Job Information
Harvard University Director of Communication & Strategy in Cambridge, Massachusetts
65997BRAuto req ID:65997BRJob Code:CM0858 Communications Management III Department Office Location:USA - MA - Cambridge Business Title:Director of Communication & StrategySub-Unit:------------ Salary Grade (https://hr.harvard.edu/salary-ranges#ranges) :058Time Status:Full-time Union:00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree required.
Minimum of 5+ years of relevant experience.
Staff management experience.
This position requires 25% travel. This is a one-year term position from the date of hire with a high possibility of extension.
Please Note: Applicants who wish to be considered must submit a cover letter in addition to a resume.
Any candidate invited for a phone screen will be asked to provide samples of previous work. In addition, any candidate advancing to the final round of interviews will be asked to complete a writing assignment.
This is a remote position
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
Experience developing communications plans and developing branding, PR, and marketing strategies.
Creativity in finding new and innovative ways to think about communications.
Demonstrated excellence in verbal communication, writing, editing, and crafting content for different audiences.
Knowledge of different media platforms.
Experience with frequently used communications tools and platforms, such as: design tools (e.g., InDesign, Canva); email marketing tools (e.g., MailChimp or similar); social media (e.g., Twitter/X, LinkedIn, and Facebook) and social media management tools (e.g., HootSuite); web content management systems (e.g., WordPress or similar); and web analytic tools (e.g., Google Analytics 4 or similar).
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Strong presentation and writing skills.
Solid understanding of the complexities of working in a multi-faceted, nonprofit setting.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Masters Degree preferred.
Additional Information:
HGSE Human Resources values diversity in all forms and believes that each employee brings a set of diverse experiences and identities to the workplace that makes us stronger, encourages innovation, and enhances our collective contributions. We continue to develop and support a workforce that reflects the diversity of those we serve; fosters an environment that allows everyone to belong and to bring their best self to work; and creates the conditions that empower employees to contribute their full potential to advancing the work of the school.
We do this by:
Hiring and retaining staff reflecting the diversity of those we serve
Providing employees opportunities to learn, grow, and be challenged
Reviewing and ensuring fairness and equity in HR practices and policies including but not limited to hiring, promotion, and compensation
Developing strong relationships and partnerships internal and external to our community to advance diversity and inclusion
Communicating transparently and respectfully; and
Fostering an inclusive, respectful, and professional work environment
About the Harvard Graduate School of Education:
Many choose to work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education because they believe in our mission and are excited by our vision for the future. We have a reputation as a great place to work, for our excellent leadership, and we are a strong community that values diversity. For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit: www.gse.harvard.edu
Department:CEPRPre-Employment Screening:Education, IdentityJob Function:Communications Position Description:
Communications Strategy (40%)
Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Communications Director will lead, develop, and implement overall communications strategies to promote and amplify CEPR’s mission, initiatives, priorities, and activities.
Develop new processes/guides for CEPR projects to follow and implement strategy to disseminate content to expanded audiences.
Create sales and marketing strategies, and internal processes such as collateral request intake from projects.
Create the strategy for the utilization of CEPR’s mailing lists, including the creation of protocols for segmentation and purchased contact lists in email newsletter systems.
Advise the CEPR Executive Leadership team on strategic ideas and communication plans.
Lead communications strategy related to externally facing CEPR reports, publications, think pieces, and press in a way that advances CEPR’s key messages, communicates impact, and helps grow our brand.
Manage redesign of CEPR’s website, ensuring alignment with CEPR’s broader communications strategies.
Oversee the collection and reporting of meaningful metrics for CEPR’s reach to inform plans for improvement.
Develop protocol for Communication Specialist to collect views and other metrics for website, newsletter, and social content across CEPR including but not limited to website views, social media reach (followers, impressions, and other growth metrics), and e-mail newsletter impact (opens, clicks, etc.).
Advise project teams in creating and implementing strategies to disseminate project materials and findings to broad audiences.
Media and Public Relations (15%)
Build strategy and identify opportunities for media engagement.
Manage external contracted PR consultants and other vendors such as designers and writers as needed.
Support CEPR leadership and project directors so they can effectively respond to and manage communication with the media.
Collaborate with external PR experts to coordinate the release of news from CEPR and its projects, respond to press inquiries, and proactively pitch stories to the press; and provide internal expertise to external experts.
Internal Communications (10%)
Develop content for CEPR’s annual report, external newsletters, brochures, videos, presentations, or other vehicles, and manage editorial/publication schedule.
Create and oversee central CEPR knowledge sharing system, which will be used for new hire onboarding, monthly staff meetings, and annual staff retreats.
Train new staff members in using CEPR communications systems and platforms.
Content Development (20%)
Lead proactive content development across digital and print platforms to effectively promote CEPR’s publications, resources, and projects.
Manage the execution of redesign of CEPR website, maintaining a high-quality site design and integrity.
Design website content in close collaboration with CEPR leadership. Help formulate strategies and execute plans for future enhancements to the websites, including working with third parties.
Drive CEPR’s online and social media presence including websites, Facebook, Twitter/X, YouTube, and LinkedIn, approving content as needed. Advise projects on their social media and online presence, maintaining consistent messaging, adherence to brand standards, and alignment across projects.
Develop and design pamphlets, flyers, and other collateral materials for CEPR central and CEPR projects in collaboration with internal CEPR stakeholders.
Management (15%)
Supervise a full-time staff member who handles routine, tactical matters to maintain protocols and support execution of the communications strategy.
Manage all outside vendors supporting communications work.
Collaborate with project directors to utilize funds to implement communications and marketing strategies.
Manage central communications budget.
School/Unit:Harvard Graduate School of Education EEO Statement:We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.Working Conditions:
HGSE is currently developing dynamic workplace models which will actively support a combination of on-campus and remote work (within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business) where business and operational needs allow. You and your manager will discuss the best schedule based on your role and operational need. If your role allows for remote work, please note that all remote work must be performed within a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA (Only Exempt), CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VA, VT, and WA). Please also note that Harvard will withhold each applicable state’s required tax and other withholdings from your paycheck for the time you work there.
The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.
We regret that the Harvard Graduate School of Education does not provide Visa sponsorship
Job Summary:
HGSE is a diverse community of learners, teachers, and employees who are passionate about changing the world through education and striving for maximum impact in the field of education.
The Director, Communications Strategy will be part of a growing team at the Center for Education Policy Research (CEPR) at Harvard University. CEPR is a unique partnership among districts, states, foundations, and university-based researchers designed to leverage the overwhelming amount of newly available school-, teacher-, and student-level data to address previously intractable policy questions in education and improve educational outcomes for all students. Our work has previously and recently appeared on the cover of the New York Times, NPR, CNN, CBS, and other major news networks and papers.
The Director, Communications Strategy will work with senior leadership and faculty at CEPR, as well as CEPR project leads, to develop and implement communications strategies to support and advance CEPR’s mission, initiatives, priorities, and activities. The Director will manage a Communications Specialist, who will support the execution of the strategies developed by the Director.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging:Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.Benefits:We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
Work Format:Remote LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only):#LI-LM1Work Format Details:This position is eligible for 100% remote work. Employees may work from any of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.