COMMUNICATIONS & DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE, Wheelock College of Education and Human Development

Boston University • Boston, MA

78d

About The Position

Boston University's Wheelock Educational Policy Center (WEPC) conducts and disseminates rigorous, policy-relevant research in partnership with local, state, and federal policymakers and stakeholders to improve educational opportunities and holistic outcomes for students. WEPC's research addresses key policy questions focused on equalizing educational opportunity, improving specialized services for students, and supporting an effective educator workforce. As a center, WEPC prioritizes efforts aligned with three strategic goal areas focused on increasing our 1) presence, 2) influence and 3) growth. The Communications and Development Associate (CDA) will play a critical role in operationalizing these outcomes through the day-to-day creation, use and management of our public-facing materials; stewardship of the center's brand identity and core messaging; and development and execution of social media strategy. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the CDA will work across all aspects of the center to increase WEPC's visibility and prominence as a leading education policy center in the U.S.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in communications, Marketing, Journalism and/or Public Policy.
• 3-5 years of professional work experience in a similar capacity.
• Solid understanding of education policy issues and the political context surrounding education communications.
• Superior oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative in managing multiple projects.
• Proven ability to build productive working relationships within an interdisciplinary team.

Nice To Haves

• Robust experience managing social media channels and executing content strategies.
• Fluency with graphic design software (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) and website content management systems.
• Experience in fundraising, grant funded-research, and proposal writing.
• Passion for education policy and a commitment to advancing research-driven solutions.
• Interest in working with and supervising a team of student interns.

Responsibilities

• Produce compelling written and digital materials, aiming for accuracy and attention to detail.
• Independently produce and edit a diverse range of high-quality, audience-tailored communications materials, including policy briefs, newsletters, editorial articles, blog posts, and funding proposals.
• Collaborate proactively with researchers, leadership, and development staff to ensure messaging coherence with current projects and organizational priorities.
• Prepare customized communication pieces for external stakeholders, including funders, foundations, corporate partners, and individual donors.
• Lead the development and execution of the social media strategy, managing content calendars and engagement tactics.
• Oversee and coordinate graphic design and multimedia content production, working effectively with external vendors.
• Monitor relevant education news and policy environments to identify opportunities for spotlighting WEPC's research.
• Build and maintain collaborative partnerships with BU communications teams to ensure consistent brand messaging.
• Provide mentorship and oversight to student interns, facilitating their professional development.
• Independently plan and execute multiple concurrent projects, setting clear goals and managing timelines.
• Maintain organized records of communications, outreach, and development activities.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to coordinate event planning, webinars, and outreach campaigns.
• Manage relationships with external contractors and vendors.

What This Job Offers

• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees