Overview

The Boston Public Schools’ Office of the Superintendent is seeking a Senior Speech Writer to join its Communications Department. The Senior Speechwriter will work closely with the Chief of Communications and Communications Director, members of senior staff to prepare event remarks, speeches, op-eds, and testimony highlighting and promoting Boston Public Schools priorities and initiatives.

The Senior Speech Writer will focus on the creation of speeches, talking points, and select written collateral for Superintendent Mary Skipper.

Responsibilities will include

• 
  Leading research efforts to develop written material;
• Originating, proofing, and editing drafts;
• Coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to gather relevant information for material;
• Assist with general project management and planning for upcoming events to ensure ample time for researching, brainstorming, drafting, and revision and leading those efforts;
• Occasionally staff in-person events with Superintendent Mary Skipper to deliver scripts/cue cards, operate the teleprompter, or handle any last-minute edits or revisions;
• An ability to distill complex policies and ideas into clear, compelling, conversational, rhetoric; and,
• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple deliverables, and meeting tight deadlines.

The ideal candidate

• 
  Is a strong, well-rounded writer with an instinct for rhythm and musicality that’s equaled by their ability to apply structures and frameworks to outlining and drafting processes.
• Is a creative researcher, willing to get their hands dirty to excavate the perfect anecdote, but knows their limits and is comfortable reaching out to subject matter experts when outside support is required to obtain the right story or stat.
• Is eager to immerse themselves in Boston’s history, politics, and communities, and to get up to speed quickly on the nuances of public education and municipal governance.

Qualifications - Required:

• Bachelor’s degree preferably in Journalism, English, Literature, Communications, creative writing, or a similar discipline
• Superb writing with strong verbal skills. Multilingual skills are a plus
• A minimum of 5-8 years of experience in communications or writing-intensive roles, especially those with a focus on external audiences
• Excellent understanding of public speaking and persuasive speech and writing.
• Excellent analytical, observation, and research skills
• Significant education, legislative, government and/or public affairs experience is preferred.
• Computer proficiency (Familiarity with the Google family of applications and tools; MS Office, digital editing, web search and databases)
• Excellent attention to detail, strong research, and ability to follow strict deadlines and fact-check information
• Creative thinker
• Self-starter who consistently shows initiative, determination and assertiveness
• Ability to effectively work with a team and independently, and capable of interacting with a broad range of individuals
• Experience supervising and managing competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Knowledge of Boston and Boston Public Schools and experience working with diverse communities

• 
  Due to the nature of this position, individuals will occasionally be required to work various shifts such as weekends and/or evening shifts

Qualifications - Preferred:

• Master’s degree preferred but not required
• Superb writing with strong verbal skills
• Multilingual skills are a plus

Terms: Managerial, C41.

Boston Public Schools is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.