Job Summary

Position Description

Key responsibilities for the communications director will include:

1. Engage target audiences ? Working with Taubman Center faculty, fellows, staff, and alumni,develop and implement strategies to engage and disseminate information to state and local government policy makers and practitioners, thought leaders, conveners, HKS students and alumni.
2. Create content ? collaborate with others in the center to produce and package content ranging from long-form policy briefs to tweets. Depending on the project, this may involve drafting original content (e.g., project features, technical guides, policy briefs), synthesizing and editing content being created by other Taubman, GPL, and Rappaport team members, or producing derivative content (e.g., blog or social media post from a project feature). This may include the selection and management of external contract writers and copy editors.
3. Develop and utilize digital platforms and tools to reach key audiences ? enhance and maintain the Taubman Center, GPL, and Rappaport Institute web sites, social media channels, e-newsletters,videos, and other digital communications. Lead the development of an HKS-wide state & local government website and e-newsletter as a resource to policy makers and practitioners.
4. Implement and sustain successful PR strategy ? proactively engage key media and influencers to position our affiliated faculty, fellows, and staff as topical expert resources to them, and to promote ideas, research, and work being done at the Taubman Center, GPL, and Rappaport Institute. This will also include securing earned media, writing and disseminating press releases, and preparing a crisis management plan.
5. Manage communications infrastructure and protocols ? enhance and oversee the utilization of a CRM platform, digital asset library (e.g., photos, videos, logos), content library (e.g., publications,research pieces, cases), news coverage alerts, brand guidelines, and a portfolio of marketing materials (e.g., digital and print materials, email marketing templates, event promotion materials,presentation templates, current and prospective donor materials, etc.).

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor?s degree and minimum of 6 years related work experience in communications, marketing, media relations, or a related field.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• The best candidates for the Director of Communications role will have both the ability to develop a holistic communications strategy and the capacity and willingness to roll up their shirtsleeves to do the necessary implementation.
• Excellent writing, synthesis, and editing skills and the ability to consistently and independently produce strong work product with only light-touch guidance.
• Proven ability to manage projects, establish priorities among multiple simultaneous deadlines,and sustain timely responsiveness to inquiries and requests.
• A passion for public service, supporting public servants, and being a resource for the next generation of public leaders.
• Experience developing and implementing communication plans, including the ability to shape and leverage digital communications channels (including websites and social media), produce press releases, and design and produce other digital and print marketing materials;
• Proven success engaging and getting coverage from media and influencers;
• Exceptional written and verbal communications skills;
• Keen attention to detail and critical-thinking skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and proven record of working collaboratively with a wide range of constituents. Must be able to work independently and as part of a larger team balancing the interests and needs of a variety of stakeholders in a highly decentralized environment.
• Disposition and eagerness to be creative and contribute good humor to the work and team.

Additional Information

Please also submit relevant writing samples. Later stages of the interview process will include writing exercises.

This position is a fully benefits-eligible term appointment ending one year from date of hire, with possibility of renewal.

Learn more about our work culture and see yourself at Harvard Kennedy School.

We regret that the Harvard Kennedy School does not provide visa sponsorship.
Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background checks.
Harvard University is committed to supporting a healthy, sustainable learning and working environment.

This is a hybrid position based on our campus in Cambridge, MA. As a campus-based institution, we place a high value on the in-person experience, cross-team collaboration, and strong community building in order to create a vibrant campus for our students, faculty, staff, and research fellows. The position is required to work in-person on campus a minimum of three days per week during the academic year. Specific days and schedule will be determined between you and your manager. 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.

Salary Range: $87,700 - $150,900
Note: Starting salaries typically fall in the lower half of the salary range; however, they are ultimately determined by the scope of the position, the candidate's relevant experience, and internal equity.

Benefits

• 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

About Harvard University Kennedy School

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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