Position Title: Senior Communications Officer, Harvard International Office
Req ID: 67685BR
School or Unit: University Administration
Description: Job Summary
Reporting jointly to the Managing Director, University Communications in Harvard Public Affairs & Communications (HPAC) and to the Senior Director, Harvard International Office (HIO), this position is responsible for the communications strategy of the HIO, which serves nearly 10,000 international students and scholars from more than 140 countries annually. As a member of the HPAC team, the Senior Communications Officer works closely with the HIO leadership team and staff, as well as with University administrators, the University's federal relations team, and HPAC colleagues, to develop and implement communications strategies to enhance the visibility of HIO's services and resources. This position serves as a strategic communications advisor to, and coordinates closely with, the HIO leadership team and subject matter experts who guide priorities and content. The Senior Communications Officer develops written and visual communications and oversees the HIO's digital platforms, including website and email channels, ensuring accurate, consistent, and timely information aligned with the University's and HIO's brand and messaging guidelines. The individual must be a strategic thinker with excellent writing skills, a knack for website management, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. Familiarity with and understanding of international higher education and/or international student and scholar immigration policy is ideal. This role is part of a broader team of communications professionals supporting HIO partner units, including the Office of the Vice Provost for International Affairs and Global Support Services, among others.
Position Description
Communications Strategy
Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive communications strategy that aligns with the goals and mission of the HIO.
Lead the HIO communications committee and work collaboratively with related University departments to plan and execute integrated communications efforts.
Educate and advise the HIO Senior Director and staff on communications best practices and provide guidance to staff on their client-facing communications and to the HIO leadership team on internal communications, as needed.
Develop and maintain relationships and connections with key contacts in Harvard Schools and Central Administration, and proactively coordinate on communications priorities.
Represent the HIO in formal and informal University-wide or cross-Unit collaborations, such as communications working groups, task forces, and committees.
Identify and capitalize on new communications opportunities and platforms to expand HIO's reach and effectiveness.
Manage communications-related projects, vendors, and other duties as assigned.
Writing/Editing/Design and Content Strategy
Manage the overall communications and editorial calendar.
Create, edit, and disseminate high-quality content to support key priorities and initiatives, including reports, presentations, newsletters, and promotional materials, adapting as needed across channels and audiences.
Work closely with subject matter experts to translate and convey complex topics into relevant, clear, and helpful communications for a diverse audience.
Develop templates and establish a consistent tone and visual identity in all communications materials, aligned with Harvard's brand and messaging guidelines.
Website, Email Engagement, and Digital Content Management
Manage the HIO website, keeping current with best practices for user experience, and regularly updating it to provide timely and accurate information.
Collaborate with subject matter experts to create new content, including news articles, resources, and event information.
Lead website redesigns and projects.
Build and manage email distribution lists.
Plan, write, design, and send regular email newsletters and announcements to various stakeholder groups, including students, scholars, faculty, and partners.
Manage HIO's social media accounts, and develop and implement strategies to foster community engagement and enhance HIO's online presence.
Use analytics tools to assess the impact of overall communications strategies, produce reports on content performance, inform content strategy, and make recommendations to improve reach and engagement.
Media/PR
Work closely with HPAC spokespersons, the federal relations team, HIO leadership, and related stakeholders, to address and coordinate on internal and external inquiries.
Advise the HIO Senior Director and leadership team on media and issues-related communication strategies as needed and in partnership with HPAC.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, or related field
At least six years' experience in communications
Additional Qualifications and Skills
Preference for prior experience in higher education or international education, specifically focused on international student and scholar immigration
Understanding of branding, integrated marketing communications, strategy development, and implementation within large organizations serving diverse populations
Exceptional written, verbal, and visual communication and editorial skills
Adept at translating complex information into relevant, clear, and helpful communications
Outstanding organizational skills and the ability to think strategically and creatively
Strong attention to detail
Excellent customer service skills
Self-motivated and directed, with a proven ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing a high volume of work with competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment that supports international students and scholars year round
Displays good judgement, knowing when to loop people in and escalate matters
Experience leading and facilitating meetings
Demonstrated cultural competence and ability to work effectively with diverse populations
Demonstrated experience in writing for the web, content strategy, and website management, particularly Drupal
Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, email marketing platforms, social media management tools, and analytics
Graphic design skills and experience with Adobe Creative Suite is a plus
A writing exercise or assessment may be required during the interview process
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)
#LI-EP1
Department Office Location: USA - MA - Cambridge
Job Code: CM0558 Public/Media Rltn Mgmt I
Job Function: Communications
Work Format: Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)
Sub Unit: ------------
Salary Grade: 058
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.
