Outreach & Communications Coordinator

Harvard University • Cambridge, MA

76d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Harvard Project on Indigenous Governance and Development (Harvard Project) is a research initiative dedicated to advancing scholarship and providing practical tools for Indigenous nation rebuilding. The Outreach and Communications Coordinator supports the dissemination of the Project’s research, resources, and program opportunities to Indigenous leaders, scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and partner organizations in the United States and internationally. Working as part of a small, collaborative team, the Outreach and Communications Coordinator plays an active role in the day-to-day operations of the Harvard Project’s communications work across digital media, print, and outreach channels, while also providing support for public programs and events. Reporting to the Senior Program Director, this position helps ensure that the Project’s publications, events, and initiatives are communicated clearly, consistently, and accessibly to a range of audiences. The Ash Center, the Project’s home at HKS, is a global, values-driven community that believes diverse perspectives are essential to understanding and addressing real-world problems and seeks candidates who share this commitment.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in communications, public policy, journalism, marketing, public relations, Indigenous studies, or a related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public policy, journalism, marketing, public relations, Indigenous studies, or a related field.
• Knowledge of American Indian affairs, Indigenous governance, or related policy issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor content to different audiences.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a collaborative environment.
• Experience in website content management, graphic design, video editing and design tools such as Canva, iMovie, and Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Experience with and use of LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and other social media outlets as well as Salesforce or other CRM platforms.
• Ability to travel, including nights and weekends, as needed.

Responsibilities

• Support implementation of the Harvard Project’s communications calendar and promotion schedule to ensure timely release of materials, publications, announcements, and event promotions.
• Draft, edit, and distribute newsletters, email campaigns, announcements, and other public-facing communications related to research, publications, Honoring Nations, and other relevant topics.
• Maintain and update the Harvard Project website, including posting research, news, profiles, events, and program information, and coordinating with technical staff as needed.
• Assist with drafting and scheduling content for social media channels, monitor engagement, and help strengthen the Project’s digital presence in alignment with Ash Center, HKS, and University guidance.
• Assist with creating and producing communications materials, including stories, profiles, Q&As, outreach copy, graphics, presentations, and related content that highlight Indigenous governance innovations and Project research and resources, including Honoring Nations awardees.
• Support communications and outreach for the Honoring Nations program, including award announcements, calls for applications, dissemination of case materials, and related promotional activities.
• Help maintain contact lists and support email audience development and tracking through Salesforce, including basic reporting on campaign performance and engagement.
• Coordinate with colleagues across the Ash Center, HKS, Harvard University, and external partner organizations to support outreach, dissemination, and co-sponsored activities.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for key external organizations (e.g., NNI, Native Governance Center, NCAI, Google) and communities of interest (e.g., tribal leaders, public officials, scholars, practitioners, and others in the field of American Indian affairs).
• Provide communications and basic logistical support for seminars, webinars, conferences, and other events, including drafting promotional copy, posting calendar listings, managing registration, supporting speakers and virtual platforms, and assisting with follow-up communications and dissemination of recordings or materials.
• Assist with maintaining and updating Nation Building Toolboxes and other online educational materials, including supporting design and storyboarding and tracking use and outcomes.
• Contribute to other communications, outreach, and program support tasks as needed in a small-team environment.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health 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