Job Information
Harvard University Senior Media Relations and Communications Lead in Cambridge, Massachusetts
66123BRAuto req ID:66123BRJob Code:405004 Comm Professional (N) Department Office Location:USA - MA - Cambridge Business Title:Senior Media Relations and Communications LeadSub-Unit:------------ Salary Grade (https://hr.harvard.edu/salary-ranges#ranges) :056Time Status:Full-time Union:55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers Basic Qualifications:
Minimum of 3 years’ work experience in media relations and/or editorial.
Strong experience in a communications and media relations setting.
Must have experience with media relations tools as well as experience updating and creating content on websites.
Candidates wishing to be considered must supply a cover letter in addition to a resume.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Demonstrated experience at intersection of new and traditional media.
Must be motivated to learn and flexible to change.
Ability to work collaboratively across teams and with a variety of projects and constituencies.
High attention to detail and strong organizational skills required.
Must be innovative, strategic, and conceptually able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and handle difficult situations with a high level of professionalism.
Must be able to work independently with a minimum of supervision, while at the same time respond quickly and readily to the needs of the senior communications management team.
Must be able to listen carefully as well as to influence others.
Collegiality and team-orientation are important attributes.
Able to attend occasional events during evenings and weekends.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Your cover letter and resume should be combined into a SINGLE DOCUMENT under the resume tab. Cover letters are required for every position at Harvard Divinity School. We regret that the Harvard Divinity School does not provide Visa sponsorship. Additional Information: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.
Harvard Divinity School seeks to respect, understand, and learn from all cultures, beliefs, and faith backgrounds, including those who are unaffiliated with a traditional denomination, of the members of our diverse community. HDS actively seeks and welcomes people of color, women, the LGBTQIA+ community, persons with disabilities, and people at intersections of these identities.
Founded in 1816, Harvard Divinity School is most religiously diverse divinity school in the United States and is one of 12 graduate/professional schools at Harvard University. HDS is grounded in pluralism and fosters the kind of thoughtful, respectful exchange of ideas that is vital for human flourishing. The School’s degree programs prepare students for careers in academia, ministry, and a wide range of roles across the nonprofit, private, and public sectors.Department:CommunicationsPre-Employment Screening:Education, IdentityJob Function:Communications Position Description:
External Duties
Manages crisis communications and proactively communicates with the media about and solicits media coverage and publicity for press-worthy events and feature stories on the school and its community members and their accomplishments.
Serves as the media point-of-contact for the school.
Proactively seeks out story ideas from faculty, students, and staff; cover events and report other HDS stories, and work with the Associate Director to develop stories.
Works with HDS Communications team to define and translate key editorial/messaging priorities into editorial plans and media relations efforts.
Initiates and develops proactive media relations efforts with mainstream, online, and specialty media outlets based on an editorial calendar and late breaking opportunities.
Assists the Associate Director in “pitching” story ideas to media and acting as the “eyes and ears” of the department in understanding what is of interest to the media in the HDS community.
Works with the Associate Director of Communications to develop and maintain relationships on behalf of HDS with journalists in key areas using social and digital channels; seek new potential sources for coverage of HDS to enhance HDS’s earned media efforts in digital and social media outlets.
Works with media relations colleagues throughout the University to seek synergies and provide proactive media relations support and counsel on related media matters.
Works on other projects for the department as needed.
Internal Duties
Drafts and disseminates quotes and messages from the Dean and School leadership as well as institutional messaging for the Dean’s office, Academic Affairs, and others.
Manages HDS events calendar and web calendar system (editing, proofing, queries), working closely with other HDS offices and Events Coordinators to post the event information.
Responsible for Trumba account payment.
Manages weekly in-School HDS Update and HDS Announcements to deliver news to HDS campus constituencies.
Provides assistance on other forms of communications as requested, including press releases, online and print publications, and directory web updates.
Helps make updates to HDS websites.
Supervises a student editorial assistant.
School/Unit:Harvard Divinity School 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.Working Conditions:This position is based in Cambridge, MA and requires an on-campus presence. All HDS positions have a regular schedule of Monday - Friday, 9am - 5 pm. A hybrid schedule, involving some remote work, may be possible, subject to business needs and manager and HR review/approval. HDS may adjust flex schedules as necessary or appropriate. Harvard has an established Flexwork Policy (https://hr.harvard.edu/flexwork) .
Please Note: We are currently conducting interviews virtually for selected candidates. Final interviews may be conducted on campus.
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. Job Summary:
Reporting to the Associate Director of Communications, the Senior Media Relations and Communications Lead serves as the media point-of-contact for the School, and proactively communicates with media about, and solicits media coverage and publicity for, press-worthy events and feature stories on the School and its community members and their accomplishments. In doing so, the Senior Media Relations and Communications Lead showcases HDS’s relevance, success, and impact in line with the School’s priorities and strategic initiatives. The Senior Media Relations and Communications Lead manages crisis communications and is in constant communication with School leadership during times of crisis to effectively plan and strategize messages to clearly communicate to internal and external audiences and maintain the image of the School. The Senior Media Relations and Communications Lead drafts and disseminates quotes and messages from the Dean and School leadership. The Senior Media Relations and Communications Lead also works closely with partners across the University (Harvard Public Affairs and Communications, various other Schools, the Harvard Gazette) to coordinate messages and storytelling about the School to various internal and external audiences. The Senior Media Relations and Communications Lead also supervises work studies and student writers and manages high-volume, competing, and often time-sensitive priorities.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging:Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.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:
Flex-work options at HDS, including an optional summer compressed workweek (end of May through mid-August)
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.
Work Format:Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote) LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only):#LI-HY1Work Format Details:This is a hybrid position that is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Work is expected to be performed in an office setting, but may be remote, as directed by HDS. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which are currently Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process.