Program & Communications Coordinator

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 Faculty of Arts and Sciences?

The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Summary:

Reporting into the Director of Research & Strategic Initiatives at the Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Ethics (ELSCE), with dotted line to the Communications Manager, the Program & Communications Coordinator will have responsibility for the administrative coordination of the Center’s programs that are managed out of the Center’s Research & Design Studio (R&DS). This position will provide essential capacity to the administration of the R&DS helping maximize the Center’s mission impact, particularly as it advances the FAS’ Civil Discourse Initiative. The Program & Communications Coordinator will collaborate with staff, fellows and faculty across the FAS and university, and with partnering organizations; support cross-initiative communications; create and maintain comprehensive program and project documentation; and contribute to Center communication projects and deliverables. They will work with other ELSCE staff on HR, budget, communication and event activities as they relate to R&DS deliverables.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Program Coordination

• Serve as principal administrative contact and liaison with researchers, expert advisors, faculty directors, initiative leadership, project staff team, and partners to understand and clarify specific requirements of R&DS activities.
• Coordinate R&DS initiatives at the direction of the Director of Research & Strategic Initiatives, and assist with their development, implementation and review; makes suggestions for improvements.
• Manage communications across initiatives partnering on the project and with external stakeholders, vendors, and partners.
• Collect and organize workstream contacts, products, and other collateral.
• Track R&DS expenditures. 
• Attend R&DS meetings, serving as designated notetaker, circulating information, synthesizing action items and following up as needed.
• Organize and implement systems and procedures performing necessary support duties.
• Identify, recommend and initiate changes in programs, policies, and procedures through on-going assessment to streamline and improve where possible.
• Gather and maintain data for and assists in preparing reports (event evaluation, surveys, help research scholar present data).
• Prepare statistics and reports on program participation, marketing responses, budget, and evaluation.

Communications Coordination

• Responsible for the Research & Design Studio’s outreach by developing, including writing and designing, content and materials related to programming and project deliverables.
• Partner with ELSCE staff and initiative partners on communications efforts, including marketing and dissemination efforts.
• Monitor internet and other outlets for ELSCE relevant content for mentions, relevant posts, and issues requiring attention. 
• Coordinate print orders with vendors and maintain organized inventory of publication materials. 
• Update and maintain Center website, ensuring formatting and content adhere established standards.  Assist with technical issues, including migrations and updates.

Event Support

• Support the planning and logistics for Research & Design Studio-related events, including staffing, facilities, amenities and meeting materials.
• Negotiates with facilities, caterers, and vendors.

Other

• Assist with other tasks across the Center as needed.

Basic Qualifications:

3 or more years of relevant experience required. A combination of education and experience may be considered.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

College degree strongly preferred, or an equivalent of education plus relevant business experience.

Excellent organizational skills with ability to prioritize work in an environment with multiple and conflicting interests. Proven project and/or program management skills. Excellent interpersonal, analytical, and communication skills. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Ability to handle complex and confidential information with discretion. Proficiency using a variety of computer software and systems, including Microsoft Office applications. 

Exceptional written and oral communication skills and attention to detail are essential. Expertise in utilizing digital tools & platforms used for creating/ posting/ managing digital content. Demonstrated experience creating social media and other digital content appropriate for higher education or similar business organizations. Graphic design, photography, and photo/video editing experience is a plus.

This position requires the ability to collaborate with colleagues and constituents of diverse cultural backgrounds and communication styles and to tailor and adapt content for targeted audiences, as well as collaboratively as part 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

Other Information:

The Research & Design Studio is the Center’s hub for innovation at the intersection of scholarship and practice. The Studio currently explores and strengthens civil discourse in higher education and public life, by bringing together faculty, students, and civic leaders to study how we engage across difference. Through interdisciplinary research, hands-on experimentation, and campus-wide collaboration, the Studio aims to transform big questions into practical insights and effective tools that help make that engagement more meaningful and inclusive.

Overtime may be required, including weekends and evenings, to align with programming and events. 

A hybrid schedule may be possible depending on business needs and will be discussed during the interview process.

This is a 1-year term position and may be renewed based on Center’s strategy and funding availability.

For full consideration, please include a cover letter with your application. 

#LI-JB1

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. 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 054. 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.