Director of Employee Communications & Engagement (57218BR)

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is seeking an employee communications enthusiast, who can lead the development and implementation of a proactive internal communications and engagement strategy targeted to nearly 5,000 employees (staff, researchers, and faculty) working across the FAS. This is a new role that will support the Dean for Administration and Finance and the Dean for Faculty Affairs, along with other key leaders across the FAS. The inaugural Director will help build and lead a small team in support of the employee communications portfolio.

Position Description:

• Employee communications strategy: Leads the development and execution of an employee communications strategy and plan, including email communications, digital and multimedia content and strategy, town hall meetings, and annual award opportunities and celebrations.
• Internal communications: Leads internal communications, serving as the primary author of employee news and announcements, including community messages, staff announcements, institutional news stories, e-newsletters, and more.
• Emergency communications: Serves as the communications lead for the FAS Emergency Management Team. Drafts FAS-wide messages providing guidance on weather-related and other emergency impacts and closures. Ability to work occasional nights and weekends when emergencies arise.
• FAS website: Oversees the FAS website, developing and managing content strategy, including regular updates and additions. Provide strategic guidance and support to FAS offices seeking to update local websites.
• Public reports: Leads the development of public reports for the FAS, assembling content, managing design, and copyediting, and working with outside vendors, as needed.
• Program and event marketing: Supports program and event marketing strategy and promotion through new communications channels and tools to boost employee engagement. Conceives of and drives staff engagement campaigns around key themes as identified by FAS leadership.
• Partnership with FAS offices: Serves as the primary liaison and partner to other FAS offices seeking to communicate or market announcements, programs, events, or other opportunities to FAS employees. Offer communications guidance and tactical support to reach employees directly and/or to amplify efforts through staff-specific communications channels.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 8 years of progressively more responsible experience in communications and/or marketing.
• Strong writing skills, including deep experience writing for senior leaders.
• Experience in developing and executing creative, engaging marketing communications campaigns.
• Experience using digital tools, such as email marketing and web editing platforms.
• Supervisory experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Direct experience supporting an employee audience at a large, complex institution is preferred.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, highly decentralized environment with multiple, sometimes competing, interests. 
• Strong project management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively on high-priority initiatives.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, building strong working relationships and leading by influence.
• Ability to serve as both a “thinker” and a “doer” with equally strong strategic thinking, as well as writing and implementation skills.

COVID Vaccine Policy: The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated (primary series) against COVID, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Information. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/.

Hybrid office environment:  This position will be based in Cambridge, MA and there is an expectation of three (3) workdays per week on campus. Individual flexible and remote work options for this role will be discussed during the interview process.

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.