The Communications Officer is responsible for developing and implementing effective communications and content for Harvard University as a member of the Harvard Public Affairs and Communications (HPAC) team. The Communications Officer produces mission- and priority-focused content on an array of topics, in addition to communications planning and support across a broad portfolio of issues and priorities related to the central administration of Harvard University, and in close coordination with Harvard's schools.
Reporting to the Senior Executive Director of Media Relations and Communications, the Communications Officer is a primary communications team member, managing and collaborating with HPAC staff, as well as leaders and teams across the university's central administration to advance key priorities, initiatives and programs.

Assist in the development and implementation of strategies to advance and support the priorities and programs of various units within the university's central administration, including through communications, content, media relations and digital strategies.
Work collaboratively with HPAC colleagues, as well as communications teams across Harvard's schools, affiliates, and centers, to implement effective proactive and response strategies related to key priorities and issues.
Produce written content for deployment across a variety of channels, including news and feature stories, Q&As with leadership, internal messages, public statements, talking points, FAQs, briefings, and press releases, in support of university priorities and activities.
Support proactive media relations strategies, including development of content packages and proactive pitching of Harvard stories and content to outside media outlets.
Support and collaborate on issues and crisis management related to key university and central administration priorities and units, including coordinating and collaborating with media relations, digital and content colleagues to develop and implement comprehensive and effective strategies around what are often complex academic and operational matters.
May represent HPAC on various cross-university/cross-central administration committees, working groups, task forces, etc., charged with advising and leading communications planning and strategy around priority topics or initiatives.
Analyze and assess the effectiveness of different communications strategies and mechanisms to inform decision making around ongoing or future priorities, initiatives or campaigns.
Given the nature of the 24/7 news and issues cycle, this role requires availability outside of traditional work hours.
Other duties as assigned and relevant to executing work within the general scope of the role.

Harvard Public Affairs and Communications is committed to diversity and fostering an inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants who bring varied experiences, backgrounds, and expertise to advance the work of the department in service to Harvard's mission.

Harvard University Benefits Package
Vacation/Sick/Personal/Holidays: Harvard offers 3 (union roles) - 4 (exempt) weeks paid vacation, a paid holiday break between Christmas and New Year's Day, 12 paid sick days, 11.5 paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days each year.
Medical/Dental/Vision Benefit: Harvard offers a variety of excellent medical, dental, and vision plans which all begin on the first day of employment.
Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.
Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive tuition assistance program, $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and discounted study options through participating Harvard Graduate Schools.
Transportation: Harvard offers a 50% discounted MBTA pass as well as parking options to assist employees in their daily commute to campus.
Wellness Options: Harvard offers programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, massages, nutrition, meditation, and complimentary health services. There are also fee-based athletic facility memberships available at various locations around the university for employees.

Salary Grade: 057

Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Bachelor's degree required. Minimum three (3) years of experience and proven success in communications work related to highly sensitive information in a complex environment with many stakeholders.
Strong written communications skills, including experience producing news and feature content for deployment across various digital and print channels.

Experienced communications professional with a demonstrated capacity for multi-tasking, with good political judgment, excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Experience in higher education, non-profit, government, or a decentralized organization desired.
Ability to innovate, think strategically and conceptually, with experience effectively advising senior leaders.
The position requires an extremely high level of professionalism, discretion, sound and mature judgment, and collegiality.
Proven success in developing collaborative relationships across diverse constituencies.
Strong project management and organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex, decentralized environment are needed.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: 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, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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About Harvard University Administration

Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. The University, which is based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, has an enrollment of over 20,000 degree candidates, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Harvard has more than 360,000 alumni around the world. The University has twelve degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, offering a truly global education. Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States.

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