"Communications Specialist"

As part of the Center for Public Leadership (CPL) Engagement and External Relations team, the Communications Specialist will drive the proactive creation of compelling content targeted for both external audiences and those within the Harvard community. They will lead the production of content for CPL’s website, newsletters, and social media channels, working with faculty, staff, and students to highlight CPL’s research, programs, and community using the full range of digital storytelling tools, including written copy, video, photography, and graphic design.

The ideal candidate is a motivated, creative storyteller with excellent judgment who can identify compelling stories and target audiences, develop audience-specific messaging, and utilize the most effective tools and platforms to produce engaging, targeted content. We seek a strong writer and visual storyteller who is detail-oriented, organized, and collaborative with the ability to work independently, think strategically, and problem solve.

About the Center for Public Leadership

The Center for Public Leadership is committed to inspiring and enhancing the capacity for principled, effective public leadership in government, politics, civil society, and business through scholarship, education, and community. We are a community of students, scholars, educators, practitioners, staff, and alumni working to bridge theory and practice to empower, train, and foster exceptional leaders who motivate and mobilize collaborative action across differences for a common good.

Job Specific Responsibilities

• Writing and Editing: Report, write, and edit articles, interviews, and announcements highlighting events, students, faculty research, and visiting practitioners under editorial guidance from Engagement and External Relations leadership. Produce and edit CPL’s email newsletters and other email-based products as part of the CPL editorial process.
• Design and Content Production: Create materials to publicize CPL programs, news, and events using a range of media, including email marketing and social media. Develop compelling digital and print graphics for use across platforms, including social media, newsletters, the CPL website, and events. Shoot and edit videos for use across digital platforms. Act as CPL photographer and videographer for designated events.
• Social Media: Coordinate all CPL social media platforms, including X/Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram, honing CPL’s social media presence and creating strategies to expand CPL’s reach.
• Marketing: Research and identify CPL’s target demographics, recommending strategies to effectively engage with current and prospective audiences. Use analytics and marketing tools, such as Salesforce, to shape marketing strategies and inform content creation. Manage the mailing lists for all email communications, including leading efforts to expand distribution lists. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and 3+ years of relevant professional communications experience.

Additional Qualifications: Degree in a relevant field such as journalism, communications, English, or design preferred. Exceptional oral and written communications skills with the ability to translate complex issues into readable, compelling content. Creative design skills using tools like Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, and Canva. Experience in videography and photography with tools such as Adobe Premiere Pro. Critical thinking, strategic mindset, and ability to develop digital communications strategies. Experience with social media platforms and marketing tools like Salesforce and Google Analytics. Working knowledge of Drupal or similar systems. Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail. Capacity to work independently and as part of a team.