"Communications Manager"

Job Summary

The Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute’s Communications Manager plays a vital role in promoting the work of the Center and its faculty, with the aim of expanding visibility for the Institute’s events, programs, projects and research. The Communications Manager works collaboratively with senior leadership and staff to create and manage content in accordance with the short- and long-term goals of the Mittal Institute.

The Manager’s activities and responsibilities will include all aspects of communications and marketing, including managing multimedia marketing and branding for the Institute, as well as event promotion, newsletters, annual reports, press releases and correspondence, programmatic write-ups, enterprising pieces about programs and scholars, and maintenance of the Institute’s social media platforms and website. The Communications Manager reports to the Institute’s Assistant Director for Programs and Outreach. This position might supervise student interns or other collaborators as needed.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

• Communications Strategic Planning: In collaboration with the Assistant Director for Programs and Outreach and the Executive Director, gather data, produce annual reports and institutional publications that highlight the Institute’s impact, strategic initiatives, and key achievements, and provide strategic recommendations, including branding and design strategies for the Mittal Institute. Work with Assistant Director for Programs and Outreach and Executive Director on faculty and student engagement, and communications with donors, prospects, alumni, and other stakeholders in the US and in South Asia.
• Content creation: Responsible for all content for the Mittal Institute's website, the weekly newsletter, social media, printed and digital materials, media relations and all public content, across platforms. Design and implement editorial standards and guidance, across all media, to ensure best practices.
• Digital Communications: Develops the Mittal Institute’s website and digital content. Oversee the design, development, and ongoing use of the Institute’s website and blog platform. Produces engaging website and video content and oversees external contributions. Identifies and works with outside vendors to implement enhancement features for the website.
• Social Media: Develops the strategic direction of the Institute’s social media accounts. Creates engaging content daily. Develops a social media calendar and designs posts and videos using the Institute’s Canva account.
• Newsletter: Ensures weekly publication of the Institute’s newsletter. Sets a storyboard and publication calendar and regularly analyzes metrics on readership to make ongoing upgrades and improvements.
• Publications: Authors and produces flagship publications, including the Institute’s Annual Report, Arts Report and other key donor communications, including digital communications. Create brochures, flyers, one-pagers and other materials to promote the Institute’s programs and mission.
• Media: Works with the Assistant Director and Executive Director to promote the Institute’s presence in the media and collaborates with Harvard Public Affairs and Communications, FAS Communications, and the other Asia-related and international studies centers, departments, and programs and other key constituents at Harvard.
• Operations: Build relationships and work with faculty, students, staff and key affiliates to create high-value content, such as podcasts, blog posts, op-eds, videos and written reports, on the Mittal Institute's own platforms and external outlets. Analyze key metrics and keep up to date with media innovations, in order to maximize the reach and impact of the Mittal Institute's communications strategies.
• Database/ListServ Planning: Determines the optimal mix of databases and listservs for email, mail, and social media communication with the Institute’s community, South Asian thought leaders, and peer institutions both domestically and in South Asia. Develops content and distribution of newsletters and tracks and assesses feedback for greater impact.
• Accessibility: Working with the Harvard Accessibility Office monitors and improves the accessibility of content and serves as an accessibility liaison and resource to the Mittal Institute’s community.
• Working Conditions: This is a full-time, hybrid position based in Cambridge, MA.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in journalism or professional communications.
• Experience with social media in the workplace.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• B.A./B.S. strongly preferred.
• Experience in academia.
• Track record of multimedia content production, including creating audiovisual content and knowledge of graphic design, publishing, and photo and video software applications.
• Experience of managing a team and external collaborators.
• Experience with email service providers (Constant Contact, etc.), Microsoft SharePoint; Adobe Creative Suite, and familiarity with video and audio editing.
• Excellent writing and communications skills, highly organized, detail-oriented, and independent.
• Experience producing publications (reports, newsletters, promotional material, etc.)
• Passion for and understanding of contemporary and historical South Asian issues.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Experience with Wordpress or Website Content Management System.
• Basic video editing and graphic design skills.

Additional Information

• Appointment End Date: Two-year term appointment from start date, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and organizational needs.
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Work Format Details: This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States.
• 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 including generous paid time off, medical insurance, retirement plans, and more.