Communications Manager at Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation Inc – Boston, Massachusetts

Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation (DBEDC) is seeking a Communications Manager who can help us tell our story clearly, powerfully, and with purpose. This is not a traditional communications role. It’s an opportunity to shape how DBEDC shows up in the world, to funders, partners, policymakers, and the community.

As our Communications Manager, you will lead how DBEDC communicates its mission, impact, and vision. You’ll translate strategy into messaging, bring our brand to life across platforms, and produce high-quality content that drives engagement, builds trust, and supports fundraising and growth. You’ll bring creativity and a strong marketing mindset to ensure DBEDC is not just visible, but compelling, differentiated, and influential.

What you can expect to do in the role:

Marketing, Positioning & Audience Strategy

• Define and refine how DBEDC is positioned across key audiences
• Translate organizational priorities into clear, compelling messaging
• Tailor strategies for funders, partners, policymakers, and community stakeholders
• Contribute to campaigns that drive visibility, engagement, and action
• Bring a strong marketing lens, understanding what resonates and why

Strategic Communications Execution

• Execute annual communications plans aligned with organizational priorities
• Partner with leadership to translate strategy into external messaging
• Deliver polished, high-quality communications products with minimal rework

Content Development & Storytelling

• Lead development of newsletters, annual reports, press materials, and more
• Write compelling, persuasive content for diverse audiences
• Move beyond reporting—shape narrative, frame impact, and influence perception
• Bring creativity to storytelling through strong angles, voice, and structure

Digital & Platform Management

• Oversee website, email, and social media platforms
• Expand reach and engagement across digital channels
• Ensure all content is current, accurate, and aligned with brand standards
• Coordinate with developers and vendors as needed

Donor & Constituent Communications

• Manage external communications, including announcements, appeals, and invitations
• Support donor communications in partnership with Development
• Maintain clean and accurate CRM data
• Ensure all outbound messaging is polished, clear, and on-brand

Brand Ownership

• Develop and manage branded materials across programs and campaigns
• Maintain a cohesive, modern, and compelling visual and written identity
• Identify gaps and proactively strengthen DBEDC’s brand presence
• Oversee photography and visual assets

Media Relations & Public Visibility

• Build relationships with media and proactively pitch stories
• Manage press inquiries and coordinate media opportunities
• Draft media materials that reflect DBEDC’s voice and positioning

Events & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Support communications for events, fundraisers, and public milestones
• Collaborate across teams to align messaging with organizational priorities
• Manage communications vendors and budgets

Qualifications – What Success Requires

Mission & Values Alignment

• Commitment to DBEDC’s mission and racial equity in community development.
• Ownership mindset with focus on high-quality results and team impact.
• Willingness to learn, explore new approaches, and implement improvements.
• Comfort navigating change and proposing innovative solutions.

Technical Expertise

• 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Proficiency in WordPress; working knowledge of HTML
• Experience with tools like Canva, MailChimp, Hootsuite, and CRM systems
• Strong editing, storytelling, and content development skills
• Experience managing vendors and budgets
• Strong experience in marketing, communications, or brand strategy
• Ability to position organizations and campaigns to drive engagement
• Exceptional writing skills with a portfolio of compelling work
• Strategic thinker who contributes beyond execution

Collaboration & Execution

• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication, listening, and relationship-building skills.
• Comfortable giving and receiving constructive feedback.
• Proactive, solution-oriented, and entrepreneurial.
• High attention to detail, organization, and follow-through.
• Advanced proficiency with spreadsheets, word processing, CRMs, and other technologies.

Communication Skills & Leadership Approach

• Enterprise-level thinker comfortable operating at the strategic and systems level.
• Proven ability to lead through complexity, ambiguity, and organizational change.
• Strong judgment, discretion, accountability, and political acumen.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and persuasively.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to pass a background check.
• Availability for occasional evenings and weekends.

You’ll stand out if you:

• Are bilingual in (Spanish, Cape Verdean Kriol, Haitian Kreyol).
• Have working knowledge of affordable housing and/or economic development.
• Are experience with Adobe Creative Suite and photography.
• Have lived experience in our community.

Other important details:

Why DBEDC?

This is a chance to step into a role where your work directly shapes how an organization is understood, supported, and trusted. You’ll be part of a mission-driven team working to build a stronger, more equitable Dorchester—and your voice will help bring that work to life.

At DBEDC, our culture is grounded in shared values:

DBEDC proudly offers a total compensation package that goes above and beyond, supporting your health, well-being, and work-life balance. Here’s what you can look forward to:

Health and Wellness

Lifestyle and Perks

Time Off That Works for You

Future-Focused Benefits

Professional Development

At DBEDC, we’re not just offering benefits, we’re investing in you! Join us and experience a workplace that values your well-being and success while building a brighter future for Dorchester and beyond!

About Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation (DBEDC)

DBEDC is a Community Development Corporation (CDC) and a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). Founded in 1979, we work to build a strong, thriving, and diverse community in Boston’s North Dorchester and Roxbury neighborhoods. We develop and preserve, home ownership and rental housing across income levels. We create and sustain economic development opportunities for businesses and individuals. We build community through organizing, civic engagement, and leadership development.

We are one of Boston’s legacy agencies and most established community development organizations, with an annual operating budget of approximately $11 million and a staff of 30.

At DBEDC, we welcome and encourage applications from all backgrounds and experiences, including those from unconventional career paths and anyone who can bring fresh perspectives and lived experiences to our team. Together, we aim to build an organization that reflects and celebrates the vibrancy of the communities we serve.