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Associate Director, Media Relations and Communications
Harvard University Administration
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Associate Director, Media Relations and Communications

Harvard University Administration

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Details
Posted:
November 26, 2020
Location:
USA - MA - Cambridge
Salary:
Open
Type:
Full-time
The Associate Director, Media Relations and Communications, is responsible for media relations and issues management for Harvard University as a senior member of the Harvard Public Affairs and Communications (HPAC) team. The Associate Director provides strategic guidance and media relations support to senior leaders across a broad portfolio including the central administration of Harvard University, and in close coordination with Harvard's Schools. Serves as a spokesperson Harvard University on issues within the portfolio. Reports to the Senior Director of Media Relations and Communications, HPAC.

Takes a leading role in issues management and proactive communications management, including crisis communications, for the university, with a particular focus on key areas and university priorities and initiatives. Provides strategic advice and guidance on the communications response to internal and external issues affecting the Harvard community. Develops and maintains university-wide communications plans and works as part of broader HPAC teams to develop internal and external messaging for the university.

Serves as the spokesperson for the university on particular issues within the broad portfolio as assigned. Must adapt quickly to serve as back-up or team member on pressing university issues when needed. Works directly with campus media, as well as external media. Also works as part of the HPAC team to meet and ensure alignment across media relations, communications, proactive communications and other advocacy and public affairs efforts. Develops and maintains relationships with international, national, regional and local news media. Given the nature of the 24/7 news cycle, this role requires availability outside of traditional work hours.

Prepares and edits internal messages, public statements, talking points, FAQs, briefings, press releases, news and feature stories, and more in University efforts and activities.


Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.

Recruitment and Hiring During COVID-19: This position requires a regular, onsite presence; however, due to COVID-19, this role will begin as a remote position and continue as remote through December 31, 2020. This can change due to the ever-evolving nature of the pandemic. Candidates will be provided a laptop and must have the capability to support telework, including internet connection and phone.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran
Harvard Public Affairs and Communications is committed to diversity and fostering an inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants who bring varied experiences, backgrounds, and expertise to advance the work of the department in service to Harvard's mission.

Salary Grade: 059

Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Bachelor's degree required. Minimum 10 years significant experience and proven success at the highest levels of media and communications work, including serving as a spokesperson during times of institutional crisis, and working with highly sensitive information in a complex environment with many stakeholders.


  • Experienced media professional and strategic thinker with a demonstrated capacity for skillful management and multi-tasking, with good political judgment, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, proven crisis management abilities, an understanding of complex organizations, and a commitment to the mission of education, scholarship, and research.
  • Experience in higher education, non-profit, government, or a decentralized organization desired. Successful track record as a leader, manager, and strategist in a large and complex organizational environment. Must have the proven ability to advise senior leaders effectively.
  • Must have the ability to innovate, think strategically and conceptually, listen carefully as well as to influence and persuade others. The position requires an extremely high level of professionalism, sound and mature judgment, and collegiality.
  • Must have excellent analytical, verbal, and written communication skills along with a high level of diplomacy, discretion, and problem solving ability. The selected candidate will have proven success in developing collaborative relationships across diverse constituencies. Strong project management and organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex, decentralized environment are needed.


EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: 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, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Internal Number: 52984BR
About Harvard University Administration
Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. The University, which is based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, has an enrollment of over 20,000 degree candidates, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Harvard has more than 360,000 alumni around the world. The University has twelve degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, offering a truly global education. Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States.
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