Job Summary

Harvard Library's Communication Team is looking for a nimble writer and strategic thinker who can distill the library's work for a variety of audiences to advance the goals of Harvard Library.

Reporting to the Director of Communications, the Communications Officer serves the internal and external communications needs of Harvard Library, Harvard's library system. The Communications Officer works closely with leadership, individual libraries, and departments to implement strategic communications with the goal of spotlighting key messages to various audiences.

The Communications Officer will draft and implement communications plans that advance strategic priorities, pitch stories to the media, and produce multi-purpose content to share across channels. From Gazette articles to leadership messages, they will write content that advances the library's strategic goals, using a user-centered perspective. They will serve as the point-person for all incoming media requests and advise library staff on media engagement.

Position Description

Duties and Responsibilities

• Writes and edits high-level, complex communications (e.g., press statements, talking points, impact stories, and strategic accomplishments), as well as messages from the library's Vice President. Simplifies and translates complex library work for broad audiences.
• Develops story ideas that highlight Harvard Library's work; writes and produces stories in the Harvard Gazette. Collaborates with Gazette colleagues to produce creative assets that accompany stories.
• Manages media relations for Harvard Library, serving as the primary contact for media inquiries and the library's public information officer. Drafts responses on sensitive issues. Identifies media outlets and pitches stories to local and national news. Advises library staff on their media engagement. Coordinates with Harvard Public Affairs and Communications on sensitive matters.
• Leads communication projects, including creating communication strategies and implementation rollouts for a variety of library leadership's projects.
• Consults and advises library clients on their communications needs. Collaborates extensively across Harvard Library and Harvard Public Affairs and Communications.
• Drives and implements the strategy for the library's social channels; serves as advisor to local social media managers within libraries and departments. Recruits, onboards, and manages social media intern.
• Produces the library's public newsletters, The Circ and The Collab, including defining themes,
• identifying content, writing catchy titles, identifying visuals, and analytics.
• Handles filming and photography requests in Harvard Library spaces. Coordinates with local
• libraries, HL leadership, and building operations to manage and facilitate requests.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Five or more years of writing, editing, and content production experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Highly adept at translating complex information into relevant and understandable communications for multiple audiences.
• Skilled at diplomatically and successfully achieving goals in a complex, matrixed environment.
• Ability to complete multiple tasks quickly and accurately to meet aggressive timelines.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with proven project management abilities.
• Strong attention to detail.

Working Conditions

Option to work remotely, onsite, or a hybrid; monthly in-person team meetings in Cambridge, MA.

Additional Information

Please note: As part of the interview process for tihs position, a work assessment will be requested

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)


Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard 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 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.

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