COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTREACH SPECIALIST, Global Development Policy Center

Category

Charles River Campus --> Professional

Job Location

BOSTON, MA, United States

Tracking Code

25500522350416

Posted Date

4/22/2025

Salary Grade

Grade 48

Position Type

Full-Time/Regular

The Boston University Global Development Policy (GDP) Center seeks a Communications and Outreach Associate/Specialist to assist in monitoring and executing communications strategies across media relations, digital media, email marketing, and stakeholder outreach for its Global Economic Governance Initiative (GEGI).

The GDP Center is a University-wide research center that works to advance policy-oriented research for financial stability, human well-being and environmental sustainability. To fulfill that mission, we conduct rigorous policy research; provide a convening place for scholars and stakeholders; engage in policy dialogue with policymakers, civil society and reporters; and offer experiential learning for Boston University students.

GEGI seeks to advance policy-oriented research to align global economic governance with development and climate ambitions and deliver green and inclusive prosperity.

The Communications and Outreach Associate/Specialist will work in collaboration with the Assistant Director for Communications and Outreach as follows:

Communications Strategy & Outreach

• Develop strategies and outreach plans for audiences for GEGI research products, webinars, commentary, and database updates;
• Serve as key conduit for sharing research and information with GEGI stakeholders and target audiences;
• Monitor policy dates and events, identify potential policy points of entry;
• Lead and coordinating GEGI's marketing and communications efforts, including the creation of high-quality email and event marketing and similar materials;
  
  

Content Creation & Digital Engagement

• Develop, schedule, and publish engaging social media posts for GEGI;
• Craft engaging emails to subscribers;
• Generate ideas, create content, design, and produce digital resources for GEGI;
• Design/support the creation of multimedia, such as infographics, social media flyers, and videos;
• Draft summary blog posts;
• Capture and manage recordings of GEGI events for the Center's YouTube channel and other platforms;
• Update the GDP Center website to add new publications and events.
  
  

Media Monitoring & Press Relations

• Develop a comprehensive knowledge of CISION and utilize the platform to its fullest capacity to support GEGI's communications and outreach goals;
• Build and maintain GEGI-related press lists using CISION;
• Draft press releases, handle reporter inquiries, and engage directly with the press with supervision;
• Monitor and track media coverage for GEGI projects;
• Track GEGI media mentions and policy impact.
  
  

Event Management

• Responsible for all aspects of GEGI's in-person or virtual events, from planning to post-event wrap-up;
• Develop comprehensive event checklists to ensure the completion of logistics, programmatic elements, and follow-up tasks;
• Secure venues, schedule webinars, create promotional materials, and coordinate catering, travel, and accommodations;
• Act as the key point of contact for speakers and event sponsors;
• Organize logistics for events and meetings, both off- and on-campus;
• Coordinate with external partners on joint events and initiatives.
  
  

Publications & Quality Control

• Manage the translation process for GEGI publications
• Review publications for quality control
• Coordinate the publication of the Center’s annual report
• Provide guidance to and liaise with external vendors, including copy editors and graphic designers, to ensure that research products are consistent with the GDP Center's tone and style;
• Work with researchers on working papers, policy briefs, reports, and related materials to ensure alignment with the GDP Center’s tone and style.
  
  

Other

• Contribute to media training plans for fellows.
• Coordinate and collaborate with counterparts across Boston University on outreach projects and initiatives that involve other BU departments, such as The Streeten Lecture, Pardee School events and initiatives, and other events as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

Required Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, PR, or related field; Master’s degree preferred;
• Interest in global development policy, global economic governance, energy, climate, biodiversity, and international finance is a plus;
• Ability to complete assigned projects and tasks independently;
• Understanding of current events and politics;
• Strong writing and editing skills;
• Basic experience and interest working in research/policy-oriented communications;
• Experience using WordPress to update websites;
• Experience handling professional social media accounts, including but not limited to X, LinkedIn, Facebook;
• Experience with apps such as Hubspot, Mailchimp, Canva, etc.;
• Experience working with CISION or comparable media relations software or desire to learn;
• Experience conducting outreach to policymakers;
• Familiarity with work productivity tools such as Microsoft 365, InDesign, Adobe Suite, Monday, and online meeting technology.
• Ability to travel and work nights and weekends occasionally.
• This job is in-person and based in Boston, MA.
  
  

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.