Communications Specialist

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard Kennedy School?

The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one 12 graduate and professional schools at the university. Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting-edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match. When you work at Harvard Kennedy School, you make a difference.

As part of the Center for Public Leadership (CPL) Engagement and External Relations team, the Communications Specialist will drive the proactive creation of compelling content targeted for both external audiences and those within the Harvard community. They will lead the production of content for CPL’s website, newsletters, and social media channels, working with faculty, staff, and students to highlight CPL’s research, programs, and community using the full range of digital storytelling tools, including written copy, video, photography, and graphic design.  

The ideal candidate for this job is a motivated, creative storyteller with excellent judgment who can identity compelling stories and target audiences, develop audience-specific messaging, and utilize the most effective tools and platforms to produce engaging, targeted content. We seek a strong writer and visual storyteller who is detail oriented, organized, and collaborative with the ability to work independently, think strategically, and problem solve.  

About the Center for Public Leadership  

The Center for Public Leadership is committed to inspiring and enhancing the capacity for principled, effective public leadership in government, politics, civil society, and business through scholarship, education, and community. We are a community of students, scholars, educators, practitioners, staff, and alumni working to bridge theory and practice to empower, train, and foster exceptional leaders who motivate and mobilize collaborative action across differences for a common good.

Job Specific Responsibilities:

Writing and Editing   

Report, write, and edit articles, interviews, and announcements highlighting events, students, faculty research, and visiting practitioners under editorial guidance from Engagement and External Relations leadership. 

Produce and edit CPL’s email newsletters and other email-based products as part of the CPL editorial process. 

Design and Content Production  

Create materials to publicize CPL programs, news, and events using a range of media, including email marketing and social media. 

Develop compelling digital and print graphics for use across platforms, including social media, newsletters, the CPL website, and events. 

Shoot and edit videos for use across digital platforms. 

Act as CPL photographer and videographer for designated events. 

Social Media 

Coordinate all CPL social media platforms, including X/Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram, honing CPL’s social media presence and creating strategies to expand CPL’s reach. 

Marketing  

Research and identify CPL’s target demographics, recommending strategies to effectively engage with current and prospective audiences.  

Use analytics and marketing tools, such as Salesforce, to shape marketing strategies and inform content creation. 

Manage the mailing lists for all email communications, including leading efforts to expand distribution lists.  

Other duties as assigned.  

Note: Successful candidates will be asked to provide a portfolio of work such as writing examples, social media and graphic design content, and videography.  

Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and 3+ years of relevant professional communications experience.

Additional Qualifications:

• Degree in a relevant field such as journalism, communications, English, design, preferred.
• Exceptional oral and written communications skills with the ability to translate complex issues and topics into readable, compelling content 
• Creative design skills and an ability to translate conceptual ideas into compelling visual representations in both digital and print media using tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, and Canva 
• Experience in videography and photography, including familiarity with photo and video editing tools such as Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro 
• Critical thinking abilities, a strategic mindset, and ability to develop and execute digital communications strategies  
• Experience with Facebook, X/Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and other social media platforms 
• Experience using marketing tools and analytics to conduct audience analysis, including tools such as Salesforce and Google Analytics 
• Working knowledge of Drupal or similar content management systems  
• Exceptional organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail 
• Capacity to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team 

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information:

  This position is a fully benefits-eligible term appointment one year from date of hire, with very strong possibility of renewal.

   

   

   

Work Format Details

This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. 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. 

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 055. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.