Duties and Responsibilities
The Assistant Director of Communications and Outreach will lead and execute proactive communications and outreach in support of Harvard University's strategic initiatives, community engagement, and outreach efforts in its host communities of Cambridge, Boston and throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Assistant Director will develop messaging and strategies to: increase the profile of Harvard Public Affairs and Communications (HPAC)'s campus initiatives, community and educational programs and other offerings; increase program and event participation withing our host communities and beyond; and maintain a strong brand identity internally and externally. The Assistant Director will also help to provide strategic guidance and support around public outreach, issue management, and media inquiries to senior leaders across the university as needed.
The Assistant Director will be a key contributor to holistic, integrated outreach and marketing efforts which includes promoting Harvard Public Affairs and Communications (HPAC)'s community programs and offerings through external media and owned digital assets as well as a range of reports, collateral, newsletters and other outreach, while maintaining a strong brand identity both internally and externally.
The Assistant Director will work in conjunction with colleagues across teams and functions in HPAC, as well as across the broader University in service to key engagement priorities. This individual will also provide strategic guidance for and work on appropriate University-wide projects, initiatives, and events as needed.
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.
Primary Responsibilities, Skills and Abilities
- Research and devise effective ways to communicate with a broad and diverse community around an array of programs, initiatives, and engagement opportunities, including identifying and creating storytelling opportunities that help highlight and advance the University's community engagement efforts
- Continuously engage and be informed of community issues, relationships, and activities to inform and develop effective and strategic communications efforts that support the University's state/local government relations and community priorities
- Draft and execute horizontal and vertical marketing plans for initiatives, events, and select programs across Harvard that serve its host communities of Cambridge and Boston and beyond
- Assist and advise on media relations, including managing incoming inquiries and responses, as well as developing proactive media relations strategies around key community and campus priorities and initiatives
- Collaborate and contribute to strategic messaging on various projects as needed, including but not limited to work on community.harvard.edu and edportal.harvard.edu, as well as affiliated social channels; must be willing and able to participate in management of social media when necessary
- Create and execute proactive outreach campaigns to align with programs, reports, or specific issue-based initiatives, as well as traditional grassroots marketing efforts
- Work to advance the brand of the Harvard Ed Portal (a collaborative initiative of Harvard University, the City of Boston, the Harvard Allston Task Force, and the Allston-Brighton community, run and managed by HPAC)
- Assist in creating and executing communications and outreach plans for HPAC-led programs in Cambridge (e.g., public school partnerships, on campus events and other related activities), including websites, digital marketing initiatives, print collateral and event calendars, and direct mail campaigns
- Create, contribute to the creation, and advise on messaging and communications for University's leaders with respect to the University's community and campus priorities
- Assist in the scheduling and editorial process, including writing and content development, for print and online publications
Applicants should complete an application and submit a resume and cover letter via the Harvard Careers site.
Recruitment and Hiring During COVID-19: This position will be based on our campus in Cambridge, MA. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this role will begin remotely. The remote nature of this job is only temporary. Once the University and the supervisor determine that it is appropriate, we look forward to welcoming the new hire to campus. At that time, the employee will be required to move work location to the Cambridge campus as a condition of continued employment. Candidates will be provided a laptop and must have the capability to support telework, including internet connection and phone.
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.
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 University Benefits Package
Vacation/Sick/Personal/Holidays: Harvard offers 3 (union roles) - 4 (exempt) weeks paid vacation, a paid holiday break between Christmas and New Year's Day, 12 paid sick days, 11.5 paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days each year.
Medical/Dental/Vision Benefit: Harvard offers a variety of excellent medical, dental, and vision plans which all begin on the first day of employment.
Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.
Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive tuition assistance program, $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and discounted study options through participating Harvard Graduate Schools.
Transportation: Harvard offers a 50% discounted MBTA pass as well as parking options to assist employees in their daily commute to campus.
Wellness Options: Harvard offers programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, massages, nutrition, meditation, and complimentary health services. There are also fee-based athletic facility memberships available at various locations around the university for employees.
Salary Grade: 057
Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary |
