The Education Secretariat is committed to equity and valuing the unique and diverse characteristics and experiences of every member of its workforce. We encourage an authentic workplace where colleagues show up as their full selves, where collaboration, innovation, and connections are key to realizing our mission that all children, youth, and families thrive socially, academically, and economically. We seek teammates who are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive work environment, where everyone is valued and engaged. We encourage you to apply and identify your strengths in these areas.

Location: This is a hybrid, full-time position based at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in Everett, MA. This position is currently expected to work in-person two days per week, increasing to three assigned days per week in-person beginning August 31, 2026.

The Nutrition Education and Communication Specialist will develop and implement statewide communication strategies to promote Child Nutrition Programs and increase stakeholder engagement. The role creates clear, accessible messaging to explain federal and state nutrition policies and develops toolkits, eLearning modules, fact sheets, and other professional development resources aligned with DESE and USDA guidelines. The position monitors and evaluates communications and training effectiveness through data collection and analysis, identifies unengaged audiences, and recommends targeted outreach strategies to strengthen participation and program integrity.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and implement statewide communication strategies to promote Child Nutrition Programs. Identifying unengaged stakeholders and developing targeted outreach plans to increase engagement.

Create clear, accessible messaging to explain federal and state nutrition policies to diverse audiences, including school districts, community partners, and families.

Coordinate translation and 508 accessibility efforts to meet federal language access requirements.

Draft toolkits, eLearning, trainings, fact sheets, and promotional materials aligned with DESE and USDA guidelines.

Develop a monitoring system for the progress and accomplishment of communications and training objectives, activities, and impact on program integrity and advancement.

Conduct data collection and analysis using standard survey tools (e.g., Alchemer, Google Forms, etc.)

Monitor learner engagement and make recommendations on ways to reach unengaged audiences.

Create new professional development resources from scratch, with some supervision and content expert guidance.

Collaborate as a part of the Nutrition Education and School Wellness and Training section to provide technical assistance to programs to maintain efficient and effective management practices to support program integrity;

Establish and maintain regular communication with program internal staff and collaborating school districts and partner outreach organizations, including by phone, mail and email;

Work across department clusters and with collaborating agencies on activities to enhance department goals;

Work actively to ensure all program activities are conducted in compliance with USDA and DESE affirmative action non-discrimination policies;

Collaborate on projects with colleagues and perform other duties as required.

Preferred Attributes and Skills:

ability to create clear, accessible messaging to explain federal and state nutrition policies to diverse audiences, including school districts, community partners, and families;

ability to work on multiple tasks;

commitment to advancement of federal Child Nutrition Programs;

demonstrated ability to participate effectively in professional team efforts;

strong oral and written communication skills;

excellent interpersonal and group processing skills with diverse groups of people;

critical thinking and problem solving using technology;

ability to maintain a varied schedule of local, regional and statewide activity which is not restricted by access to public transportation; and

other duties as assigned.

Based on assignment, travel throughout the Commonwealth may be required.

a Master’s degree or higher in a specific or related educational content area may be substituted for two years of the required experience -- 30 semester hours equals one year of experience for substitution purposes.

Special Requirements: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License or the equivalent from another state may be required.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics?Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.