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Harvard University

Community Engagement Specialist

Closes:

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Posting date: November 10, 2026

Reference: 004385SR

  • Job Type: Full-time
  • Location: Cambridge
  • School/Unit: Harvard University Central Administration
  • Salary Grade: 054
  • Job Function: Communications
  • Work Format: Hybrid
  • FLSA Status: Non-exempt
  • Term Appointment: No
  • Union: 55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Company Description

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.

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

Harvard Federal Credit Union

At Harvard FCU, we believe a brighter world is possible, and that together, we can all help create it. That’s why, since 1939, we’ve helped our members build a strong financial future so they can make an impact in life, wherever it may lead. From students to professionals, from in-branch to online, from new beginnings to lifetime milestones, from Harvard Square to around the world, we deliver the accessible financial tools and resources everyone, everywhere needs to thrive. By coming together to serve, equip, and empower people to make a positive impact in their lives and communities, we’re helping build a more prosperous world for all. Join us!

Harvard FCU: https://harvardfcu.org/

Job Description

This position supports new and existing partner organizations. As a public face of the Credit Union, this position ensures consistent image standards of the Harvard FCU brand in all external representations. Duties include coordination of a variety of activities to enhance the visibility and reputation of the Credit Union in the community of Harvard FCU affiliates. Leads volunteer coordination and employee giving. Expected to visit Harvard FCU locations and affiliated organizations in the Cambridge and Boston areas, as business needs warrant. Attendance at events is expected, including some held on evenings and weekends.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

  • Maintain regular contact with sponsorship organizations. Make frequent site visits to sponsorship organizations, including coordinating Harvard FCU presence at benefit fairs, employee and student orientations.
  • Lead planning and coordination of volunteer initiatives and employee giving throughout the year.
  • Collaborate with Harvard FCU subject matter experts to manage registration and promotion of Harvard FCU’s Financial Education.
  • Present workshops and seminars, in person and online.
  • Manage Student Advisory Council temporary student employees, including approving hours and leave in PeopleSoft, assisting with onboarding, weekly 1:1s, creating a list of projects and monitoring status, and conducting exit interviews
  • Identify and assess nonprofits for charitable giving initiatives in collaboration with the Empowerment Council and other internal partners.
  • Recommend charitable giving to the Community Engagement Manager.
  • Track expenditures and submit invoices for the Corporate Giving Budget.
  • Promote the Credit Union at every available opportunity, representing Harvard FCU at meetings, events, and community functions as assigned. Actively participate in various credit union industry trade groups.
  • Recommend strategies and tactics to retain and expand the Credit Union membership base.
  • Maximize employee communication opportunities within each sponsor group to improve market penetration.
  • Participate in the creation of informational and marketing materials for business development and member education programs, including letters, information packets, signs, web postings, etc.
  • Author communications and content as needed (i.e., blog posts, social media posts, articles, and press releases).
  • Participate in social networking sites and other online forums on the Credit Union’s behalf to enhance Harvard FCU’s image and promote awareness of our services and community involvement efforts.
  • Monitor and track member activity and report on results as they pertain to business development efforts.
  • Maintain extensive knowledge of Harvard FCU products, services, and policies.
  • Perform various other duties to assist in support of Credit Union strategies and objectives.

Physical Requirements:

  • Must be able to sit or stand up to 4 hours at a time
  • Ability to lift 30lbs and other materials as required
  • Occasionally required to stand, walk, kneel, stoop, crouch, or crawl

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

  • A minimum of three years’ related work experience in a customer service, sales, or business development role, preferably in the financial services industry.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

  • Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, finance, or a related field preferred
  • Excellent computer skills with thorough knowledge of all MS Office programs
  • Excellent interpersonal skills to deal effectively with professional contacts at all organizational levels
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
  • Fluency in Spanish and ability to present workshops in Spanish preferred
  • Demonstrated presentation skills and comfort speaking to large groups
  • Ability to work independently with little supervision
  • Must be able to sit or stand up to 4 hours at a time
  • Ability to lift 30lbs and other materials as required
  • Occasionally required to stand, walk, kneel, stoop, crouch, or crawl
  • Ability and willingness to work additional hours during peak periods and/or a non-traditional schedule as necessary, e.g. weekends and evenings.

Additional Information

Standard Hours/Schedule:

  • 35 hours per week
  • Typically 3 days per week on-site or attending events in and around Boston.
  • Additional on-site days will be required based on business needs.
  • On-site work is performed in an office setting and at various community events in and around Boston

Visa Sponsorship Information:

  • Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening:

  • Credit, Criminal, Education, Identity, Prohibited Parties (OFAC - Office of Foreign Assets Control).

Other Information:

  • Please provide a cover letter and resume as one document with your application.
  • This position has a 90-day orientation and review period

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. 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 054. 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.

Job details

Title
Community Engagement Specialist
Employer
Harvard University
Location
Cambridge
Published
Nov 12, 2026
Closes:
Jan 11, 2027
Job type
Full time, Staff / Administration
Field
Communications, Marketing, and Public Affairs

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Frequently Asked Questions

📋What is the Community Engagement Specialist?

This listing is for Community Engagement Specialist at Harvard University.

📍Where is this role located?

The listed location is Cambridge.

💰What is the salary?

Salary is not listed on this posting.

📅When do applications close?

Applications close on Jan 11, 2027.

💼What type of appointment is this?

The listed type is Full time.

📝How do I apply?

Use the Apply Now button on this listing to submit your application.

About the employer

Harvard University Jobs

Harvard University

4.0 Star Employer Ranking

Harvard University offers a diverse range of job and work opportunities across various categories, reflecting its status as a leading academic and research institution. These opportunities cater to different skill sets, academic backgrounds, and career stages. Harvard University Academic Positions - click here . Harvard University Staff Jobs - click here . The main types of jobs and work opportunities at Harvard: 1. Faculty and Academic Positions Tenure-Track Faculty : These roles include assistant, associate, and full professors across Harvard’s schools (e.g., Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Business School). Faculty engage in teaching, research, and service. Qualifications typically include a Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree, a strong research portfolio, and teaching experience. Openings vary by department and school, with competitive hiring processes. Non-Tenure-Track Faculty : Includes lecturers, preceptors, and visiting professors. These roles focus primarily on teaching or short-term research projects and may require a Ph.D. or significant expertise in the field. Research Appointments : Postdoctoral fellowships, research associates, and scientists work on cutting-edge research in fields like medicine, engineering, humanities, and social sciences. These positions often require advanced degrees and are funded through grants or specific research programs. 2. Administrative and Professional Staff Administrative Roles : These include positions in academic administration (e.g., deans’ offices, registrar, admissions), student services, and program management. Examples include academic program coordinators, admissions officers, and financial aid advisors. These roles often require a bachelor’s or master’s degree and relevant experience. Professional Staff : Harvard employs professionals in areas like human resources, finance, communications, development (fundraising), and alumni relations. Examples include HR specialists, financial analysts, and marketing managers. These positions typically require specialized skills or certifications. Executive and Leadership Roles : Senior positions like directors, department heads, or executive administrators oversee operations in specific units or schools. These roles demand extensive experience and leadership skills. 3. Research and Laboratory Staff Research Support Staff : Includes lab managers, research technicians, and data analysts who support faculty and postdoctoral researchers in labs across disciplines like biology, chemistry, physics, and medicine. These roles often require technical skills, such as proficiency in lab equipment or data analysis software. Clinical Research Roles : At Harvard Medical School and affiliated hospitals, clinical research coordinators and specialists support medical and health-related studies. These positions may require certifications like Good Clinical Practice (GCP) training. 4. Technical and IT Staff Information Technology : Harvard employs IT professionals for roles like systems administrators, software developers, cybersecurity analysts, and data scientists to support its technological infrastructure. These positions require expertise in areas like cloud computing, AI, or network management. Library and Information Services : Harvard’s extensive library system hires librarians, archivists, and digital resource specialists. These roles often require a master’s degree in library science or related fields. 5. Support and Operations Staff Facilities and Operations : Includes roles in maintenance, custodial services, groundskeeping, and security. These positions ensure the smooth operation of Harvard’s campus and may not require advanced degrees but often need specific training or certifications. Dining and Hospitality : Harvard’s dining services employ chefs, food service workers, and catering staff to support campus dining halls and events. Administrative Support : Roles like executive assistants, office managers, and receptionists provide critical support to departments and faculty. 6. Student and Temporary Opportunities Student Employment : Harvard offers on-campus jobs for students, including work-study positions in libraries, dining halls, labs, and administrative offices. These roles are typically part-time and designed to accommodate academic schedules. Temporary and Seasonal Work : Temporary roles, such as event staff or short-term project assistants, are available for non-students as well. These are often listed through Harvard’s temporary staffing services. 7. Medical and Healthcare Roles Clinical and Healthcare Staff : Through Harvard Medical School and affiliated hospitals (e.g., Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital), opportunities exist for physicians, nurses, medical technicians, and other healthcare professionals. These roles require medical licenses or certifications. Public Health Professionals : The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health employs researchers, policy analysts, and program managers focused on global health initiatives. 8. Creative and Media Roles Arts and Culture : Harvard’s museums (e.g., Harvard Art Museums) and cultural institutions hire curators, educators, and exhibition staff. The American Repertory Theater employs artists, stage managers, and production staff. Communications and Media : Roles in writing, graphic design, social media, and public relations support Harvard’s outreach and branding efforts. Key Characteristics of Harvard Jobs Diversity of Roles : Harvard’s workforce spans academic, administrative, technical, and operational functions, with opportunities for both entry-level and highly specialized professionals. Competitive Benefits : Harvard offers comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, tuition assistance, and professional development. Faculty and staff also gain access to Harvard’s libraries, museums, and cultural events. Global Impact : Many roles, especially in research and public health, contribute to global advancements in knowledge and policy. Location : Most positions are based in Cambridge or Boston, Massachusetts, with some remote or hybrid options, particularly for administrative and IT roles. How to Find Opportunities Harvard Careers Portal : The primary resource for job listings is Harvard’s Human Resources website (hr.harvard.edu/jobs), which lists openings for faculty, staff, and temporary roles. School-Specific Listings : Each Harvard school (e.g., Harvard College, Harvard Law School) may post specialized positions on their websites. Networking and Referrals : Many academic and research roles are filled through professional networks or direct outreach to departments. X Platform : Searching for “Harvard University jobs” on X can reveal real-time discussions, job postings, or employee experiences, though these should be verified through official channels. Additional Notes Qualifications : Requirements vary widely. Faculty roles typically need advanced degrees, while support roles may prioritize experience or specific skills. Work Environment : Harvard emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, with opportunities for professional growth and community engagement. Application Process : Most positions require an online application through Harvard’s careers portal, including a resume, cover letter, and sometimes additional materials like teaching statements or research portfolios.

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