By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
Why join the Harvard Kennedy School?
The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one of 12 graduate and professional schools at the university. Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting-edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match. When you work at Harvard Kennedy School, you make a difference.
Job Description
The Media Relations Coordinator in Harvard Kennedy School’s (HKS) Office of Communications and Public Affairs (OCPA) will work closely with the Director of Public Affairs to support the work of the media relations team and colleagues throughout the communications office to help advance the Kennedy School’s communications priorities. The Media Relations Coordinator will report directly to the Director of Public Affairs and primarily support the office’s media relations operations.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Pitching and building relationships with reporters and editors.
- Overseeing and compiling daily press clips.
- Building and maintaining press contact databases using our press management tool, Cision.
- Website and social media editorial content writing.
- Covering select public events held at HKS.
- Working in close coordination across the office’s various teams to develop timely content highlighting the many compelling and impactful research, public conversations, and student stories that are found throughout the HKS campus.
- Overseeing distribution of press releases to media; take photographs as needed; maintain photo, clip and contact files; may organize and oversee photo shoots, reporter visits, media launches, and related events as directed.
About the Office of Communications and Public Affairs
The Office of Communications and Public Affairs (OCPA) supports effective storytelling and outreach to increase the impact of the work of Harvard Kennedy School. We partner with HKS research centers and departments to share the insights of our faculty, fellows, alumni, and leadership with policy makers and policy influencers.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
- 4+ yrs communications experience in a media or public relations setting. Must have experience working directly with the media.
Note: To be considered, you must submit a cover letter and writing sample when applying for the role.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or directly related field preferred.
- Demonstrated interest in public policy, politics, or related field.
- Excellent written communications skills.
- Experience writing for social media.
- Experience posting website content.
- Ability to work non-traditional hours.
- Highly organized and interpersonal skills to build strong relationships.
- An ability to work across departments and collaborate on several projects simultaneously.
- Ability to work independently and confidently.
- Experience working with customer relationship management tools such as Salesforce or related email marketing tools.
Additional Information
- 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
This position is based on our campus in Cambridge, MA and required to work a minimum of 3 days/week on-site.
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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 055. 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.