Director Of Global Communications And Strategy

Job Summary

The Belfer Center is looking for an executive to fill an important role on its leadership team by running marketing and communications, and handling all aspects of the Center’s International Council, an elite advisory board that generates an important source of revenue.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Communications Director works to maximize the impact of Belfer Center’s policy analysis and research efforts among policymakers, the media, and the public. The Director develops, maintains, and executes overall communications strategy for the Center, in close consultation with the Center’s leadership. Develops strong working relationships with the staff of the Center’s programs and projects, providing strategic and operational communications support.

The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs is the world’s preeminent university-based research center. Led by former Secretary of Defense Ash Carter and former Assistant Secretary of Defense Eric Rosenbach, the Center attracts leading students, scholars, and practitioners working in science, technology, and international relations. Diplomats, four-star generals, intelligence directors, technologists, entrepreneurs, and bestselling authors all call the Center their professional home. The Center comprises nearly two dozen research teams, covering everything from climate change in the Arctic and nuclear security to the Middle East and applied history. Uniting these diverse issue areas is a dual mission to 1) advance policy relevant knowledge at the nexus of science and international affairs; and 2) prepare future leaders for public service in these fields.

Position Description

Elevating the Belfer brand : Upholds the Center’s global reputation among elite audiences. Oversees branding and marketing. Supports major Center events.

Strengthening relationships : Identifies and builds relationships with important constituencies, including within the media, Administration, Congress, and business community, as well as with research centers across the university and in the broader policy community globally.

PR: Arranges major presentations of the Center’s work and helps promote signature publications. Drafts press releases, personnel announcements, and timely media alerts. Handles interview requests. Works with Center and HKS stakeholders on crisis communications issues.

Innovative, impactful output : Thinks creatively to employ traditional and innovative communication channels and tools necessary to reach target audiences effectively. These include opinion essays, research reports, policy briefs, multimedia, social media, videos, podcasts, and other non-text communication tools as well as digital and printed materials.

Digital management : Responsible for the development, operation, and innovation of the Center’s main website, BelferCenter.org, and related digital entities. Manages all social media.

Administration : Manages a team with specialties in digital management, multimedia and production, and press outreach. Coordinates with HKS and Harvard communications offices. Manages a dozen or more vendor relationships and the department’s budget.

Editorial leadership: Serves as editor in chief for the full range of Center output, including the weekly Belfer in the News digest and the twice-yearly Center newsletter. Runs corporate communications, including external and internal messaging from the Center’s leadership team.

Resource development : Strengthens relationships with existing and prospective International Council members. Works to substantially diversify Council membership. Keeps careful track of member contributions. Helps organize major Council convenings, including the Center’s annual meeting each spring.

We’re looking for a Director with substantial experience in linking innovative communications to policy impact – and relaying this narrative of impact to support the Center’s development. We expect the candidate to be tech-savvy and unafraid to try new tools to help the Center fulfill its mission.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and at least five years of related experience in communications required. Experience with the policy community and media a must.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Experience working with journalists, including pitching, interview management, and crisis communications.
• Comfortable engaging with VIP donors and helping to recruit new paying members to the International Council.
• Must have excellent writing, editing, and communications skills, including a deep understanding of digital communications, social media, multimedia, and video.
• Candidate must bring sufficient policy depth to work closely and credibly with the Center’s diverse research teams.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and administrative skills, including experience setting and running departmental budgets.
• Command of statistics and analytics.
• Demonstrated record of policy and media impact.
• Strategic mindset a must, and experience with strategy and policy development desirable.
• Master’s degree in Public Policy, International Security or International Relations preferred.

Additional Information

This position is a fully benefits-eligible term appointment ending one year from date of hire, with possibility of renewal.

• We regret that the Harvard Kennedy School does not provide visa sponsorship.
• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background checks.
• Harvard University is committed to supporting a healthy, sustainable learning and working environment.

This is a hybrid position based on our campus in Cambridge, MA. As a campus-based institution, we place a high value on the in-person experience, cross-team collaboration, and strong community building in order to create a vibrant campus for our students, faculty, staff, and research fellows. The position is required to work in-person on campus a minimum of three days per week during the academic year. Specific days and schedule will be determined between you and your manager.

The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage.

Salary Range: $94,300 - $164,500
Note: 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 offers a generous benefits package including:

• Time Off: 3- 4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 12.5 paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days per year.
• Medical/Dental/Vision: We offer a variety of excellent medical plans, dental & vision plans, all coverage begins as of your start date.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive tuition assistance program, $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and discounted options through participating Harvard grad schools.
• Transportation: Harvard offers a 50% discounted MBTA pass as well as additional options to assist employees in their daily commute.
• Wellness Options: Harvard offers programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, massages, nutrition, meditation and complimentary health services.
  Harvard access to athletic facilities, libraries, campus events and many discounts throughout metro Boston.

Job Function

Communications

Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

CM0559 Communications Management IV

Sub-Unit

-

Department

Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs

Time Status

Full-time

Salary Grade

059

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard Kennedy School’s Mission and Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism

At Harvard Kennedy School, fostering a diverse and inclusive community where everyone feels they belong is a matter of basic fairness consistent with our core values as an institution. It is also essential to our mission of improving public policy and leadership—because recruiting the best people and creating an environment where they can thrive make us better at what we do, because we learn more from people with different perspectives, and because we work in diverse groups and serve diverse societies.

Learn more about Harvard Kennedy School’s commitment to Diversity Equity, and Anti-Racism.

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.