The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation, located in Boston, Massachusetts, seeks an experienced Communications Officer to join our dynamic and entrepreneurial communications team. The ideal candidate should be an innovative, self-starter with strong writing skills and experience in media relations, content development, and digital media strategy. The position requires a commitment to continual learning and exploration of public engagement practices. Excellent interpersonal skills are must as this person will work closely with staff across all departments and of varying skill levels.

The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization founded in 1984 to provide financial support, staffing, and creative resources for the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, a presidential library administered by the National Archives and Records Administration. The Kennedy Presidential Library and the Kennedy Library Foundation seek to promote, through educational and community programs, a greater appreciation and understanding of American politics, history, and culture, the process of governing and the importance of public service.

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About the Communications Team

The Communications team serves both the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation and the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. The team is responsible for developing and implementing an integrated strategic communications plan to advance the institutions’ brand identities; broaden awareness of their programs and priorities; and engage key audiences in learning about the life and legacy of John F. Kennedy. Working collaboratively with the staffs of the Foundation and Library, the Communications team plans and executes the institutions’ varied communication efforts including: media and public relations; newsletters and other external communications; and the Library’s digital properties including websites, social media platforms, email marketing and other online communications.

The Position

The Communications Officer reports directly to the Vice President, Communications and Digital Media of the Kennedy Library Foundation, supporting all areas of media relations and external communications, and works closely with the Digital Media Coordinator, who is responsible for managing the website and archive-related social media content development.

Specific responsibilities of the Communications Officer include:

  • Working with the VP of Communications to develop local and national media campaigns that draw attention to the Library and Foundation’s programs, announcements, and initiatives, including the Profile in Courage Award program, Kennedy Library Forums, Distinguished Visitor program, education programming, and openings of museum exhibits and archival collections.
  • Actively cultivating and managing press relationships to ensure coverage surrounding the Library and Foundation programs, special events, public announcements, and other projects;
  • Drafting press releases and developing engaging content for the website, email marketing, social media campaigns, and other external communications for the media, the public, and other audiences;
  • Exercising judgment to prioritize media opportunities and at times serving as the point person on media interactions that help promote the Library, Foundation, and the legacy of President Kennedy;
  • Preparing talking points, briefs, and other supporting material as needed for principals;
  • Developing social media strategies aimed at engaging new, younger audiences and connecting President Kennedy’s legacy to current challenges and events;
  • Monitoring analytics for online content and adjusting messaging or strategies based on performance;
  • Writing and producing the Foundation’s bi-annual newsletter and other print communications.

Qualifications:

The Communications Officer should ideally possess the following qualifications and personal attributes:

  • Five years of full-time communications work experience;
  • A track record of success developing and executing comprehensive strategic communications campaigns in a complex, multi-layered, work environment;
  • Proven success proactively securing news coverage;
  • Superior writing, organizational, and interpersonal skills;
  • Sophisticated understanding of social media tactics and digital communication strategies;
  • Demonstrated experience working with different groups to manage divergent priorities;
  • Willingness to accept and meet new responsibilities as the position and division evolve;
  • A flexible attitude with experience working in a small team environment;
  • Working knowledge of WordPress, Photoshop, and basic video editing software a plus;
  • Background or proven interest in American history and/or politics is preferred;
  • Experience working for a non-profit is preferred.

How To Apply:

Interested and qualified candidates are asked to send a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to:

Rachel Flor

VP, Communications and Digital Media

John F. Kennedy Library Foundation

Columbia Point

Boston, Massachusetts 02125

E-mail:HR@jfklfoundation.org

No phone calls please.

June 2016

Apply by:
August 04, 2016

Salary:
Salary is commensurate with experience and includes an excellent benefits package.