Job Description
Job Summary
The Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD) educates design, research, and scholarship leaders to make a resilient, just, and beautiful world. The GSD offers degree programs across a range of design disciplines?architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, urban design, design engineering, and real estate?as well as advanced research programs that cut across these disciplines and a robust public program of lectures, exhibitions, and publications. The immense variety of people, programs, and ideas at the School sustains a vibrant and rich environment for learning, inquiry, and collaboration, unlike any other design school.
Reporting to the Founding Director, the Communications Manager for the Harvard Center for Green Buildings and Cities will work closely with the founding director to envision, create and implement effective communications strategies and plans. The communications manager will also work with the founding director to manage communication and programming for donors, high profile collaborators or potential collaborators, and other relevant Harvard entities. This position will also draft and envision key institutional documents and work to advance and monitor progress on Center initiatives and goals.
The Communications Manager is also responsible for managing contracts, projects, and work product of relevant vendors?including but not limited to photographers, videographers, communications consultants, PR consultants, designers, publications managers, etc.?ensuring that all project milestones are met.
The Communications Manager will also manage efforts related to the Center?s events and programming, including conferences, workshops and lecture series. This may include oversight of external vendors and consultants, communication with speakers and special guests, and collaborative work on Center?s outreach plan.
NOTE: This is a 2-year Term position with the possibility of continuation. This position will be based in Cambridge, MA. The work is mainly performed in an office setting and requires frequent in-person work at the GSD throughout the academic year. The first 3-months of this role will be full-time on-site/in person, Monday-Friday. Flexible work options for this role will be discussed following the first three months with the possibility of one day/week work in a remote capacity. Further details will be discussed during the interview process. Position Description
TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: - Oversees digital strategy; social media strategy
- Monitors communications-related analytics
- Creates and documents communications operating procedures and guidelines
- Manages the print production of an array of research and institutional materials, as well as the design and content of informational brochures, letterheads, banners, and fundraising materials
- Designs and produces collateral as needed
- Oversees email distribution list creation and maintenance
- Manages and maintains communications and research related data for reporting purposes
- Collects and compiles quarterly research reports from research team, documenting progress, and collecting and archiving all relevant work
- Engages and maintains relationships with the press, responding to press requests, and connecting the CGBC with viable media opportunities; collaborating with external consultants to further this process
- Composes and prepares correspondence, reports, briefings, agendas for the Founding Director.
- Acts as primary liaison with donors; manages communication, briefings, updates, etc.
- Manages Center?s annual reporting; produces all relevant content
- In consultation with the Founding Director, advances and monitors progress on Center initiatives, goals; engages in high level discussion, planning, programming re: Center initiatives
- Helps to draft and envision key institutional documents
- Oversee Founding Director?s priorities and initiates discussion re: next steps, strategic communications, priorities, outreach, schedule etc.
- Work with the director and staff to to conceptualize, plan, and manage events
- Helps to manage the daily operation of Center
- Composes and prepares correspondence, reports, briefings, agendas for the Founding Director
- Maintains effective internal communications to ensure that all relevant functions are kept informed of Founding Director?s schedule, objectives etc.
- Crafts content for the Center?s website and associated web and social media channels
- Coordinates website design and functionality updates; managing relationship and workload of contracted developer
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: - Manages intern(s) as needed.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's degree required
Minimum of 5 years? work experience in a communications role (that might include media relations, and or marketing) or development related position
Demonstrated writing, editing, graphic design, and content production experience required.
Proven project management and writing skills required.
Past experience in either the public, institutional, or private sectors will be considered.
Please note that to be considered for this position, a cover letter and resume are required with the submission of your application. Additional Qualifications and Skills
Understanding of branding, integrated marketing communications, public relations, strategy development. Project management experience. A facility with various tools of digital technology and communications, including content management systems such as Wordpress; design and editing software such as Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat; and marketing and outreach tools such as Google Analytics, Twitter, and Facebook; Experience with digital contact management tools, ex: Salesforce; basic HTML skills. Ability to work as part of a close team of staff sharing responsibilities when necessary to meet the needs of the department; Strong attention to detail. Experience working with vendors and consultants, including the ability to set project milestones and keep internal and external team members on time and on budget. Experience with photography and image editing.
Physical Requirements
- Applicants must be able to perform typical office tasks, including sitting for extended periods, using standard office equipment, and occasionally lifting up to 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Working Conditions
- This is an in-person position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process.
- Candidates must have employment authorization to work in the US, and we regret that we cannot sponsor a VISA.
Additional Information
Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.
For more information about Harvard GSD see:
Please note that to be considered for this position, a cover letter and resume are required with the submission of your application. Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website ( ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:
- Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
- Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
- Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
- Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
- Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
- Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
- Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
- Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
- Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
Work Format
On-Site
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
EEO Statement We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
About Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Harvard University is devoted to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and to developing leaders in many disciplines who make a difference globally. The University, which is based in Cambridge and Boston, Massachusetts, has an enrollment of over 20,000 degree candidates, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. Harvard has more than 360,000 alumni around the world. The University has twelve degree-granting Schools in addition to the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, offering a truly global education. Established in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States.
Connections working at Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Job Tags
Full time, Remote job, Flexible hours, 1 day per week, Monday to Friday,