Under the direction of the Executive Director or other designee, the Communications Manager is responsible for preparing proactive messaging and educational materials for OPAT; designing communication campaigns that tell the real story of OPAT; positioning OPAT and the Executive Director as thought leaders on police reform issues in the media; and effectively communicating OPAT's agenda, accomplishments, and all other OPAT initiatives to the City of Boston's residents. The Communications Manager will also work directly in collaboration with the Mayor's Communications and Press teams. This is not your typical 9-5 pm role. We are looking for folks who share our core values of people-first leadership, intentional strategy, and justice.

• Develops communication campaigns that OPAT can use in the press and social media, in their true light, contributing to and enriching the residents of our city.
• Craft proactive communication strategies, messaging, and/or educational campaigns for our city's residents on any changes in the immigration landscape.
• Works swiftly to prepare OPAT/Executive Director's statements and talking points, and draft citywide communication for OPAT.
• Identifies opportunities for OPAT to provide thought leadership on pertinent and emerging police reform issues and prepare messaging accordingly, advising on opportunities to host or participate in press conferences. Distributes press statements, issues letters, and manages BMA's social media content.
• Designs and implements OPAT's communication strategy to raise awareness and visibility of OPAT's agenda, priorities, key initiatives, and accomplishments.
• Builds strong relationships and closely coordinates all strategies, campaigns, and/or messaging with the Mayor's Press Office.
• Draft press releases and advisories, talking points, public-facing letters, and all external-facing communications.
• Actively engages, cultivates, and manages press relationships to help promote and ensure positive coverage of OPAT programs, public announcements, board meetings, special events, and other projects.
• Assists with responding to media inquiries in a timely manner and proactively coordinates with local media outlets on relevant projects.
• Writes and edits communications materials such as press releases, media advisories, and statements.
• Tracks relevant media coverage of OPAT, BPD, public safety, police reform, and other related topics on a daily basis and distributes to the Executive Director and OPAT Staff.
• Helps prepare the Executive Director for media interviews and staff public events.
• Manages all of OPAT's public-facing digital content, including website, email newsletter, and social media accounts.
• Designs and manages all OPAT's public-facing print materials, including brochures, one-pagers, flyers, and reports.
• Pitch news stories to local and national news outlets, including trade publications.
• Manages OPAT's archive of photos, press clippings, announcements, and other public-facing documents.
• Creates content and coordinates input on infographics, etc., and newsletter that demonstrate the work, goals, and objectives of OPAT.
• Creates and publishes OPAT's newsletter, email publications, and other regular updates.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of OPAT's communication strategies, using qualitative and quantitative feedback.
• Attends events as a representative of OPAT, which may require working evenings and/or weekends.
• Participates in regular office responsibilities, including triaging calls, drafting/editing board meeting minutes, case reports, annual and semi-annual OPAT reports, and other constituent-related activity.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• At least four (4) years of full-time experience in the field of communications, journalism, and/or marketing. A bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study may be substituted for two (2) years of required experience. Master's degree preferred. 
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing effective communication strategies.
• Demonstrated experience with planning, writing, editing, and producing press releases, media advisories, and other print publications.
• A writing sample will be required.
• Experience providing key support and advice to senior management and leadership.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, show flexibility, and prioritize competing tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects.
• Experience and commitment to working collaboratively with staff, media outlets, constituents, and community partners.
• Experience managing social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, X, Instagram, TikTok, etc.
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, and think strategically.
• Ability to work flexible hours, which may include evenings and/or weekends.
• Knowledge of Boston's Black Male communities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft applications and Google Suite.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.
• Bilingual preferred (Spanish, Haitian Creole, Cape Verdean Creole, Chinese, or Vietnamese).

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: Non-Union/MM2-8

Hours per week: 35