Director of Communications

Cambridge, MA
Posted on  

Job Description

Job Summary

The Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society (BKC) seeks an experienced and dynamic Director of Communications to develop the Berkman Klein Center’s communications and events strategies, priorities, and narrative building in service of how we tell the stories of the Center’s research, education, tools, and global impact. The Director will lead a small team to implement BKC communications strategy through events, press, and across digital channels that reach our priority audiences.

The Director will work collaboratively across the organization with Center leadership and our diverse internal community of staff, fellows, interns, collaborators, partners, and alums. The Director of Communications will also lead internal events planning and communications efforts, delivering on annual reports, community announcements, event strategy and an events calendar, promotion of events, media monitoring, and support for the organization to maintain the highest quality public affairs practices.

Position Description

As Director of Communications you will:

  • Effectively lead and manage communications and events staff, providing supervision and guidance to team members on task prioritization and problem-solving, conduct performance reviews, and support paths for professional development;
  • Draft and lead center-wide strategy for the communications team, including prioritization and resource assessment;
  • Create an analytics system to set goals and measure impact;
  • Create and communicate a coherent set of narratives to bring our projects to internal and external audiences;
  • Develop and execute a press strategy, including creating press lists, leveraging press contacts, and curating press relationships for the Center that yield positive coverage in target publications;
  • Draft, develop, oversee, and help execute an events strategy with the events manager that promotes the work and relevance of BKC amongst target audiences;
  • Maintain a BKC-events calendar to track opportunities for development and promotion;
  • Develop and practice other ongoing engagement modes to engage Center alumni, donors, and other key stakeholders such as communications professionals around the University and nearby academic communities;
  • Oversee the production of owned content, including blog posts, reports, website copy, social media posts, print materials (if needed), and other forms of digital and multimedia content;
  • Formally and informally advise BKC leadership and staff on communications best practices both within the BKC ecosystem and in general. Examples include media training; writing for different audiences, etc.;
  • Manage communications and events budget and purchasing, in partnership with managing director and finance director.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 8+ years’ experience in communications, journalism or related field, as well as supervisory experience required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

We are looking for people who have:

  • Proficiency in the field of communications including communications strategy, organizational storytelling across multiple media platforms, public relations, and hands-on execution;
  • Proficiency in developing events that promote the communications and narrative strategy of an organization;
  • Broad knowledge of scholarly research, public policy and legislation, and industry developments in the fields of communication technology is critical, as is the ability to effectively communicate that knowledge to diverse public and private audiences;
  • Experience with proactive and reactive media and social media relations, as well as crisis management;
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills;
  • Sound judgment, ethical standards, discretion, and tact;
  • Background participating in, serving, and engaging diverse communities;
  • Experience in working with reporters and the journalism industry, bringing a network of personal connections to media professionals;
  • Experience in team management and fostering professional growth

Additional Information

This is a term appointment currently expected to extend through October 31, 2025, with potential for renewal subject to funding and departmental need.

We regret that Harvard Law School is unable to provide visa sponsorship for staff positions.

All offers to be made by HLS Human Resources.

Work Format Details

This position is based primarily on campus (Cambridge) with the opportunity for remote work based on business needs and manager approval.

About Us

Be a part of excellence and leadership in legal education and scholarship at Harvard Law School. We are a community of talented people from diverse backgrounds, lived experiences, and perspectives, dedicated to advancing the cause of justice all over the world. We value our differences and our diversity as a source of strength. We are committed to developing and inspiring our students and our workforce. Whoever you are, whatever you do, however you do it, Harvard Law School is a place where you can thrive.

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.

Job Function

Communications

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

CM0559 Communications Management IV

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit

-

Salary Grade

059

Department

Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status

Full-time

Appointment End Date

31-Oct-2025

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Schedule

Based on the changing needs of the organization, the Director of Communications may be called upon for other tasks at short notice. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.

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.

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.

LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)

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