"Communications Manager"

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.

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.

The Communications Manager leads the execution of the Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Ethics' external communication activities and implements a comprehensive communications strategy, with guidance from the Director of Partnerships & Engagement (DPE) and in collaboration with other senior leaders. Utilizing in-depth knowledge of the Center's mission and goals, the Communications Manager is responsible for amplifying the impact of the Center’s work and raising its profile at Harvard and beyond. This includes balancing high-level responsibilities such as creating and implementing a communications plan and drafting critical content for public dissemination with operational tasks such as maintaining communications platforms, creating and coordinating publications, and maintaining brand guidelines, materials, and monitoring usage. This position reports to the Center’s Director of Partnerships & Engagement.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Communications Strategy

Develop and lead strategic communications initiatives that align with Center and University goals, key audiences, and evolving media landscapes. Proactively manage communication opportunities, including crisis situations, and advise leadership on best practices while staying current through ongoing training and collaboration with university partners.

Content Creation

Oversee the creation and management of all Center content across platforms, ensuring alignment with the Center’s mission, accessibility standards, and editorial best practices. Write, edit, and coordinate materials for digital and print communications—such as newsletters, press releases, reports, and collateral—and manage production processes and contributor relationships.

Digital Communication Management

Maintain and update the Center’s digital presence by managing the website, digital newsletters, and social media accounts, ensuring accessibility, formatting, and effective audience engagement. Oversee digital asset management, resolve technical issues, curate content, and collaborate with staff on digital communications campaigns. May direct other team members to assist (e.g. website updates, newsletter draft).

Stakeholder Management

Work alongside the DPE in cultivating and maintaining relationships with a broad range of stakeholders—including faculty, staff, alumni, donors, and media. Collaborate on communication strategies that advance these relationships and ensure clear, consistent, and audience-tailored messaging. Coordinate with internal teams and external partners to align communications across programs and platforms.

Brand Management

Safeguard the Center’s brand integrity by enforcing consistent messaging, style standards, and proper use of branding across all channels and materials. Monitor brand perception, address any issues, and manage inventory of branded items.

Measurement & Analysis

Evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies using data-driven analysis, monitoring communications channels, and tracking media coverage. Share insights and recommendations with leadership and assist in creating reports and infographics to inform continuous improvement.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience.
• 5 or more years of relevant experience required. If no degree, at least 7 years of experience required.
• Graphic design skills
• Digital content management experience (e.g., website, social media)

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills and attention to detail are essential.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize, multitask, and manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment are essential.
• Track record of multimedia content production, including creating audiovisual content and knowledge of graphic design, publishing, and photo and video software applications.
• Passion for and understanding of the fields of ethics and philosophy, and interest in interdisciplinary work.

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