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Job Description
Job Summary:
The Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute’s Communications Manager plays a vital role in promoting the work of the Center and its faculty, with the aim of expanding visibility for the Institute’s events, programs, projects and research. The Communications Manager works collaboratively with senior leadership and staff to create and manage content in accordance with the short- and long-term goals of the Mittal Institute.
The Manager’s activities and responsibilities will include all aspects of communications and marketing, including managing multimedia marketing and branding for the Institute, as well as event promotion, newsletters, annual reports, press releases and correspondence, programmatic write-ups, enterprising pieces about programs and scholars, and maintenance of the Institute’s social media platforms and website. The Communications Manager reports to the Institute’s Assistant Director for Programs and Outreach. This position might supervise student interns or other collaborators as needed.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
Communications Strategic Planning
In collaboration with the Assistant Director for Programs and Outreach and the Executive Director, gather data, produce annual reports and institutional publications that highlight the Institute’s impact, strategic initiatives, and key achievements, and provide strategic recommendations, including branding and design strategies for the Mittal Institute. The responsibility for the publication of the annual reports includes gathering and analyzing data from multiple stakeholders, crafting compelling narratives, ensuring accuracy and consistency of messaging, and overseeing the design and layout in alignment with the Institute’s branding and visual identity guidelines. Work with Assistant Director for Programs and Outreach and Executive Director on faculty and student engagement, and communications with donors, prospects, alumni, and other stakeholders in the US and in South Asia. This position will assist the Executive Director with new communications methods and strategies for communication and content development that will increase global brand awareness for the Institute.
Content creation: Responsible for all content for the Mittal Institute's website, the weekly newsletter, social media, printed and digital materials, media relations and all public content, across platforms. Design and implement editorial standards and guidance, across all media, to ensure best practices. The communication manager envisions, creates, and manages content, in accordance with the mission and values of the Mittal Institute.
Digital Communications: Develops the Mittal Institute’s website and digital content. Oversee the design, development, and ongoing use of the Institute’s website and blog platform. Produces engaging website and video content and overseas external contributions. Identifies and works with outside vendors to implement enhancement features for the website.
Social Media: Develops the strategic direction of the Institute’s social media accounts. Creates engaging content daily. Develops a social media calendar and designs posts and videos using the Institute’s Canva account.
Newsletter: Ensures weekly publication of the Institute’s newsletter. Sets a storyboard and publication calendar and regularly analyzes metrics on readership to make ongoing upgrades and improvements.
Publications: Authors and produces flagship publications, including the Institute’s Annual Report, Arts Report and other key donor communications, including digital communications. Create brochures, flyers, one-pagers and other materials to promote the Institute’s programs and mission.
Media: Works with the Assistant Director and Executive Director to promote the Institute’s presence in the media and collaborates with Harvard Public Affairs and Communications, FAS Communications, and the other Asia-related and international studies centers, departments, and programs and other key constituents at Harvard.
Operations: Build relationships and work with faculty, students, staff and key affiliates to create high-value content, such as (but not limited to) podcasts, blog posts, op-eds, videos and written reports, on the Mittal Institute's own platforms and external outlets. Analyze key metrics and keep up to date with media innovations, in order to maximize the reach and impact of the Mittal Institute's communications strategies.
Database/ListServ Planning: Determines the optimal mix of databases and listservs for email, mail, and social media communication with the Institute’s community, South Asian thought leaders, and peer institutions both domestically and in South Asia. Develops content and distribution of newsletters and tracks and assesses feedback for greater impact.
Accessibility: Working with the Harvard Accessibility Office monitors and improves the accessibility of content and serves as an accessibility liaison and resource to the Mittal Institute’s community.
Working Conditions: This is a full-time, hybrid position based in Cambridge, MA. Additional information regarding flexible work arrangements will be provided during the interview process.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
A minimum of 3 years’ experience in journalism or professional communications.
Experience with social media in the workplace.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
B.A./B.S. strongly preferred.
Experience in academia.
Track record of multimedia content production, including creating audiovisual content and knowledge of graphic design, publishing, and photo and video software applications.
Experience of managing a team and external collaborators.
Experience with email service providers (Constant Contact, etc.), Microsoft SharePoint; Adobe Creative Suite, and familiarity with video and audio editing.
Excellent writing and communications skills, highly organized, detail-oriented, and independent.
Experience producing publications (reports, newsletters, promotional material, etc.)
Passion for and understanding of contemporary and historical South Asian issues.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Experience with Wordpress or Website Content Management System.
Basic video editing and graphic design skills.
Additional Information
- Appointment End Date: Two-year term appointment from start date, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and organizational needs.
- Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
- Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
- Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
Work Format Details
This is a position that is based at a Harvard campus location with some remote work options available. 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.
Salary Grade and Ranges
This position is salary grade level 056. 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.
EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.
Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.