Assistant Director of Communications

02-May-2025

Assistant Director of Communications

Harvard Kennedy School

68136BR

Job Summary

Reporting to the Center’s Executive Director and drawing upon resources of the school’s Office of Communications and Public Affairs (OCPA), the Assistant Director of Communications will increase the visibility of the Carr-Ryan Center and maximize the impact of the Center’s research, initiatives, and convening activities among internal and external stakeholders, including donors, policy makers, policy-influencing constituencies, and the media. This role supervises one direct report and coordinates two external contractors.

Position Description

Specific responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

Communications Strategy
Develops and drives the communications priorities, strategies, and audiences for the Center in order to expand its impact, effectiveness, and reach, in consultation with Executive Director, Center Director, and relevant stakeholders. Curates and maintains database of faculty, fellow research, speaking engagements, etc. for written and digital marketing materials. Oversees Multimedia Communications Coordinator in maintenance of website and managing digital asset library.

Works proactively with faculty, researchers, and students to identify engaging story ideas and crafts creative content for both internal and external audiences across all available media channels including the Center’s websites, newsletters, and social media accounts. Oversees the administration and ongoing maintenance of the Center’s website and manages and drives an editorial calendar in alignment with the Center’s strategic communications plan. In collaboration with the Director and Executive Director, the Assistant Director sets and drives content development. The Assistant Director is the project manager for large communications projects, including the annual report, which requires internal and external collaboration.

Writing
The Assistant Director of Communications produces extensive written material for the Center including event summaries, interviews, public announcements and letters, sections of the Annual Report, and more. Oversees and manages the production of Center publications, including working papers and discussion papers by faculty and fellows, blog pieces by our extended community, and more. Coordinates copy editing with an external editor and oversees publication design with the Multimedia Communications Coordinator.

Digital Outreach/ Promotion
Social Media: Develops the social media strategy and supervises its execution to expand reach to and connectivity with diverse audiences. Ensures effective online marketing of the digital content produced by the Center and optimizes engagement of the Center with online audiences. On a regular basis, maintains, monitors, and optimizes the Center’s social media channels including Instagram and LinkedIn. Develops social media messaging and campaigns that aligns with marketing initiatives to engage and increase followers.

Digital Media: Supervises the Center’s Multimedia Communications Coordinator and assigns work such as specialized videos, the design of academic and research publications, and other digital products, in order to promote these assets.
Podcast: Coordinates the production and promotion of the podcast and monitors metrics, in close consultation with podcast co-hosts and an external podcast editor.

Advisory Board Stewardship
Conducts research on advisory board prospects and vetting of prospects that occurs at the center-level. Plays a supporting role in preparing for advisory board meetings, including drafting and designing materials. Prepares stewardship materials for prospects and current donors, including stories, visual narratives, and short reports.

Media Outreach/Tracking
Manages the Center’s media presence, including media relations and strategies for leveraging social media. Liaises with the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) Office of Communications and Public Affairs (OCPA) team to promote the Center and its people and refers media to the appropriate center affiliates. Serves as the Center point of contact in case of crisis communications or urgent communications, in consultation with the Executive Director and / or Center Director and OCPA.

Reporting and Performance Measurement
Monitors and tracks the performance of the Carr-Ryan Center’s website, emails, and social media channels. Creates and delivers performance reports and makes optimization recommendations.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 5 years of professional communications experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

The following are preferred, but not required:

• Demonstrated interest in human rights strongly preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills are essential, including strong editing and proofing skills, as well as the demonstrated ability to prepare and publish informational materials for diverse audiences. Interest in creative storytelling desired.
• Prior experience writing promotional copy for publications, editing and proofreading, digital content development, social media experience, marketing and communications management required.
• Knowledge of relevant computer, design, email marketing, and web programs essential, such as Microsoft365, Canva, InDesign, and Salesforce.

Additional Information

This position is a fully benefits-eligible term appointment ending June 30, 2026, with possibility of renewal.

Learn more about our work culture and see yourself at Harvard Kennedy School.
We regret that the Harvard Kennedy School does not provide visa sponsorship.
Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background checks.
Harvard University is committed to supporting a healthy, sustainable learning and working environment.

This is a hybrid position based on our campus in Cambridge, MA. As a campus-based institution, we place a high value on the in-person experience, cross-team collaboration, and strong community building in order to create a vibrant campus for our students, faculty, staff, and research fellows. The position is required to work in-person on campus a minimum of three days per week during the academic year. Specific days and schedule will be determined between you and your manager.

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.

Salary Range: $76,400 - $130,000
Note: Starting salaries typically fall in the lower half of the salary range; however, they are ultimately determined by the scope of the position, the candidate's relevant experience, and internal equity.

Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

About Us

The Carr-Ryan Center for Human Rights serves as the hub of Harvard Kennedy School's Research, teaching, and training in the human rights domain. The center embraces a dual mission: to educate students and the next generation of leaders from around the world in human rights policy and practice; and to convene and provide policy-relevant knowledge to international organizations, governments, policymakers, and businesses.

More information on the Center’s mission, programs, and priorities can be found on its website at https://www.hks.harvard.edu/centers/carr-ryan.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) 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.

Job Function

Communications

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

CM1057 Communications Management II

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit

------------

Salary Grade

057

Department

Carr-Ryan Center for Human Rights

Annual Salary Range

$76,400 - $130,000

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard Kennedy School’s Mission and Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism

At Harvard Kennedy School, fostering a diverse and inclusive community where everyone feels they belong is a matter of basic fairness consistent with our core values as an institution. It is also essential to our mission of improving public policy and leadership—because recruiting the best people and creating an environment where they can thrive make us better at what we do, because we learn more from people with different perspectives, and because we work in diverse groups and serve diverse societies. Learn more about Harvard Kennedy School’s commitment to Diversity Equity, and Anti-Racism.

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.

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