Director of Communications and External Relations

Company: Harvard University
Location: Cambridge
Posted on: March 15, 2023

Job Description:

Director of Communications and External RelationsFaculty of Arts and Sciences61193BRJob SummaryThis position is responsible for developing and leading a strategic, integrated approach to communications and marketing, alumni relations, and fundraising to advance the mission of the Davis Center. Reports to the Executive Director. -
-Develops strategic communications and marketing programs designed to engender understanding and support among key constituencies for the Davis Center and its goals. Works closely with Davis Center senior leadership and programs staff on specific communications needs in print, electronic, and digital media. Develops marketing plans for individual Davis Center programs (e.g., Master's Degree Program in Regional Studies-REECA; Fellows Program) to achieve recruitment goals and elevate these programs' stature, particularly within academia and the policy community. Decides on and monitors metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of communications.Position DescriptionCommunicationsPR/Media relations. Advises leadership on the development of communication policies and significant matters of marketing and public relations. Responds to questions and requests from media, the public, and the community, including for critical and sensitive matters. Offers counsel and guidelines to colleagues for dealing with the media, and provides coaching in public speaking.Events. Participates in the design of major milestone events and reunions to engage noteworthy alumni, donors, and prospects; works with events- and programs staff to operationalize and produce appropriate materials.Outreach/community engagement. Initiates positive and proactive relationships with both internal and external constituents, including Harvard international and public affairs staff, the local Russian emigre community, Boston-area community organizations, regional studies organizations, and people in government. Collaborates with the Center's Associate Director on developing and implementing the Center's outreach and engagement strategy; serves as final approver on editorial content and creative work produced by the Outreach team.Publications. Manages the Davis Center annual report, website, brochures, email marketing program, and social media strategy in a way that advances key messages, communicates impact, and helps grow the Davis Center's brand. Works with students and scholars to develop and publish academic think pieces on the Davis Center website.Knowledge/policy/branding. Maintains comprehensive knowledge of techniques and best practices for maintaining the Davis Center's communications products and infrastructure; problem solves as needed. -
-Development and StewardshipStewardship and donor/foundation relations. Provides senior leadership with advice on complex and critical stewardship and donor relations issues, particularly surrounding leadership giving and foundation relations. Coordinates with University development staff to ensure consistency in donor communications at the highest level. Works with Harvard development staff on the solicitation, research, and establishment and stewardship of new major gifts. Works with the Faculty and Executive Directors, the Director of Administration and Finance, and programs staff to ensure that gifts are used in accordance with the donors' intent toward the most urgent priorities.Development communications. Develops fundraising and stewardship publications of a high level. Works collaboratively with faculty and senior staff on the strategic development and writing of grant proposals, case statements, and other key development communications. -Alumni Relations. Works collaboratively with the Executive Director and Student Programs Officer on strategies to facilitate two-way communication and build lifelong relationships with alumni in support of the Davis Center.Advisory Board. Actively participates in managing and developing the Center's Advisory Board, consisting of principal/major donors, prospects, friends, and alumni; manages board membership list and terms, tracks membership pipeline; helps Executive Director and Board Chair establish goals, agenda and choreography for biannual meetings. -Annual giving. Oversees the annual fundraising program. -
-Supervises, trains, and supports the development of the Communications Coordinator, as well as students and interns supporting the Center's communications efforts. -Basic QualificationsBachelor's degree. -5+ years of progressive experience in communications, marketing, or public relations, digital- and multimedia, and educational advancement. -Background in Russian/Eurasian studies. -Supervisory experience.Additional Qualifications and SkillsAdvanced knowledge of donor relations and stewardship. Experience in a development environment, preferably in higher education. Exceptional writing and editorial ability, as well as broad knowledge of print and digital production processes. -Must have a nuanced understanding of issues affecting education, communications, and philanthropy in Russia/Eurasia such as they affect the Center's work with partners and programs in and from the region. Fluency in Russian highly desirable. Must be able to handle confidential information with utmost discretion. -Outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively respond to and interact tactfully with colleagues, senior staff, faculty, prospects, donors, and alumni. Creative in finding new and innovative ways to think about marketing and communications for different constituents. Must possess creative problem-solving abilities and a willingness to offer novel ideas and strategies. Editorial/design background as well as proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite strongly preferred. -Working ConditionsThis is a full-time position. Like all Davis Center positions, it requires a strong in-office presence. All full-time staff currently work four days in the office and one day remotely. This may be adjusted at a later date. -Wednesday is an "anchor" day.


Harvard University continues to place the highest priority on the health, safety and wellbeing of its faculty, staff, and students, as well as the wider community. Please note that all new employees will be required to provide confirmation of primary series COVID-19 vaccination upon hire, as detailed on our COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement Webpage . Harvard University Health Services employees and other health care individuals are also required to be up to date on vaccination as described by the CDC. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. Additional information regarding this requirement, exemptions, verification of vaccination status, and other related policies and resources may be found on the University's COVID-19 Information Website .
-Additional InformationIn order to be considered for this position, candidates are required to include a cover letter. -

To learn more about the Davis Center visit us at: -https://daviscenter.fas.harvard.edu/. -Job FunctionCommunicationsLocationUSA - MA - CambridgeJob CodeCM1057 Communications Management IISub-Unit------------DepartmentDavis Center for Russian and Eurasian StudiesCommitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and BelongingHarvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.EEO StatementWe 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.

Keywords: Harvard University, Cambridge , Director of Communications and External Relations, Executive , Cambridge, Massachusetts