Press Secretary (Administrator VII)

Position Summary

As a member of the senior management team, the Press Secretary serves as a senior communications leader for MassDOT and is responsible for overseeing, implementing, and coordinating communications operations across the agencies. The Press Secretary advances the Secretary’s priorities by providing strategic communications leadership that supports the mission, goals, and the objectives of the Governor’s Administration.

Serving at the executive level, the Press Secretary advises the Secretary and senior leadership on communications strategy, public messaging, and emerging issues affecting the Department. The Press Secretary collaborates with executive leadership to ensure communications efforts align with agency priorities, oversees the implementation of key communications initiatives, and provides strategic counsel to support informed policy decisions and effective stakeholder engagement.

The Press Secretary ensures that MassDOT communicates clearly, consistently, and transparently with the public, media, employees, elected officials, and community stakeholders, promoting public understanding of transportation initiatives and fostering confidence in the agencies’ programs, services, and infrastructure investments.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and execute a comprehensive communications strategy that integrates MassDOT communications activities to ensure consistent, accurate, timely, and coordinated messaging across the agencies and coordinates with the MBTA on activities as needed.

• Partner with the Secretary, executive leadership, and senior managers to identify agency priorities, shape communications strategies that support policy objectives, and incorporate communications considerations into agency planning and decision-making.

• Lead cross-functional communications initiatives that advance the Administration’s transportation agenda by fostering collaboration among communications, legislative affairs, and transportation operations, while ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and agency policies.

• Oversee communications strategies that effectively inform municipalities, elected officials, community organizations, stakeholders, and the public about MassDOT and MBTA policies, programs, projects, and service initiatives.

• Direct external communications activities, including media relations, proactive press outreach, crisis communications, executive media engagement, and coordination of press events and announcements.

• Oversee internal communications, including employee communications, executive messaging, and the development and management of an internal editorial calendar to ensure consistent and timely dissemination of information throughout the organization.

• Oversee the development of communications materials and content supporting statewide public information campaigns, marketing initiatives, public events, and other outreach efforts that promote agency priorities and transportation initiatives.

• Establish, implement, and evaluate communication policies, standards, and operating procedures to ensure effective, consistent, and strategic communications across MassDOT and MBTA.

• Analyze emerging issues, legislation, operational developments, and stakeholder concerns to develop communications policies, messaging, and recommendations that support agency objectives and mitigate reputational risk.

• Serves as a principal communications advisor to the Secretary by recommending short- and long-term communications priorities and strategies that align with the Department’s strategic goals and the Governor’s policy objectives.

Pre-Hire Process  

A finalist for this position must be able to pass a comprehensive background check including a criminal record check, Department of Revenue (DOR) check, and employment references. 

About MassDOT

The 4,000+ employees of Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) take great pride in connecting the Commonwealth’s residents and communities. MassDOT is responsible for developing, implementing, and coordinating transportation policies and projects for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and to efficiently plan, design, construct, and maintain a safe statewide transportation system which effectively meets the transportation needs of the Commonwealth. Information about MassDOT’s culture and career opportunities can be found at mass.gov/massdot-careers.

MassDOT’s divisions include Highway, Registry of Motor Vehicles, Aeronautics, and Rail & Transit. Headquarters (Planning & Enterprise Services) provides business and administrative support and policy leadership for each of the four (4) divisions.

Minimum Entrance Requirements 

This requisition will remain open until filled; however, first consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Current MassDOT employees should use their internal MassCareers account to apply.

All job applications must be submitted online through MassCareers to be considered.

Please provide a complete, accurate and current resume / application for MassDOT to review in order to determine if your submitted materials meet the minimum entrance requirements for the position.

Applicants must have at least (A) six (6) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in:
Business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management.

Substitutions

I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience.

II. A Bachelor’s degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.

III. A Graduate degree or higher in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience.

IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience.

• For questions regarding the job posting, please email the MassDOT Talent Acquisition Team at talentacquisition@dot.state.ma.us.

• For general questions regarding MassDOT, call the Human Resources Service Center at 857‐368‐4722.

• For a disability‐related reasonable accommodation or alternative application method, call the ADA Coordinator, Lucy Bayard, at 857‐274‐1935.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.