Communications Management III at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Harvard University


Position Title: Communications Management III

Req ID: 67581BR

School or Unit: Harvard Graduate School of Education

Description: 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. This Director of Engagement and Strategy will lead the development and execution of a comprehensive strategic communications and external engagement strategy. The position reports to Carrie James, one of the PIs and co-Directors of the Center for Digital Thriving. This Director of Engagement and Strategy will serve as a key thought partner to CDT's leadership, driving visibility and positioning as a trusted voice on youth mental health and technology, providing a strategic vision for the Center's work, and supporting a shift in the public discourse through effective communication about research-based insights.

This role is critical in shaping CDT's public footprint, and more broadly in contributing to the narrative about youth mental health and technology. This position will manage high-level relationships with key stakeholders and ensure cohesive internal and external communications. The Director will have a deep understanding of strategic narrative development, media relations, partnership building, and digital communications, with a proven ability to work in complex, interdisciplinary environments. They will also have demonstrated experience in scaling a communications function and will manage team members who work on Communications functions for the Center for Digital Thriving.

Position Description

• Communications Strategy (25%): Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy that responds to current public health needs, reshapes public discourse, and creates an appetite for evidence-based insights and interventions. Shape brand identity, messaging, and public image to align with long-term goals, ensuring effective storytelling across all channels. Work closely with CDT leadership to support strategic objectives and measure success in the shifting information ecosystem. Advise on high impact, translational applications of research work.
• Media Relations and Public Relations (20%): Cultivate relationships with journalists and media to expand quality media coverage about teens and technology and b) elevate awareness of CDT's work. Act as a spokesperson, managing media inquiries and coordinating public events. Lead proactive media outreach, develop press materials, and manage ongoing communication to ensure impactful media engagement.
• External Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement (20%): Collaborate with CDT on communications for strategic partnerships with key external stakeholders such as funders, fellows, and educators to advance the mission of thriving youth in a tech-filled world. Oversee communications for collaboration opportunities, ensuring alignment with CDT objectives. Provide representation at major public events and support communications for the CDT Fellows Program to extend influence.
• Content Strategy and Digital Communications (15%): Oversee content creation for digital platforms, including website, social media, and email campaigns, ensuring alignment with the strategic goals. Lead the development of reports and thought leadership content, using digital analytics to refine strategies and boost audience engagement.
• Team & Process Management (10%): Lead CDT-based communications efforts, establishing streamlined processes to enhance collaboration and workflow within CDT and beyond, e.g. with partner and peer organizations, consultants to the organization. Help ensure that team members are supported and able to grow in their roles.
• Fundraising and Development Support (10%): Collaborate with leadership to integrate communications strategies into fundraising initiatives and grant management. Assist in developing pitches for prospective funders, preparing impact/grant reports, and ensuring alignment with research priorities and strategic growth. Develop donor engagement materials to demonstrate progress and impact.

Basic Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field is required.
• The position requires a minimum of 10 years in a senior communications or strategic leadership role, ideally within an academic/research institution, non-profit, or thought leadership environment.
• Experience with social media management, CMS tools, and email newsletter platforms.

Any candidate wishing to be considered must supply a cover letter in addition to their resume showing that they meet the required basic qualifications. This is a 1yr term position with a high possibility of extension.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• A master's degree or equivalent experience in strategic communications, public relations, or marketing is preferred.
• A minimum of five years of management experience preferred. Experience in the technology sector is a plus. Demonstrated experience in scaling a communications function.
• G-Suite, Microsoft tools, and Slack, preferred.
• Interpersonal skills organized and process oriented, strong written and verbal communication skills, collaborative, and comfortable working in a growing organization.

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.

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

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.

Department Office Location: USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code: CM0858 Communications Management III

Job Function: Communications

Work Format: Remote

Sub Unit: ------------

Salary Grade: 058

Department: PZ


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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