Director of Speechwriting

Overview

The Director of Speechwriting stewards the Mayor’s voice and articulates the Mayor’s vision in conversation with the people of Boston. In addition to being an excellent writer and editor, skilled in both creative storytelling and logical argumentation, the Director manages the Speechwriting Team and helps shape the Mayor’s Office’s broader communications strategy. This position reports to the Chief of Communications.

Responsibilities

• Lead the production process for all remarks as prepared for delivery, talking points, direct-to-camera scripts, and written collateral for the Mayor from initial research to final proof. 
• Work closely with the Mayor, senior City leadership, as well as external partners and stakeholders to solicit and incorporate feedback on major projects. 
• Support rapid-response communications for crises demanding real-time remarks or public statements.
• Supervise and manage Speechwriting Team members and project timelines.
• Perform related work as required.

Minimum Entrance Qualifications

• Five to seven (5-7) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional speechwriting experience, of which two (2) years were in a supervisory or managerial capacity. 
• A bachelor's degree is required (with preference for a degree in a related field) and may be substituted for two (2) years of experience. A master's degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of required experience.
• Excellent attention to detail; expert command of the English language; an ability to synthesize complex policy issues into clear, concise prose.
• Ability to consistently deliver creative, error-free writing in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external subject matter experts and community stakeholders. 
• Experience with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace tools.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of Boston's neighborhoods, communities, cultures, and history.
• Fluency or competency in Spanish, Haitian Creole, Cape Verdean Creole, Mandarin, or Cantonese.

 

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

 

Terms: 

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: Non-Union/MM2-11

Hours per week: 35