Communications/Projects Manager

08-Jan-2024

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

63192BR

Job Summary

• Reporting to the Director of Administration and Operations, the Communications / Projects Manager is a core member of the administrative team and has two primary functions: Communications and Project Management. Communications: The position will develop and manage strategic communications and outreach for the department. It will assess and review an existing stream of communications and will develop and implement new streams for multiple audiences, including Harvard faculty, external faculty, students, alumni, current donors, educational and governmental institutions, and the general public. The portfolio of communications includes marketing and branding, outreach, newsletters, reports, press releases and correspondence, occasional publications, and social media platforms. Project Management: The position will provide project management and implementation plans for outreach, financial, operational, and technology-related projects across the Department. It will identify projects and design management strategies for successful completion/implementation.

Position Description

Strategic Communications:

• Develops and manages the implementation of the department’s strategic communications plans and marketing projects, for both internal and external audiences.
• Solicits, writes, edits, design/layout, produces and guides the distribution of content across multiple platforms and to multiple audiences.
• Designs and implements marketing programs to generate understanding and support among key constituents for our faculty research, department initiatives, and special projects.
• Develops communications tools for faculty and staff.

Digital Communications Strategy:

• Designs, curates, and implements the Department’s digital communications strategy; identifies and develops digital content and storytelling opportunities to highlight faculty/student research.
• Assess the efficacy and relevance of the digital tools currently used by the department and make adjustments as needed to ensure that the department remains current in its use of digital communications.
• Manages digital communications and designs guidance on best communications practices to ensure cohesive messaging across platforms and projects. Advise leadership and staff as needed.

Outreach:

• Initiates positive and proactive relationships with both internal and external constituents.
• Collaborates with the DAO and other department leaders on developing and implementing the Department’s outreach and engagement strategy.
• Serves as final approver on editorial content and creative work written by others in the department for the purpose of highlighting Gov’s faculty research based on the preferences of targeted audiences.

Asset Creation:

• Creates digital assets, posters presentations, activity calendars, reports, and digital email distribution including content, layout, design, and post-production; as appropriate, find new and creative ways of reaching target audiences in a strategic and impactful way.

Project Management:

• Builds and manages a diverse portfolio of projects, including outreach efforts, and is responsible for communication plans for all initiatives to ensure successful implementation across department groups.
• Monitors project progress and oversees adherence to timeframes and costs during the life of the projects.
• Evaluates and revises project plans throughout lifecycle.
• Creates sections of a large project plan or an entire small sized project plan.
• Accountable for successful project completion.
• Partners with DAO on efforts related to increasing efficiency on the department’s approach to data management.
• Will manage student interns and/or temporary workers.
• Creates project timelines and deliverables.
• Analyzes data and provides regular reports to the DAO.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree, and at least five years of communications and outreach experience in an organization, agency, or marketing/communications firm.
Experience using Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.).

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Writing, editing, and proofreading experience necessary. Must pay exceptional attention to details and accuracy.
• Excellent communication skills with an eye to donor-focused communications. Experience in development highly desired.
• Competency using social media, website, bulk email/listserv, and basic design platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Wordpress, Canva, and/or others.
• Confidence to adapt/learn if not familiar with an application. 
• Research, analytical, and creative skills are important.
• Ability to translate complex content into compelling narratives or programs for a sophisticated and diverse audience.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, as well as an ability to establish and promote good working relationships with alumni, colleagues, faculty, administrators, students, and vendors.
• Flexible and resourceful. Energetic, motivated to learn, and curious about academia.
• Highly organized. Able to balance multiple projects, prioritize work appropriately, and adapt easily to changing priorities.
• Must be able to treat confidential information with a high level of discretion.
• Committed to fostering an inclusive workplace.

Working Conditions

This is a hybrid position required to work in-person on the Cambridge campus four days per week during the academic year. More flexibility will be possible during the summertime. As a campus-based institution, we place a high value on the in-person experience, cross-team collaboration, and strong community building in order to create a vibrant campus for our students, faculty, staff, and research fellows. 

Additional Information

This position is part time, 25 hours per week.

Finalists may be required to do a writing sample onsite during the final stages of the interview process.

We regret that we will not be able to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

All formal written offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website 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

405004 Comm Professional (N)

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Department

Department of Government

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Schedule

Part time: 25 hours per week

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.