Senior Manager, Communications

The Senior Manager, Communications at Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech) is responsible for a variety of duties focused on creating engaging content and managing communications strategies. This includes writing press releases, campaign materials, and social media content, as well as producing case studies and reports. Additionally, the role involves building relationships with media, overseeing a small team, and collaborating closely with both the Marketing & Communications team and divisions within MassTech to ensure cohesive messaging across all platforms.

To be considered for the Senior Manager, Communications role at Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech), candidates should have 5 to 7 years of professional writing experience, preferably in journalism or a related field such as public relations or marketing. A degree in communications or a similar area is also beneficial. Strong verbal and written communication skills, proficiency in AP Style, and the ability to align content with organizational strategy are essential for success in this position.

The Senior Manager, Communications plays a vital role in supporting Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech) by driving public relations, media outreach, and marketing initiatives. By crafting compelling narratives and delivering strategic messaging, the Senior Manager helps to enhance MassTech's public image and influence. The role also involves executing content campaigns that highlight the organization's contributions to technology and innovation in Massachusetts, thus advancing the mission of fostering a competitive tech economy.

As a Senior Manager, Communications at Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech), you will engage with various sectors that are part of the organization's focus areas which include Broadband, Cybersecurity, eHealth, Innovation, Manufacturing, and the Northeast Microelectronics Hub. Your communications efforts will need to resonate with diverse audiences in these sectors, promoting collaboration and advancement within Massachusetts' technology and innovation ecosystem.

The work environment for the Senior Manager, Communications at Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech) is hybrid, allowing for flexibility and a balanced work-life structure. The position primarily requires in-office presence in Westborough, MA for at least two days a week, fostering teamwork and collaboration. The agency encourages open communication and innovative thinking, making it an ideal space for passionate communicators to thrive.

When discussing your writing process, emphasize your approach to understanding the audience, researching topics, and developing a structured outline. Highlight how you collaborate with team members for feedback and how you utilize tools for editing and proofreading to ensure quality. Demonstrating a clear method will showcase your strategic thinking and organizational skills.

To effectively answer this question, discuss key performance indicators (KPIs) you use, such as engagement metrics, media coverage, and audience reach. Explain how you analyze data and gather feedback to assess the effectiveness of a campaign and how that informs future strategies. This shows your analytical skills and commitment to continuous improvement.

Share specific strategies you’ve employed to connect with media professionals, such as personalized outreach, understanding their interests, and providing relevant content. Emphasize that relationship-building is about creating mutual value and trust over time, so you can collaborate on stories that benefit both parties.

When answering this question, narrate a specific project and the challenges you faced, such as tight deadlines or conflicting priorities. Discuss how you approached the situation with effective project management skills, engaged your team for support, and ultimately delivered a successful outcome. This demonstrates resilience and leadership.

Talk about your commitment to professional development through attending industry conferences, following relevant blogs or publications, and participating in webinars. Mention how you apply what you learn to enhance the communication strategies at your current or past roles, thus showcasing your continuous growth mindset.

To answer this question, describe your research methods for understanding different audience segments. Discuss how you tailor messaging and format to engage various demographics and how you incorporate feedback to ensure the content resonates well across the board. This shows your awareness of inclusivity and adaptability in communication.

Highlight the power of storytelling to create emotional connections and convey complex ideas clearly. Discuss how you leverage storytelling techniques in your content to engage audiences and make messages memorable. Sharing examples from your past experiences can reinforce this point.

Mention specific tools you’ve used for content creation, project management, and analytics, such as content management systems, scheduling tools, and graphic design software. Explain how these tools help streamline your workflow and improve collaboration within your team, showcasing your tech-savviness.

In your response, emphasize the collaborative nature of communications work. Talk about how working with different divisions, such as marketing and public relations, enriches the content and aligns messaging. Highlight specific examples of successful teamwork to demonstrate your interpersonal skills.

When addressing this question, articulate your openness to constructive feedback and how it serves as an opportunity for growth. Discuss how you incorporate feedback into your revisions and the importance of viewing criticism as a part of the creative process, thus showing your willingness to improve.