Job Information
Harvard University Director of Comms & Outreach in Cambridge, Massachusetts
64938BRAuto req ID:64938BRJob Code:CM1057 Communications Management II Department Office Location:USA - MA - Cambridge Business Title:Director of Communications and OutreachSub-Unit:------------ Salary Grade (https://hr.harvard.edu/salary-ranges#ranges) :057Time Status:Full-time Union:00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary Basic Qualifications:
BA/BS and minimum of 5 years related work experience in strategic communications and outreach in academic settings, social science, policy or politics or a related field.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
Experience developing and implementing strategic outreach and communications plans, as well as in using/leveraging digital communications channels and social media, networking, and producing press releases, newsletters, digital content, and outreach materials.
The ideal candidate is a highly ambitious individual with work experience in social policy, think tank, or Capitol Hill.
Strong written and verbal communications skills and a record of strategic collaboration with a leadership team.
Must be able to work as part of a larger team and balance the interests and needs of a variety of stakeholders in a highly decentralized environment.
Proven ability to manage projects, establish priorities among multiple deadlines, and to multi-task.
Government communications experience is desirable as is an MPP degree or graduate degree in a social policy field.
Candidates will be requested to submit writing/portfolio samples as part of the interview process.
Occasional US domestic travel is required.
Additional Information:
Learn more about our work culture (https://www.hks.harvard.edu/more/about/leadership-administration/human-resources) 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: $74,200 - $126,200
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.
Department:Malcolm Wiener Center for Social PolicyPre-Employment Screening:Education, IdentityJob Function:Communications Position Description:
The Director is responsible for translating and communicating complex research content and its relevance to top-tier, topic-relevant mainstream, online and specialty media outlets. They are responsible for identifying critical audiences and constituencies and establishing contacts and relationships with key influencers such as: local and national journalists and commentators, policy makers, and leading scholars in relevant fields. The individual in this position will be capable of developing an understanding of a wide range of social policy programs and research subjects in order to write about them compellingly for practitioners, academics, journalists, and the public. In addition, they will identify the appropriate outreach and communication channels, resources, tools, and events needed to effectively reach target audiences.
The Director will have a leading role in the development of the Center’s digital presence in order to help the Center achieve its communications objectives and build its reputation as a leader in advancing relevant knowledge. This includes creating, managing, and updating content for the Center’s website, social media channels, newsletter, and other digital communications.
Additional responsibilities: will develop and disseminate materials to the Center’s Advisory Board; will develop outreach strategies around special events and programs; will write press releases, briefing materials, digital content, newsletters and other materials necessary to maximize messaging opportunities and strategic impact; will oversee the development of marketing materials and website video content; and will ensure consistency and quality of brand management in accordance with Harvard Kennedy School standards. Internally, they will develop strong working relationships with Center faculty members, researchers and staff and provide strategic and operational communications support for them as needed. The Director will also act as the liaison between the Center and staff members in the HKS Office of Communications and Public Affairs.
School/Unit:Harvard Kennedy School 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.Job Summary:
The Malcolm Wiener Center for Social Policy (the Center) has an immediate opening for the position of Director of Communications and Outreach (the Director). Reporting to the Malcolm Wiener Center Director and Executive Director, the Director will collaborate with Center leadership and faculty members and develop and implement an expanded outreach and communications strategic plan for the Center. The Director’s main goals will be to increase the external footprint and visibility of the Malcolm Wiener Center by maximizing the dissemination, coverage, and impact of faculty research on social policy, and to promote Center programs, initiatives, events and activities among policy makers, policy-influencing constituencies, the media, and the public. Outreach and engaging with policy makers, legislators, their staff members and target audiences in Washington D.C. and NYC will be important components of this new outreach and communications strategy.
The Malcolm Wiener Center for Social Policy (the Center) is at the forefront of social policy research, teaching, innovation, and practice. Over the past three+ decades the Center has become an influential hub of social policy research and related activities at Harvard University. The Center’s mission is to increase social and economic wellbeing, equity, and opportunity, and to advance the cause of social justice and effective social programs. The Center serves this mission by cultivating and disseminating new ideas via three mechanisms: (1) data-driven research, (2) hands-on teaching and training, and (3) collaborative public engagement and policy initiatives that empower people to solve the most urgent social policy problems of our time. Key concerns include poverty and social exclusion; inequalities in education, income, and wealth; racism, sexism, and other barriers to social mobility; unstable employment and labor-market opportunities; crime and the criminal legal system; health and healthcare institutions; and safety nets for families and children.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging: Harvard Kennedy School’s Mission and Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism
At Harvard Kennedy School, fostering a diverse and inclusive community where everyone feels they belong is a matter of basic fairness consistent with our core values as an institution. It is also essential to our mission of improving public policy and leadership—because recruiting the best people and creating an environment where they can thrive make us better at what we do, because we learn more from people with different perspectives, and because we work in diverse groups and serve diverse societies.
Learn more about Harvard Kennedy School’s commitment to Diversity Equity, and Anti-Racism. (https://www.hks.harvard.edu/more/about/diversity-equity-and-antiracism) 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:Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote) LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only):#LI-NM1Work Format Details:This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one 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.About Us: Malcolm Wiener Center for Social Policy website:
https://www.hks.harvard.edu/centers/wiener