Marketing, Brand Management, and Strategic Communications Consultant

Purpose of the engagement

MassAutonomy is a Massachusetts nonprofit that supports the MassDOT Aeronautics Advanced Aviation Technologies Group (AATG) and the Commonwealth as an aligned, mission-focused partner. MassAutonomy seeks a senior marketing, brand management, and strategic communications professional to strengthen how the organization and the advanced-aviation programs it supports explain their work, engage stakeholders, and present a coherent public identity. The consultant will convert complex operational and technical initiatives into accurate, compelling communications while observing MassDOT and Commonwealth review, attribution, accessibility, and brand requirements.

Primary scope of services

· Develop an integrated communications strategy, message architecture, audience framework, editorial calendar, and practical approval workflow.

· Clarify and consistently apply the relationship among MassAutonomy, MassDOT, and affiliated initiatives, including AMTI and the National Counter-UAS Center of Excellence.

· Create and edit executive presentations, briefing materials, one-page summaries, fact sheets, web content, newsletters, case studies, event materials, and stakeholder communications.

· Establish and maintain brand standards, templates, core language, visual consistency, and an organized communications asset library.

· Support strategic announcements, conferences, demonstrations, partner engagement, thought leadership, and public-facing events.

· Coordinate photography, graphics, video, web, print, and other specialist vendors when authorized; manage schedules, quality, and deliverables.

· Provide communications counsel for sensitive or technically complex subjects, including airspace safety, counter-UAS, cybersecurity, testing, and emerging-technology policy.

· Track communications activity and performance using a concise set of audience, engagement, reach, and outcome measures.

· Ensure no communication implies that the consultant or MassAutonomy speaks for MassDOT or another government entity without express authorization.

· Must live in Massachusetts or willing to relocate

Initial deliverables

· A communications and brand assessment with a 12-month prioritized action plan within the first 45 days.

· A message architecture and audience matrix for MassAutonomy and major supported initiatives.

· A coordinated template suite for presentations, one-page briefs, announcements, and digital content.

· A 90-day editorial and engagement calendar refreshed quarterly.

· Monthly reporting identifying completed products, upcoming decisions, performance indicators, and risks.

Required qualifications

· At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, marketing, brand management, public affairs, or related consulting.

· A strong portfolio demonstrating executive-level writing, technical translation, presentation development, and brand stewardship.

· Experience managing multiple stakeholders, approvals, deadlines, and communications channels in a complex environment.

· Sound judgment regarding public-sector attribution, sensitive information, confidentiality, and reputational risk.

· Ability to work effectively with senior leaders, engineers, operators, government personnel, educators, researchers, and external partners.

· Bachelor’s degree or higher

Preferred qualifications

· Experience in transportation, aviation, autonomy, robotics, defense, public safety, higher education, economic development, or emerging technology.

· Experience supporting a nonprofit, public agency, research organization, or public-private initiative.

· Working capability with presentation design, web content management, email marketing, analytics, social media, photography or video direction, and vendor management.

Pay: $65.00 - $85.00 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 20.0 per week

Application Question(s)

* Cover letter required

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Boston, MA 02112