Communications Associate

Boston, MA 

MIT Open Space Programming 

Date Posted: 11/27/2024

The Communications Associate will perform complex and diverse communications, graphic design, and  marketing duties for the Open Space Programming team, including: managing social media channels,  creating print materials and signage, editing the website, drafting weekly email newsletters, creating  and executing promotional plans, updating calendars to promote Open Space Programming’s events,  and more. In addition to communications activities, the Communications Associate will work in close  collaboration with the programming team to plan and staff public, in-person events in the Kendall/MIT  Open Space and MIT Welcome Center. 

Communications 

• Works together with the Open Space Programming team to coordinate, provide complex  support, and execute communications efforts for Open Space Programming’s events and  programs 

• Designs content and graphics for social media (Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook), digital and  print materials, email newsletters, and the website 

• Coordinates photography and images for events, following MIT policies and best practices;  maintains an archive of images and videos from past programs 

• Edits and updates the department website 

• Creates and maintains templates, drafts, and varied communications content for events and  programs  

• Reviews, flags, and corrects communications content for flaws, inconsistencies, wordiness,  grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc. 

• Drafts weekly email newsletters 

• Works with team leadership on communications strategy and content  

• Coordinates with MIT Copytech and other vendors in the production of materials Monitors media and web traffic, maintains contacts to support Open Space Programming’s  relationships with MIT, Kendall Square, and Cambridge; stays up to date on relevant  communications trends; and on events happening at MIT and in the local area  

• Supports communications efforts for the MIT Welcome Center, working closely with Open Space  Programming and MIT Admissions colleagues 

• Designs and maintains signage in the MIT Welcome Center and the Kendall/MIT Open Space Events and Programs

• Works together with the Assistant Director, Program Associate, and Program Coordinator to  prepare for, set up, staff, and break down events 

• Welcomes guests, interacts with members of the MIT, Kendall Square, and Cambridge  communities 

• Assists with set-up and coordination for the Food Trucks Program in the Kendall/MIT Open  Space 

• Other administrative projects to support the programming team as assigned 

Minimum Required Education and Qualifications: 

• High school diploma or equivalent 

• Minimum five years of communications experience 

• Excellent written communication, demonstrated mastery of grammar and punctuation Experience with social media and electronic communication methods and tools, experience with  Microsoft Office, SquareSpace or similar website platforms 

• Graphic design experience and ability to maintain a visual brand, experience with Canva and  Adobe, or similar graphic design tools 

• Experience with CRM platforms and scheduling and room booking platforms Detail oriented, comfortable managing multiple tasks simultaneously, and able to prioritize tasks  to meet deadlines  

• Openness to feedback and brainstorming, flexible and resourceful when there is a need to  change plans or strategy 

• Team player, reliable, nimble, collaborative 

• Committed to inclusive practices and meaningful community engagement 

• Ability to lift objects weighing up to 20 lbs 

• Ability to traverse long distances or move from site to site 

Preferred  

• Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field  

• Experience using Canva, Adobe Suite, Eventbrite, SquareSpace, Google Suite, Hubspot, Mazevo,  Instagram, Twitter/X, and Facebook 

• Experience working with the public 

• Experience in higher education or non-profit organizations  

• Basic familiarity with AV systems