IT Writer and Communications Specialist

PR : $50.00 per Hour on W2

Duration: 3 months with potential to extend

Boston MA 02120 - Hybrid

Working Environment

This is a hybrid role requiring a minimum of three days per week in the office to facilitate collaboration with project teams, stakeholders, and IT colleagues. On-campus presence is essential for building relationships, understanding user needs firsthand, and contributing to our collaborative culture.

Job Summary

Information Technology Services (ITS) is seeking a dynamic IT Writer and Communications Specialist to drive Client's digital transformation forward. In this pivotal role, you'll be the strategic communications leader who transforms complex technology changes into compelling narratives that inspire and empower our university community. You'll craft communication strategies that don't just inform—they guide, educate, and motivate thousands of faculty, staff, and students through major system implementations and process innovations, both big and small.

As our communications bridge between technical teams and end users, you'll translate intricate technical concepts into powerful, accessible messaging that resonates across diverse audiences. You'll collaborate at the highest levels with IT project teams, university leadership, and key business stakeholders to anticipate challenges, shape perceptions, and orchestrate communication campaigns that ensure successful technology adoption and organizational change.

Key Responsibilities

Change Communication and Stakeholder Engagement (40%)

Develop comprehensive communication plans for IT projects that guide stakeholders through system changes, process updates, and technology implementations
Collaborate with technical teams, project managers, leadership, and business stakeholders to understand project impacts on different user groups
Create targeted messaging that explains "what's changing," "why it's changing," "how it affects you," and "what you need to do" for various stakeholder segments
Design and execute multi-channel communication campaigns to support organizational change initiatives

Content Development and Technical Translation (35%)

Write and edit compelling, accessible content for web, email, digital signage, print, user interfaces, and other communication channels
Translate technical concepts, system requirements, and process changes into language appropriate for diverse audiences (faculty, staff, students, administrators)
Develop training materials, quick reference guides, FAQs, and other resources that help users adapt to new systems and processes
Create informational and educational content that drives user engagement and adoption of new technologies

Cross-Functional Collaboration and Project Support (20%)

Partner with IT project teams to understand technical requirements, timelines, and user impacts throughout project lifecycles
Participate in project planning meetings to provide communications expertise and identify potential user concerns early
Collaborate with training teams, help desk staff, and other support functions to ensure consistent messaging across all user touchpoints
Work with campus-wide partners to coordinate communications and minimize change fatigue

Strategic Communication and Continuous Improvement (5%)

Contribute to overall IT communications strategy and help identify opportunities to improve change communication processes
Monitor communication effectiveness through user feedback, adoption metrics, and other data sources
Stay current on change management best practices and emerging communication technologies
Counsel leadership on communication strategies for complex or sensitive technology changes

Required Qualifications

Substantial experience in marketing, communications, or related field, preferably in higher education, technology, or organizational change environments
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to adapt messaging for different audiences
Strong technical aptitude with ability to quickly understand complex systems, processes, and technical concepts
Project collaboration experience with demonstrated ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams including technical staff, project managers, and various stakeholders
Change communication experience or strong interest in helping organizations and individuals navigate transitions
Advanced Microsoft Office skills including collaborative features in Word, SharePoint, Excel, Teams, and Outlook
Self-directed work style with strong project management abilities and attention to detail
Adaptability in fast-paced, changing environments with shifting priorities

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with ITIL processes, change management frameworks, or IT service management
Proficiency with content management systems (WordPress, Contentful, or similar) and email marketing platforms
Familiarity with user experience (UX) principles and user-centered design thinking
Experience creating multimedia content (graphics, video, interactive materials)
Knowledge of web accessibility standards and inclusive design practices
Data analysis skills for measuring communication effectiveness and user engagement
Experience in complex organizational environments or higher education settings

AI and Technology Fluency

Curiosity and openness to exploring AI-powered tools for content creation, editing, optimization, and distribution
Interest in leveraging technology to enhance communication processes and user experiences
Willingness to experiment with emerging communication technologies and platforms
Understanding that AI literacy is increasingly important in modern communications roles

Personal Qualities

Strong problem-solving mindset with ability to anticipate user concerns and communication challenges
Empathetic approach to understanding how change impacts different user groups
Collaborative leadership style with ability to influence without direct authority
Resilience and flexibility when projects shift or timelines change
Commitment to continuous learning and professional development
Customer service orientation with focus on user success

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