Communications Coordinator

08-Aug-2022

Harvard Graduate School of Education

59359BR

Job Summary

Project Zero (PZ) is an educational research lab founded in 1967 at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Our mission is to understand and enhance learning, thinking, and creativity for individuals and groups in the arts and other disciplines.  Learn more at pz.harvard.edu.

The Learning and Outreach team (known as “the Reach team”) at PZ provides learning opportunities to help educators understand, adapt, and apply PZ’s research-based ideas and frameworks in a range of educational settings. We aim to spark curiosity, inspire innovation,  and support reflection on teaching and learning.  In addition, the Reach team has a specific mission to create and support access for educators working in inequitably-resourced schools, organizations, and communities, particularly those serving historically marginalized learners.

The Learning and Outreach team is currently seeking a detail-oriented professional interested in joining our team as a Communications Coordinator (CC). The CC’s primary role is to coordinate and have direct responsibility for implementing all LO/Reach communication activities (e.g. website, social media, newsletters, organizational email, etc.) with a variety of audiences about its research, professional learning offerings, networks, resources, and opportunities for engagement.  The CC serves as principal administrative contact and liaison for internal and external communication for PZ outreach constituencies, contributing to and building outreach and communication efforts with diversity and equity in mind.  The role organizes and implements administrative systems and procedures to disseminate PZ’s research work and learning offerings and maintain/increase its reach, especially with prioritized audiences and communities. The position serves as the principal PZ administrative contact and liaison with program participants and advises all instructional staff and participants of course/offering regulations and policies.  The position will participate in developing and implementing PZ’s learning offerings with particular focus on communications. The position gathers data and maintains current records systems and databases, building/augmenting them as needed, for all participant data in compliance with Harvard’s policies.  The position will keep current on trends, compliance issues and guidelines regarding marketing within HGSE and at HU. The position may prepare grant proposals for scholarship fundraising or other Reach fundraising efforts. The position may assist with junior staff and graduate student recruiting efforts. Importantly, the position works independently with minimal supervision in a work environment of multiple and conflicting priorities, anticipating and resolving problems and updating supervisor on the status of projects.

Position Description

Duties:

1. Coordinates and has direct responsibility for PZ general research and PZ Reach marketing and outreach communications.  Participates on internal teams to strategize, plan for, and implement new and innovative marketing approaches to meet PZ goals. Drafts, edits, and prepares social media, newsletter and website copy; drafts and provides copy editing and proofing for website and outreach communications.

2. Serves as principal administrative contact and liaison for PZ professional learning inquiries from constituents and interested educators, domestically and globally, as well as instructional staff, PZ network members, HGSE students and alumni, and funders. Advises these constituents as appropriate on course/offering regulations and policies. Assists educators and other PZ constituents with a variety of customer service issues and manages general inquiries on regulations and policies including copyrights/permissioning of PZ materials.
3. Organizes and implements administrative systems and procedures regarding PZ’s communications. Drafts, edits and prepares PZ Reach correspondence, reports and other materials using various MS Office and other software formats(e.g. Airtable, Qualtrics) and manages PZ professional learning inquiries, requests, press releases (as needed).

4. Gathers data and maintains current records, systems, and databases, building/augmenting them as needed, for all participant data in compliance with Harvard’s policies.  Keeps current on trends, compliance issues, and guidelines regarding marketing within HGSE and at HU.
5. Coordinates communication around PZ scholarship opportunities including outreach, general inquiries, and applicants. Makes independent decisions on all lower level scholarships following established criteria and makes recommendations for larger awards. Manages decision-making correspondence with awardees and internal units.
6. Along with other PZ Reach staff, participates in planning and delivery of online and in-person learning offerings.
7. Contributes to PZ goals by accomplishing related duties as required.

NOTE: Position is temporary and grant-funded through 12/31/22, with likelihood of continuation.

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum of three or more years of related experience.

• Please submit a cover letter with your application in order to be considered for the position, indicating that you meet the basic qualifications.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred.
• Excellent organizational skills with particular ability to prioritize work in an environment with multiple and conflicting interests. 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. 
• Familiarity with communication using a variety of formats and platforms.
• Ability to handle complex and confidential information with discretion. 
• Competency using a variety of computer software programs (e.g., Airtable, Qualtrics) and strong knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Working Conditions

We regret that the Harvard Graduate School of Education does not provide Visa sponsorship.

This position will be based in Cambridge.  All work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA, CT, MA, MD, ME, NH, NY, RI, and VT).

24.5 hours per week. 

Harvard will require COVID vaccination for all Harvard community members. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement and exceptions may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/ . 

Additional Information

HGSE is a diverse community of learners, teachers, and employees who are passionate about changing the world through education and striving for maximum impact in the field of education.
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 each individual 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
We regret that the Harvard Graduate School of Education does not provide Visa sponsorship.

About the Harvard Graduate School of Education
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

Job Function

General Administration

Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

403040 Coordinator II

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Pre-Employment Screening

Identity

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.