The Communications Specialist works closely with the Director of Communications and senior leadership at Harvard University’s Center for International Development (CID) to develop and implement communications strategies to support and advance the Center’s mission, priorities, and programmatic activities. Working closely with CID’s staff and faculty affiliates, the Communications Specialist contributes to a range of projects related to branding, storytelling, website content and design, publicity and marketing, and other collateral.
Housed at the Harvard Kennedy School, CID works across Harvard University and a global network of researchers and practitioners to build, convene, and deploy talent to address the world’s most pressing challenges. Through CID’s faculty affiliates, programs, fellows, students, and staff, our research center invests in growing development thinkers and doers by building a global pool of talent, convening academic and practitioner networks, and deploying breakthrough research. At CID, we are committed to move us beyond poverty to a world that delivers maximum value for all. We believe together we can design and implement policies that help everyone realize their full potential.
Position Description
Communications Strategy:
- Implement CID’s overall communications strategies to promote and amplify CID’s mission, programming and research activities.
- Serve as the CID’s primary storyteller, stay abreast of related work and communications efforts at Harvard, and identify and leverage opportunities to generate positive news about CID.
- Collaborate with colleagues from across CID and at the HKS central communications office to share information and best practices.
Branding/Content Development:
- Work closely with CID’s Director of Communications and broader team to develop content. Write and edit articles for CID Voices, including profiles of faculty, news releases, student content, and summaries of research projects.
- Develop and edit content for CID newsletters, annual report, brochures, videos, presentations, or other vehicles and manage editorial/publication schedule.
- Edit content produced by other CID members and contracted contributors, ensure adherence to University/CID brand standards and guidelines, and alignment with CID mission.
- Maintain vibrant, dynamic website presence by working closely with members of the CID team; help formulate strategies and execute on plan for future enhancements to the website.
- Manage CID’s digital presence including website, Facebook, Twitter/X, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram and other emerging channels/platforms. Identify opportunities and create high-impact content, in alignment with the CID voice and brand standards.
- Be responsible for all audiovisual content to conform to Harvard University’s accessibility guidelines (closed captioning, etc.).
Event and Contract Coordination:
- Support CID events through marketing and promotion, including day-of coordination as required.
- Explore opportunities and coordinate with other centers at Harvard to co-host event of mutual events.
- Monitor work of external contracted writers and other business partners (consultants and vendors) as needed. This may include engagement definition, contract negotiation, daily project management, analysis of engagement recommendations and implementation of recommendations.
- Create quarterly analytics reports of existing digital strategies, establish key metrics, and identify actionable recommendations. Develop and execute content strategies to maximize engagement with CID website and social media platforms.
- Other duties as assigned.
Basic Qualifications
3 years of progressive experience in communications, marketing, or related field. Demonstrated experience in writing and public relations, leveraging and integrating a variety of media, including print, online, multimedia, and social media, are required.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, journalism, public relations, or related field is preferred. Exceptional written and verbal communications skills are required.
- Demonstrated ability to develop stories and narratives to promote research in creative ways through a variety of media.
- A solid grasp of technology and understanding of media trends and applications.
- Must be able to provide sound communications advice, demonstrate excellent judgment on complex issues, and successfully manage multiple projects simultaneously, working with numerous clients and stakeholders, under pressure of deadlines.
- Must have the ability to innovate, think conceptually, and listen carefully.
- Experience with Adobe Suites, website content management system such as WordPress, and Mailchimp or similar email marketing campaigns strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated experience as a collaborator and team builder.
- The position also requires a high level of professionalism, sound and mature judgment, and collegiality.
- Must have excellent planning, project management and organizational skills.
Additional Information
This position is a fully benefits-eligible term appointment ending one year from date of hire, with possibility of renewal.
