Associate Commissioner 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.

• 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.

• 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…