Senior Communications Officer

The Senior Media Relations Officer is responsible for managing, developing and implementing effective media relations and communications strategies for Harvard University as a member of the Harvard Public Affairs and Communications (HPAC) team.
Reporting to the Senior Executive Director of Media Relations and Communications, the Senior Media Relations Officer is a primary member of the central administration communications team, responsible for helping advance and support a broad portfolio of priorities, initiatives and programs across the central administration of Harvard University, and in close coordination with Harvard’s schools.

• Bachelor's degree required. Minimum five (5) years of experience and proven success in media relations and communications work related to highly sensitive information in a fast-paced, complex environment with many stakeholders.
• Strong written communications skills, including experience producing news and feature content for deployment across various digital and print channels.

• Experienced communications professional with a demonstrated capacity for multi-tasking, with good political judgment, excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in higher education, non-profit, government, or a decentralized organization desired.
• Ability to innovate, think strategically and conceptually, with experience effectively advising senior leaders.
• The position requires an extremely high level of professionalism, discretion, sound and mature judgment, and collegiality.
• Proven success in developing collaborative relationships across diverse constituencies.
• Strong project management and organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex, decentralized environment.

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

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.

Communications

USA - MA - Cambridge

CM0558 Public/Media Rltn Mgmt I

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

-

058

HPAC

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Full-time

Education, Identity

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.

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.

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