.
• Ability to work hybrid work schedule - minimum of two (2) in-office days per week.
• Demonstrated understanding of the Massachusetts Legislative process and schedule preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including demonstrated ability to communicate with diplomacy and tact.
• Demonstrated ability to gather, analyze, and present complex information in a clear, concise and understandable manner.
• Excellent customer service, interpersonal skills and phone etiquette.
• Strong writing skills.
• Detail oriented, highly organized professional with an interest in creating and executing.
• Ability to prioritize work and multi-task.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 software applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Teams, and Outlook.
• Experience with SharePoint or similar filing platform.
• Ability and willingness to travel to project sites and access to transportation to travel to project sites.