Executive Communications Lead
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Why join the Harvard Graduate School of Education?
The Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) is a diverse community of learners, teachers, and employees who are passionate about changing the world through education and striving for maximum impact in the field of education.
Many choose to work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education because they believe in our mission and are excited by our vision for the future. We have a reputation as a great place to work, for our excellent leadership, and we are a strong community that values diversity. For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit: www.gse.harvard.edu.
Job Description
Job Summary:
The Executive Communications Lead at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) is responsible for researching, drafting, revising, and finalizing institutional communications. In close partnership with the Dean, the Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to the Dean, and the Chief Communications and Engagement Officer, the Executive Communications Lead will manage and support a portfolio of work including decanal speechwriting, community messages, talking points, and presentations for both internal and external audiences. Through their work, the Executive Communications Lead will support HGSE’s efforts to amplify and advance its mission: to prepare leaders and innovators committed to improving educational opportunities and outcomes for learners worldwide
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
- Generate speeches and talking points for signature HGSE events (Welcome Day, Commencement, Convocation, etc.) as well as high-priority meetings (donor discussions, external engagements, etc.); includes meeting with the Dean about her communication objectives and conducting relevant research as needed.
- Partner with the Chief Communications and Engagement Officer to craft and revise decanal communications strategy.
- Craft and revise key institutional written communications such as quarterly community updates, announcements, incident response messages, and key donor emails.
- Prepare and refine high-priority presentation materials—PPTs, memos, etc.—to ensure alignment with institutional vision, mission, and strategic goals.
- Manage communication requests for University-level constituents (e.g., status or project briefings to the President or Provost, talking points for HGSE events, examples of HGSE public service, etc.).
- Partner with the Dean and the Chief Communications and Engagement Officer to identify external thought-leadership opportunities as well as internal community speakers.
- Participate in meetings and events as needed for communication drafting and delivery.
- Support and contribute to the overall HGSE communications and engagement strategy as needed (researching and/or generating content for the HGSE website and other publications).
- Maintain a comprehensive overview of decanal and institutional communications in their portfolio to ensure shared transparency and timely planning, drafting, review, and delivery.
Please note there is a candidate currently under consideration for this position. This is a term position until August 31, 2026
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree and minimum 7 years of relevant experience.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in carrying out responsibilities.
- Experience in a higher education setting, including work with senior academic leaders.
- Flexible and responsive to shifting deadlines.
- Ability to interact professionally with a wide range of internal and external constituents.
- Strong organizational skills, including time management.
- Highly collaborative; must work well independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to work with and maintain confidential matters with discretion.
Additional Information
- Appointment End Date: August 31, 2026
- Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
- Compensation Range/Rate (including Shift Differential if applicable):
- Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
- Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, and Education
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 058. 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.