Job summary
Job post source
This job is directly from Harvard Kennedy School
Job overview
The Director of Communications at Harvard Kennedy School's Taubman Center leads communication strategies to amplify the center's impact on state and local government policy and leadership.
Responsibilities and impact
The role involves developing and implementing communication strategies, creating and managing content, enhancing digital platforms, executing PR strategies, and managing communication infrastructure to engage government officials, thought leaders, and the HKS community.
Compensation and benefits
The position offers a salary at grade level 058 with comprehensive benefits including paid time off, health insurance from day one, retirement plans, wellbeing resources, family support, professional development, and commuter perks.
Experience and skills
Candidates need a bachelor's degree and at least 6 years in communications or related fields, with strong writing, project management, media engagement, digital communication skills, and a passion for public service.
Career development
The job offers professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement to support career growth.
Work environment and culture
Harvard Kennedy School promotes a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative environment focused on public service and innovation, with some remote work options within specified states.
Company information
Harvard Kennedy School is a leading public policy institution at Harvard University dedicated to improving governance through research, teaching, and engagement with practitioners.
Team overview
The Director will work closely with the Taubman Center's leadership, faculty, fellows, and staff, including affiliates like the Government Performance Lab and Rappaport Institute.
Job location and travel
The position is based on a Harvard campus with some remote work allowed within certain states, subject to visa and funding restrictions.
Application process
Applicants must submit relevant writing samples and will undergo writing exercises in later interview stages; pre-employment screening includes education and identity verification.
Unique job features
This role uniquely combines strategic communication leadership with hands-on implementation within a prestigious academic public policy center focused on state and local government solutions.
Company overview
Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) is a prestigious graduate school of public policy and government at Harvard University, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It offers master's and doctoral programs designed to train leaders in public service, including public administration, public policy, and international development. HKS generates revenue through tuition fees, executive education programs, and research grants. Established in 1936, it has a rich history of influencing public policy and administration globally, with notable alumni including heads of state, government officials, and leaders in non-profit organizations.
How to land this job
Position your resume to highlight your experience in developing and implementing comprehensive communications strategies, especially in public sector or academic environments, to align with Harvard Kennedy School's mission and the Taubman Center's goals.
Emphasize your skills in content creation across multiple formats, including policy briefs, social media, press releases, and digital marketing materials, showcasing your ability to engage diverse audiences such as government officials, thought leaders, students, and alumni.
Apply through multiple platforms including Harvard Kennedy School's official careers page, LinkedIn, and relevant academic or public policy job boards to maximize your application visibility.
Connect with current communications staff or affiliates of the Taubman Center, Government Performance Lab, and Rappaport Institute on LinkedIn; use ice breakers like commenting on recent publications or initiatives from the center or expressing enthusiasm for public service communications.
Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'communications strategy,' 'media relations,' 'digital platforms,' 'content creation,' and 'project management' to ensure it passes screening filters.
Leverage Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate tailored applications, identify multiple application portals, and find LinkedIn connections, allowing you to focus your energy on preparing for interviews and networking effectively.
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