"Communications Manager"

Job Summary

The Human Flourishing Program at Harvard University’s Institute for Quantitative Social Science (IQSS) is seeking a Communications Manager to develop and execute comprehensive communications and marketing outputs to enhance the visibility and impact of the program’s research and initiatives. The creation of the role is born out of the program’s Impact Initiative which is focused on growing the influence of the program and its ability to transform individuals and organizations in society. The Communications Manager will play a key role in executing the vision of the Impact Initiative. This role requires a dynamic and creative individual with exceptional communication skills, strong proficiency in digital media/marketing, and an interest and ability in the design and creation of media/marketing assets. This role will be responsible for a wide range of communications activities under the oversight of the Executive Director and Associate Director for Impact, including the drafting and managing of newsletters, managing social media, maintaining and updating the program website, designing and developing brochures, generating new assets, developing fundraising communications, and interfacing with the media including drafting of press-related content. This person will also work closely with the program’s leadership team to manage the program’s brand, envision new strategies for public engagement, and be a team leader in everyday projects with researchers and program affiliates. This person will oversee internal communications for the program and be involved in the planning and management of special events such as public lectures, fundraising dinners, webinars, and conferences. The Communications Manager will report to the Executive Director (primary) with a dotted line to the Associate Director for Impact.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

• Development of content under guidance of Human Flourishing Program leadership: The Communications Manager works closely with the Associate Director for Impact and the Executive Director to create drafts of various types of content including reports, media pitches/releases, fundraising communications, internal communications etc.
• Design and Implement Communications Strategies: Work with the Associate Director for Impact and Executive Director and collaborate with program affiliates to envision projects, determine timelines, manage publication calendars, and work with external stakeholders to design and implement the program’s overall communications strategy.
• Public Relations and Communications: In partnership with the Associate Director for Impact and Executive Director, manage projects with external media sources, identify and generate new opportunities, work on press releases, and maintain records and systems for media relationships.
• Internal Communications: Oversee, manage and maintain internal communications, including but not limited to, announcements to staff, opportunities for collaboration, program events, conference communications, and the program’s calendar. Manage and maintain the program website.
• Development of Communications Assets and Editorial work: Work with program researchers and teams to envision, design, create, and communicate new assets. The design and creation of outputs will have a broad range including but not limited to news articles and features, social media posts (Canva, LinkedIn, YouTube, Google, Substack), newsletters, brochures, webpages, video content, slide decks, infographics, leaflets, and booklets. The person in this role will be expected to learn the nuances of different research projects in order to communicate them effectively. Work as grammatical and stylistic copyeditor to line edit various written materials such as articles in the press, written interviews, social media posts, newsletters, and in some cases scientific articles.
• Brand Management: Collaborate with program leadership to design the look, feel, and tone of communications. Maintain a dashboard and data records for online web traffic, social media followers, newsletter subscribers, google scholar research citations, google news mentions, and overall digital footprint of the program. Oversee aesthetic and graphical design for program marketing materials and assets.
• Special Projects: Work on communications strategy and materials for conferences, special events, donor communications, and fundraising events. Identify opportunities for, and support the creation of, novel assets such as videos, podcasts, digital books, workbooks, and other forms of new media.

Working Conditions

Hybrid in office and remote. Minimum of three days in office per week. Occasional overtime may be required to staff an evening or weekend event.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, English, Marketing, Graphic Design, or related field or equivalent experience
• At least three years of communications related experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Exceptional written and verbal communications skills with strong editorial ability required
• Must have proficiency in digital communication tools, including website management, social media platforms, and marketing analytics
• Experience working on a team and ability to manage multiple workstreams at once
• Media relations experience a plus
• Copyediting and factchecking a plus
• Some travel is required (5%): Local, Out-of-State, International
• All applicants must submit a cover letter to be considered for this position

Additional Information

• 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 is a one year term position from the date of hire, with the possibility of extension. All formal offers will be made by FAS Human Resources. All applicants must submit a cover letter to be considered for this position.
• 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 056. 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, sex, ethnicity, color, national origin, 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.