Assoc. Director of Communications at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Harvard University


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.

Associate Director of Communications and Senior Editor
Harvard Radcliffe Institute
54517BR

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director of Communications, the Associate Director of Communications and Senior Editor plays five important roles:

1. Assists in managing the Communications Department.
2. Manages all publications-from shepherding print event collateral to serving as the strategic lead/editor-in- chief of Radcliffe Magazine. This will include managing the transition of the magazine and other editorial projects from print to mainly digital platforms.
3. Plans, manages, and helps to execute the Institute's social media strategy, including Twitter and Instagram accounts.
4. Serves as a key content strategist on the Communications Team. S/he will play a central role in contributing to and executing on the communication director's overarching content strategy across platforms.
5. Manages Radcliffe's editorial policy/house style, ensuring consistent usage.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

• Works closely with the Director of Communications to help develop integrated communications strategies that support the Institute's mission, promote the Institute's people and programs across channels, and build brand awareness.
• Serves as department point of contact in the Director of Communications' absence.
• Works closely with other Communications staff to identify feature stories that will elicit media interest.
• Works closely with the Director of Communications to manage media inquiries and pitches.
• Builds and maintains strong professional rapport with Harvard Public Affairs and Communications (HPAC), Harvard Gazette editors and writers, Harvard Magazine editor and writers, and Crimson writers, to share Radcliffe stories with the Harvard community.
• Working with Radcliffe's leadership, a range of internal stakeholders, and diverse subject experts, the Associate Director of Communications and Senior Editor is in a unique position to surface stories. By leveraging this, s/he is expected to identify stories and features not only for Radcliffe publications, but for other platforms as well.
• Works collaboratively with all members of the communications team to co-develop communications packages for a range of audiences and communication channels.
• Conveys the work of the Institute to various audience in compelling and thoughtful ways.
• Plans the content of Radcliffe Magazine, writes (some) articles, assigns articles to freelancers and in- house writers, and edits articles. Manages the design, production, and distribution of Radcliffe Magazine.
• In close collaboration with staff at the Schlesinger Library on the content and design of the library newsletter, oversees its production and distribution, ensuring that the publication advances the mission of the Radcliffe Institute while communicating with a targeted audience.
• Writes, edits, copyedits, and proofreads a variety of Institute materials including the Radcliffe website, outreach materials, campaign materials and press releases-as needed.
• Whenever possible, uses data to drive decision making and invests time and energy into understanding Radcliffe's audiences and developing content to meet the needs of these audiences.
• Forecasts, prepares, and manages the publications budget. Ensures that all invoices in the Communications department are accurately coded.
• Owns Radcliffe's editorial policy/house style and ensures consistent usage across the Institute. Refines regularly. Trains Radcliffe staff as needed and works with freelance copy editors and proofreaders to ensure consistency.
• Embodies the ideal of working in a university by supporting a culture of learning and growth. Seeks opportunities to learn and build skills as well as opportunities to help others to develop and grow.
• Supports a culture of inclusion and diversity.

Basic Qualifications

• A minimum of seven years of both writing and editorial experience on a major publication or relevant experience. Experience serving as a magazine or journal editor preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in communications, media, or related field.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Proven ability to identify stories and to get those stories told in compelling ways.
• Sound understanding of digital media platforms and the importance of working collaboratively across channels.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to work independently and to meet deadlines despite competing demands.
• Excellent client management skills and judgment. Patience, empathy, and a sense of humor will serve you well in this role.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and general digital competence and eagerness to learn.
• Digital magazine editorial experience is a plus.
• Media relations/press officer experience is a plus
• Experience with multimedia content development helpful.
• Work experience in higher education and/or familiarity with Harvard University is a plus.

Physical Requirements

The demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Employee must have the ability to sit at a desk for a minimum of seven hours a day and complete tasks requiring repetitive use of hands.

Working Conditions

• Due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, employee will telecommute until onsite operations are fully resumed. When telecommuting, employee is expected to have reliable internet access to be able to do the work
• When working onsite the Harvard Radcliffe Institute campus, the job is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.

Job Function
Communications

Sub Unit
------------

Location
USA - MA - Cambridge

Department
Communications

Time Status
Full-time

Union
00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Salary Grade
058

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