Director of Communications and Engagement
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Job Description
The Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society (BKC) at Harvard University is seeking a Director to lead its communications, engagement, and dissemination efforts. This role will shape a clear and compelling narrative about the Center, raise and hone the Center’s public profile, expand and deepen its reach among practitioners and scholars, and promote the use of BKC’s research, insights, and technological tools to advance the Center’s mission.
As Director of Communications and Engagement you will:
- Shape and steward the Center’s narrative and brand to ensure it is compelling, clear, consistent, and resonant across platforms, audiences, and geographies.
- Create and execute a robust media relations and digital engagement strategy positioning BKC as an innovative, public-interested thought leader, center of research and education, and real-world problem solver.
- Develop and drive a strategic stakeholder engagement plan to deliver and amplify BKC's research, ideas, education, and technologies among key audiences and platforms where they can have the greatest real-world impact.
- Guide the creation of compelling content that draws on the BKC’s network, research, teaching materials, events, and impact stories to drive engagement across channels, constituencies, and platforms.
- Produce high-quality promotional materials and identify public speaking and engagement opportunities that showcase BKC’s experts, work and community.
- Oversee the redesign and updating of BKC’s website.
- Design and manage organizational infrastructure and working processes to execute the communications and engagement plans and support high standards quality.
- Serve as a member of the BKC Senior Leadership Team and as a public-facing representative of BKC’s editorial voice, where appropriate.
- Develop and lead a high-performing team and manage relationships with vendors, creative partners, Harvard-affiliated faculty and labs, and internal Center teams.
- Manage, in partnership with the Finance Director, the communications budget and propose allocation of resources and assets to maximize impact.
- Track and analyze performance across core areas (communications, engagement, and dissemination) to demonstrate impact, drive continuous improvement, and inform future strategy.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 8 years’ experience in communications, public relations, journalism or related field. Graduate degree in policy, law, technology, or communications may count toward years of experience. Supervisory experience is also required.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
We are looking for people who have:
- Broad knowledge of the public and policy conversations as well as industry and civil society thinking and developments in the fields of digital technology, especially artificial intelligence and social media, as well as the ability to effectively communicate that knowledge to diverse public and private audiences.
- Exceptional initiative, creative thinking, strategic planning, organizational skills, and can-do attitude.
- Success in building and engaging communities, cultivating high-value relationships, and creating tailored outreach strategies.
- Excellence and innovation in the field of communications and media relations including communications strategy, organizational storytelling across multiple media platforms, press engagement and public relations, and hands-on execution.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong judgment, ethical standards, discretion, and tact.
- Experience in team management and fostering professional growth.
Additional Information
Appointment End Date: As with all Berkman Klein Center positions, this is a term appointment expected to extend through 6/30/26 with potential for renewal, subject to departmental funding and need.
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 059. 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.