What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Director for Communications and Public Affairs (68182BR) position at Harvard Graduate School of Education?
Job Summary
Reporting to the Chief Communications and Engagement Officer (CCEO), the Senior Director of Communications and Public Affairs is a member of HGSE’s leadership team and will work closely with the CCEO on building and managing an innovative, forward looking, sophisticated communications, brand, content, and public relations strategy that is grounded in the School’s teaching and research mission and increases and advances HGSE’s reach and social impact across the globe. This role works collaboratively and in partnership internally and externally to strategically develop and cultivate HGSE’s reputation and story for maximum impact.
In collaboration with the CCEO and team members, the Senior Director of Communications and Public Affairs is responsible for contributing to and executing the strategy in raising the School's visibility, enhancing its reputation, providing communications counsel and support to the CCEO and members of the Dean’s Office, and developing strategies to promote the School's mission, strategic priorities, academic programs, research and noteworthy news and events to internal and external constituencies.
Working with the team, the Senior Director of Communications and Public Affairs will partner and collaborate with faculty, students, and administrators from across HGSE and Harvard to connect initiatives and programs with key audiences. The Senior Director of Communications and Public Affairs will also create and advise on statements, impact reports, talking points, briefings, presentations and other materials as needed. The role requires strategic focus, innovation, and contribution to the long-term vision, as well as providing regular briefings and relevant guidance to the CCEO and other senior leaders.
Please note there is a strong candidate in mind for this position.
Position Description
Basic Qualifications
Additional Qualifications And Skills
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.
About Us
HGSE Human Resources values diversity in all forms and believes that each employee brings a set of diverse experiences and identities to the workplace that makes us stronger, encourages innovation, and enhances our collective contributions. We continue to develop and support a workforce that reflects the diversity of those we serve; fosters an environment that allows everyone to belong and to bring their best self to work; and creates the conditions that empower employees to contribute their full potential to advancing the work of the school.
We do this by:
Many choose to work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education because they believe in our mission and are excited by our vision for the future. We have a reputation as a great place to work, for our excellent leadership, and we are a strong community that values diversity. For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit: www.gse.harvard.edu
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website ( https://hr.harvard.edu/benefits-wellbeing ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
Communications
Department Office Location
USA - MA - Cambridge
Job Code
CM0560 Communications Management Dir
Work Format
Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)
Sub-Unit
Salary Grade
060
Department
Communications and Marketing
Union
00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
Time Status
Full-time
Pre-Employment Screening
Education, Identity
Commitment to Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, 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 this excellence 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.
Reporting to the Chief Communications and Engagement Officer (CCEO), the Senior Director of Communications and Public Affairs is a member of HGSE’s leadership team and will work closely with the CCEO on building and managing an innovative, forward looking, sophisticated communications, brand, content, and public relations strategy that is grounded in the School’s teaching and research mission and increases and advances HGSE’s reach and social impact across the globe. This role works collaboratively and in partnership internally and externally to strategically develop and cultivate HGSE’s reputation and story for maximum impact.
In collaboration with the CCEO and team members, the Senior Director of Communications and Public Affairs is responsible for contributing to and executing the strategy in raising the School's visibility, enhancing its reputation, providing communications counsel and support to the CCEO and members of the Dean’s Office, and developing strategies to promote the School's mission, strategic priorities, academic programs, research and noteworthy news and events to internal and external constituencies.
Working with the team, the Senior Director of Communications and Public Affairs will partner and collaborate with faculty, students, and administrators from across HGSE and Harvard to connect initiatives and programs with key audiences. The Senior Director of Communications and Public Affairs will also create and advise on statements, impact reports, talking points, briefings, presentations and other materials as needed. The role requires strategic focus, innovation, and contribution to the long-term vision, as well as providing regular briefings and relevant guidance to the CCEO and other senior leaders.
Please note there is a strong candidate in mind for this position.
Position Description
- Provides thoughtful and impactful communications advice and support, in collaboration with the CCEO and other senior leaders, to the priorities and projects of the School and the Dean.
- Serves as a liaison to offices and departments throughout the school and collaborates with other University offices on communications priorities for HGSE such as innovation, translational research, development, and HGSE impact.
- Enables a platform for internal and external communications and branding activities for the School's functional areas including but not limited to Admissions, Development, and research units.
- In partnership with the CCEO and members of the team, leverages data, analytics, and feedback, to develop a cohesive, inclusive, and consistent strategy to advance HGSE’s mission.
- Develop and implement a public relations strategy to advance, highlight, and promote the work of HGSE, it’s faculty, students, and research units.
- With team members, works to develop a sustainable web/digital communications strategy for the school and oversees the school's official website and social media presence, linking such efforts to the University's digital outreach, as appropriate.
- Oversee all official content generated by the HGSE Communications Office, including press releases, news stories, office newsletters, social media posts, print collateral, etc.
- Create and execute strategic communications that are compelling and share HGSE’s story to enhance the School’s reach and increase HGSE’s reputation as a social impact organization.
- In collaboration with the CCEO, Dean’s Office, and other internal and external partners, develops and manages public relations strategy.
- Serves as the spokesperson for HGSE
- Provides speechwriting and presentation support to the Dean for talks, alumni meetings, industry presentations, etc. Helps to shape the Dean’s messaging to the HGSE community (faculty, staff, students) as well as to other University leaders, industry partners, and others as requested.
- Provides Communications support for high-level, high-visibility events in collaboration with the Dean’s Office.
Basic Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree is required.
- A minimum of 10 years of professional experience working in communications, with demonstrated increasing levels of responsibility is required.
- A cover letter is required to be considered for this position.
Additional Qualifications And Skills
- An advanced degree in a related field is preferred.
- Experience working with all aspects of communications in a university environment is strongly preferred.
- Experience with web technologies is preferred.
- Experience managing high-level projects is strongly preferred.
- Supervisory experience is strongly preferred.
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.
About Us
HGSE Human Resources values diversity in all forms and believes that each employee brings a set of diverse experiences and identities to the workplace that makes us stronger, encourages innovation, and enhances our collective contributions. We continue to develop and support a workforce that reflects the diversity of those we serve; fosters an environment that allows everyone to belong and to bring their best self to work; and creates the conditions that empower employees to contribute their full potential to advancing the work of the school.
We do this by:
- Hiring and retaining staff reflecting the diversity of those we serve
- Providing employees opportunities to learn, grow, and be challenged
- Reviewing and ensuring fairness and equity in HR practices and policies including but not limited to hiring, promotion, and compensation
- Developing strong relationships and partnerships internal and external to our community to advance diversity and inclusion
- Communicating transparently and respectfully; and
- Fostering an inclusive, respectful, and professional work environment
Many choose to work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education because they believe in our mission and are excited by our vision for the future. We have a reputation as a great place to work, for our excellent leadership, and we are a strong community that values diversity. For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit: www.gse.harvard.edu
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website ( https://hr.harvard.edu/benefits-wellbeing ) 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
Department Office Location
USA - MA - Cambridge
Job Code
CM0560 Communications Management Dir
Work Format
Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)
Sub-Unit
Salary Grade
060
Department
Communications and Marketing
Union
00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
Time Status
Full-time
Pre-Employment Screening
Education, Identity
Commitment to Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, 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 this excellence 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.
Salary : $5,250
