Communications Specialist at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Harvard University


Position Title: Communications Specialist

Req ID: 67119BR

School or Unit: Faculty of Arts and Sciences

Description: Job Summary

The Communications Officer is tasked with leading the development and implementation of CAS's comprehensive communications strategy. This strategy spans content creation, marketing, media relations, and brand management to enhance visibility and engagement for the Cambridge and Africa offices. This role involves autonomy and strategic decision-making to meet the center's communication objectives and goals.

Position Description

Communications Strategy:

• Develop and own the CAS communications strategy, including strategic priorities, annual goals, metrics, and measurement targets. Present this strategy at the annual staff retreat in coordination with CAS leadership across Cambridge and South Africa to ensure a cohesive 'one CAS' approach.
• Engage actively with the Department of Education National Resource Center grant requirements, focusing on external audience engagement related to African content and activities.
• Strategize and execute donor engagement plans, including the creation of annual reports, identification of top donors, and coordination of relevant campus activities.

Content Creation:

• Independently create and strategize content across all media platforms, including the CAS website, social media, press releases, etc.
• Design campaigns to foster growth in online presence and engagement, incorporating policy papers, marketing materials, and event promotions.
• Lead and execute unique projects like alumni outreach and video/interview series, showcasing organizational innovations.

Brand and PR/Media Management:

• Uphold and enforce CAS and Harvard brand standards, managing a budget for marketing materials and ensuring trademark guidelines are followed across all locations.

Budget Management:

• Develop and manage an assigned communications budget, exercising autonomy in financial allocations related to activities, materials, and vendor contracts.

Vendor Management:

• Select and negotiate with vendors for events, productions, marketing materials, and transcriptions. Oversee deliverables and maintain strong vendor relationships.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• A minimum of 3+ years of experience in communications, public relations, or marketing.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Experience producing publications (reports, newsletters, promotional material, etc.).
• Experience creating audiovisual content and knowledge of graphic and web design, publishing, and/or photo and video software applications (such as Open Scholar, Canva, InDesign, and/or Photoshop).
• Experience in copy editing.
• Familiarity with social media platform.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize and work quickly, accurately and efficiently with acute attention to detail.
• Excellent oral, writing, editing, and proofreading skills required.
• Must be able to take initiative and demonstrate discretion with sensitive and confidential information.
• Ability to work under pressure and against tight deadline.
• Superb organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment.
• Familiarity with or experience living or working in Africa.

Additional Information

Some nights/weekends and occasional travel may be required.

We regret that we will not be able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

All formal written offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

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.

LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)

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Department Office Location: USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code: CM0856 Communications Management I

Job Function: Communications

Work Format: Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub Unit: Social Sciences

Salary Grade: 056

Department: Center for African Studies


Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status: Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening: Education, Identity


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.

EOE 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.

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