Job Description
Communications Manager
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
Job Code
CM1057 Communications Management II
Job Summary
The Communications Manager reports to the Executive Director and works closely with the Center’s Directors, Executive Director, faculty, staff and fellows to increase the visibility of WAPPP and maximize the impact of research generated by faculty and staff affiliates of the Center, initiatives and activities among policy makers, policy-influencing constituencies, and the general public. They will develop and execute overall communications strategy for the Center, in close consultation with the Center’s leadership and the HKS’s Office of Communications and Public Affairs.
A significant part of this role will include defining the digital strategy for the Center’s numerous programs, research, and activities, which are growing and changing. This strategy may include managing and rebranding.
The Communications Manager maintains the Center’s website and social media. Oversees vendor relationships with web developers, printers, designers, and video producers. Promotes Center work through direct contact with a variety of news media organizations and personnel.
Works closely with the WAPPP team with a focus on events, faculty research, donor outreach and materials for other key stakeholders. The person in this position will be capable of developing a sophisticated understanding of a wide range of programs and research subjects in order to write about them compellingly for practitioners, academics, journalists, and the general public.
Job-Specific Responsibilities
Produce and oversee production of publications:
Plans, designs, and implements the Center’s short-term and long-term communications strategy and execution.
Maintains graphic standards and center-wide branding efforts, in order to effectively market the WAPPP mission and programs.
Compile and maintain an organized database of WAPPP creative content/digital assets, e.g. faculty bios, photographs, etc.
Develops and maintains a communications and outreach calendar and dashboard that is monitored and updated regularly, with clear targets for expansion of reach to diverse stakeholders.
Writes, edits, and produces the Center’s yearly print annual report.
Design and deliver event, news, and research emails.
Create donor and targeted constituency communication and event materials.
Write and/or edit event coverage articles, take photos, and oversee the production of accompanying podcasts.
Review the work of other web contributors and maintain responsibility for the integrity and consistency of the site.
Design and supervise production, testing and delivery of HTML email messages, and maintain the Center’s email lists using MailChimp and other platforms.
Design invitations, programs, brochures, flyers, slide shows, and posters.
Digital strategy:
Oversee all aspects of website maintenance and when needed redesign-projects, including selecting vendors, branding, and content migration.
Manage the Center’s active social media presence using Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and other platforms as they arise.
Direct the development of dynamic new content including videos, audio podcasts, articles, and photo galleries. Keep up-to-date with emerging online marketing channels and develop a WAPPP presence when appropriate.
Track web and social analytics and use them to inform digital strategy.
Manage contracts with all related vendors, including domain registrars, web hosts, bulk email providers, editorial photo libraries, CRM platform, and website developers and contractors.
Public relations/event promotion
Develop and execute comprehensive, strategic publicity plans for large, high-profile events, announcements, and research.
Oversee the promotion of Center events with posters, online marketing, and emails. Manage live-tweeting and live-streaming at events.
Designs wall signage and plaques for WAPPP office space
Managerial:
Negotiates contracts/agreements with outside vendors.
Holds authority to modify deadlines, provide additional resources, and/or prioritize multiple publications.
Represents WAPPP at communications affinity group meetings, IT affinity group meetings, web affinity meetings, and others as necessary; works closely with HKS Office of Communications, HK IT Department, and Harvard Web Publishing.
Basic Qualifications
BA/BS and minimum of 5 years related work experience in communications, media relations or related field. Experience developing and implementing communication plans, leveraging digital communications channels and social media, and producing press releases and other promotional materials.
Additional Qualifications
Strong written and verbal communications skills, including copy editing, proofing, and comfort in major manuals of style. Exceptional interpersonal skills and proven record of working collaboratively with a wide range of constituents. Must be proactive and able to complete complex tasks with minimal direction. Must be able to work as part of a larger team and balance the interests and needs of a variety of stakeholders in a highly decentralized environment. Proven ability to manage projects, establish priorities among multiple simultaneous, deadlines and multi-task. Strong familiarity with Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite, experience with web design, and enthusiasm for learning new technologies. Writing samples may be required. Interest in media and gender preferred.
Additional Information
This position is a fully-benefits eligible, two-year term appointment, with the possibility of renewal.
We regret that the Harvard Kennedy School does not provide Visa Sponsorship.
Harvard University requires pre-employment references and background checks.
Harvard University is committed to supporting a healthy, sustainable learning and working environment.
Job Function
Communications
Sub-Unit
-
Location
USA - MA - Cambridge
Department
Women and Public Policy Program
Time Status
Full-time
Union
00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
Salary Grade
057
Pre-Employment Screening
Education, Identity
EEO 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.