Senior Communications Specialist

Senior Communications Specialist

Position Type:
Long term contract role with potential extensions (12 months to begin with)

Work schedule:

40 hours/week

Location:

Boston, MA – Hybrid (3 days onsite)

Job

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.

• 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.

• 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…