Communications Manager

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

10d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Davis Center at Harvard University is seeking a Communications Manager to develop and lead an integrated communications strategy supporting marketing, public relations, and alumni relations. The role promotes the Center’s programs and mission, communicates complex topics to varied audiences, and helps strengthen the Center’s reputation and community relationships. The position reports to the Davis Center’s Associate Director.

The Communications Manager oversees content and communications across print and digital platforms, including the website, publications, email marketing, and social media. The role develops marketing plans, manages the Center’s relationship with its web developer, responds to media and public inquiries, supports event and reunion materials, and recruits and manages contracted communications professionals. It also evaluates communications using relevant metrics and ensures content complies with applicable guidelines and policies.

The role provides editorial and communications support to the development team and works with the Associate Director and Student Programs Officer on alumni relationships. It hires, trains, supervises, and supports student assistants or interns involved in communications, and manages the communications budget.

This is a full-time hybrid position requiring a strong in-office presence. Current full-time staff work three to four days in the office and one to two days remotely, with Tuesday designated as an anchor day. The schedule may change based on operational needs. The position is scheduled for 35 hours per week. Limited travel may be required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Five years of progressive experience in communications, marketing, or public relations, including digital and multimedia.
• Strong writing and editorial skills.
• Experience shaping communications strategy.
• Creativity in developing communications and marketing approaches for different constituents.

Nice To Haves

• Understanding of strategic and day-to-day communications challenges in complex, multicultural, and international environments.
• Experience and/or interest in Russia, Eastern Europe, and Eurasia.
• Broad knowledge of print and digital design and production processes and tools.
• Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or think tank sectors.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement communications and marketing programs to promote understanding and support among the Center’s key constituencies.
• Oversee the creation and management of Center content across print and digital platforms, aligned with the Center’s mission.
• Develop marketing plans that advance Center programs and activities.
• Manage the Davis Center website, publications, email marketing, and social media channels to advance key messages and expand the Center’s brand.
• Manage the relationship with the Center’s web developer, including contracting for new and enhanced services.
• Respond to questions and requests from media and the public, redirecting inquiries to colleagues as needed.
• Participate in designing communications collateral for major milestone events and reunions.
• Recruit and manage contracted communications professionals, including copy editors, writers, graphic designers, printers, and photographers.
• Build proactive relationships with internal and external constituents.
• Evaluate communications strategies using data-driven analysis and relevant metrics.
• Ensure adherence to digital content best practices, Harvard guidelines, trademark policy, accessibility standards, copyright compliance, and other policies; establish guidelines for consistent print and digital channels.
• Support colleagues’ professional development through skill shares or guidelines.
• Contribute to communications and marketing communities within CGIS, FAS, and Harvard.
• Provide editorial and communications support to the Center’s development team.
• Work with the Associate Director and Student Programs Officer on strategies to build and maintain alumni relationships.
• Hire, train, supervise, and support the professional development of student assistants or interns supporting communications.
• Manage the communications budget.
• Perform other duties as determined by the supervisor.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off, including parental leave.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage starting on day one.
• Retirement plans with university contributions.
• Wellbeing and mental health resources.
• Support for families and caregivers.
• Professional development opportunities, including tuition assistance and reimbursement.
• Commuter benefits, discounts, and campus perks.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level