Employee Engagement & Internal Communications Manager

16-Jan-2024

Faculty of Arts and Sciences

64347BR

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 in communications, public relations, marketing, human resources, or a related field. 
• 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

We will not provide visa sponsorship for this position. 

A cover letter is highly encouraged for consideration. 
All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

Work Format Details

This position will be based in Cambridge, MA. DCE is currently trialing hybrid workplace models with a minimum of 2 days per week on campus. DCE may adjust these as necessary or appropriate.

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

The Division of Continuing Education (DCE) comprises several entities serving about 30,000 students annually. The Harvard Extension School, the Harvard Summer School, the Harvard Professional Development Programs and the Harvard Institute for Learning in Retirement allow Harvard to serve the learning needs of students across their life. For more than a century, Harvard Extension School has made Harvard faculty and teaching accessible to a diverse community of local, national, and international students. Harvard Extension School enrolls approximately 17,000 students per year in approximately 46 graduate and undergraduate liberal arts and professional fields. More than 1,500 open enrollment courses are offered year-round with over 600 available online are offered at affordable prices to our communities across the world. Harvard Summer School offers approximately 450 courses on the Harvard Campus to 11,000 secondary school, college and adult learners and more than 30 international study abroad programs for up to 600 students each summer. The Division also includes the Harvard Institute for Learning in Retirement with approximately 550 active members and Harvard Professional Development Programs offering nearly 130 short noncredit programs to more than 3,000 participants annually. 

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards ) 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

CM1057 Communications Management II

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit

Division of Continuing Education

Department

Division of Continuing Education

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, 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.

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