Position Title: Senior Director of Communications, Public Affairs
Req ID: 67471BR
School or Unit: University Administration
Description: Job Summary
The Senior Director of Communications, Public Affairs is a senior member of Harvard University's Public Affairs and Communications team (HPAC) responsible for building and managing a sophisticated external communications, brand, content, and public relations strategy that is grounded in the university's teaching and research mission and advances Harvard's role in host communities and in the social impact and innovation ecosystem across Greater Boston. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President and Chief of Staff for Public Affairs and Communications, this role works across the university and in close partnership in a team of public affairs colleagues to advance the university's mission-driven work and partnerships in Harvard's host communities and beyond.
Harvard's public affairs efforts aim to engage the university's neighbors, policy makers and community leaders, and key external stakeholders in the university's mission through a wide range of initiatives and programs, including through the Harvard Visitor Center in Cambridge and the Harvard Ed Portal in Allston. Partnering with colleagues, the Senior Director will also drive communications strategy and priorities related to physical planning and development efforts in the university's host communities and in support of relevant public and regulatory processes. The role requires timely approaches to media inquiries and content creation across platforms, as well as the development of proactive messaging to build awareness of university efforts and steward relationships with internal and external groups across the Greater Boston region and beyond.
Leading a team of communications and marketing professionals, the Senior Director will liaise with faculty, students, and administrators from across Harvard to connect university initiatives and programs with host community audiences. The Senior Director will also create and advise on statements, impact reports, talking points, briefings, presentations and other materials as needed. The role requires strategic focus, innovation, and long-term vision, as well as providing regular briefings and relevant guidance for senior leaders.
Harvard Public Affairs and Communications is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants who bring varied experiences, backgrounds, and expertise to advance our work in service to Harvard's mission. This role will be required to attend events, public meetings, and have in-office presence in accordance with HPAC's hybrid workplace guidance.
Position Description
• Lead, develop, and steward campus, community and public affairs related communications through media, digital platforms, publications, and additional public relations strategies. Cultivate community support for and engagement with university work and priorities through innovative communications approaches and campaigns.
• Oversee, collaborate with colleagues, and/or advise on communications planning, events, and issues management related to Harvard's activities in Cambridge, Boston, and beyond related to campus priorities, values and mission-driven development and growth, and other key social impact efforts. Work across the university and with external partners as necessary, to develop communications goals and approaches.
• Develop, collaborate and/or lead media relations strategy, including serving as a spokesperson or coordinating with relevant colleagues on topics, rising issues or initiatives in the Senior Director's portfolio. Foster and maintain relationships with reporters, editors, and producers as well as with communications colleagues from partner organizations. Produce messages, issue and event briefings and talking points, as well as recommendations around public outreach and press strategy.
• Provide strategic guidance and counsel to university leaders around communications opportunities, public presentation/speaking, media and other relevant communications training.
• Oversee and direct as well as create and implement content, branding and campaigns aimed at engaging key external audiences, raising awareness of programs, events, or opportunities, and strengthening the university's position related to key priorities or efforts, including around the Harvard Ed Portal, the Harvard Visitor Center, and other public-facing university programs or publications.
• Develop and execute effective messaging strategies, including preparing and editing internal and public facing messages, public statements, talking points, FAQs, leadership briefings, press releases, news and feature content, in support of identified priorities and activities.
• Manage a team of communicators, including providing strategic direction, mentoring, and guidance to a team of marketing and media professionals.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree required. Minimum 10 years significant experience and proven success at the highest levels of communications leadership and execution, including working with highly sensitive information in a complex environment with many stakeholders.
Proven leadership strengths and experience managing and partnering with diverse, high functioning teams, and advising leaders or principals.
Given the nature of the 24/7 news and issues cycles, this role requires availability outside of traditional work hours.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Higher education, government, or non-profit experience is strongly preferred. Strong leadership, supervisory, organizational and project management skills.
Excellent partnership skills with the ability to lead and collaborate cross-functionally on a wide variety of projects and content.
Strong facilitation skills with the capacity to gather facts and provide productive feedback across functions.
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: CM0260 Public/Media Relations Dir
Job Function: Communications
Work Format: Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)
Sub Unit: ------------
Salary Grade: 060
Department: HPAC
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.
