Employee Engagement & Internal Communications Manager

Details

Posted: 19-Mar-24

Location: USA - MA - Cambridge

Type: Full-time

Salary: Open

Categories:

Advertising/Marketing/Public Relations/Communications
Staff/Administrative

Internal Number: 65330BR

Job Summary

The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) at Harvard University is looking for a dynamic and skilled individual to take on the role of Employee Engagement & Internal Communications Manager. As a crucial member of the Office of the Dean, this position reports to the Chief of Staff and plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing internal communications strategies, fostering a positive and engaging employee experience, and supporting programs that contribute to our inclusive work culture. This position collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to strengthen employee engagement and enhances DCE's internal communication with employees at all levels in the organization. The Manager's goal is to help build a sense of purpose and trust, to build greater connections that allow all employees to thrive and meet our strategic goals. In addition, the Employee Engagement & Internal Communications Manager will lead the execution of student-facing strategic initiatives sponsored by the Office of the Dean. This position requires exceptional communication skills, a creative approach to engagement strategies, and a passion for cultivating a positive and inclusive work environment.

Position Description

Employee Engagement:
Responsible for the creation and execution of employee engagement programs and events, promoting a strong sense of belonging and purpose in the division and driving community engagement, education, and rewarding employees at DCE. Play an active role in developing engagement plans and recommending solutions.

• Create a cohesive vision and annual plan for employee engagement initiatives that elevate the employee experience and promote a positive and inclusive culture.
• Develop a streamlined events process for the Division; serve as the central resource for DCE events to establish two-way communications between all departments/programs and the Office of the Dean.
• Work independently to lead the development and execution of staff appreciation and division-wide events for onsite, hybrid, and remote employees, owning the administrative process from end to end (select vendors, negotiate contracts, coordinate food/audio/visual equipment, and promotional materials.)
• Collaborate across departments with leadership and key stakeholders to communicate the Dean's vision and assist with execution of cross-departmental events such as, Commencement, Convocation, and New Employee Orientations.
• Manage programs recognizing and celebrating employee achievements, milestones, and special events, including annual Dean's Awards and Milestone Anniversaries.
• Act as a key resource and provide onsite service and support for key stakeholders hosting events across the division to ensure smooth delivery while maintaining consistency in the quality of events.
• Own vendor relationships and negotiate contracts for internal swag and division events while coordinating with internal teams.
• Administer budget, credit card reconciliation, and event metrics and statistics tracking.

Internal Communications:
Plan and develop communications strategies to ensure DCE staff are informed of DCE events, receive timely administrative updates, and know about engagement opportunities within the Harvard community. Recommend solutions to enhance communications programs.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive internal communications strategy that aligns with the division's goals and values.
• Independently plan, write, and design compelling content that can be strategically tailored for a multitude of channels and platforms.
• Disseminate clear and timely messages to drive employee engagement through various channels, including email, intranet, newsletters, digital signage, flyers, and all-staff meetings.
• Partner with marketing to create a unified look and feel for employee communications and leverage in creation of graphic/visual elements for all communications.
• Maintain event website(s) and calendars of internal/external events relevant to staff and develop the communication plan to publicize events.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to ensure key administrative, department, and DCE-wide initiatives are communicated timely and efficiently to employees.
• Anticipate project needs, discern work priorities, meet deadlines, and ensure all communications are clear, concise, and tailored to different audiences within the division.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders to drive a central communication strategy, improve transparency, and ensure alignment and consistency in internal communications and engagement efforts.
• Leverage technology and digital platforms to optimize communication efficiency and engagement reach.
• Monitor and analyze engagement metrics, providing data-driven insights and recommendations to enhance communication effectiveness.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required
• 5+ years of relevant experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Higher education experience preferred, but not required.
• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, marketing, human resources, or a related field.
• Experience in internal communications, employee engagement, or related roles.
• Knowledge of best practices in employee engagement, change management, and organizational culture.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Experience in designing and creating marketing materials.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to drive innovative internal communications initiatives.
• Ability to prioritize responsibilities and to manage multiple projects.
• Ability to work independently, make decisions, and demonstrate sound judgment.
• Ability to build strong relationships and collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• SalesForce, Marketing Cloud, and Confluence or similar information system experience is a plus, and a willingness and comfort in receiving training/learning new software are essential.

Physical Requirements

The ability to safely lift, push, pull, and carry material weighing up to 20 lbs.

Working Conditions

Will be required to work occasional weekends and nights. Flexibility in schedule to accommodate events is critical.

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Additional Information

Submission of a cover letter is highly encouraged for consideration.
We will not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

Benefits

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