Harvard University
Senior Director, Strategic Communications and Initiatives
Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, us, 02140
66497BRAuto req ID:66497BRJob Code:CM0560 Communications Management Dir Department Office Location:USA - MA - Cambridge Business Title:Senior Director, Strategic Communications and InitiativesSub-Unit:------------ Salary Grade (https://hr.harvard.edu/salary-ranges#ranges) :060Time Status:Full-time Union:00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary Basic Qualifications:
Advanced degree required (e.g. MPP, MPA, JD, MBA, or related degree)
Minimum of 10 years of professional experience, including a minimum of 5 years of prior management and staff supervisory experience is required.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
Experience strategically assessing priorities, managing change, and effectively juggling multiple complex activities in a time-sensitive environment
Experience working with members of senior management teams within higher education or related industries
Proven track record of managing institutional change, leading staff, and developing partnerships with key stakeholders within and outside the organization.
Experience developing trusting long-term relationships with constituents and creating and maintaining a team culture
Ability to work collaboratively across all levels of an organization
Experience working with faculty, staff and students preferred
Flexibility, adaptability, and resourcefulness to meet ever-changing needs
Strong verbal and written communication skills, especially presentation skills.
Department:OEDIBPre-Employment Screening:Education, IdentitySchedule:Full time. Monday through Friday. 35 hours per weekJob Function:Communications Position Description:
The Senior Director, Strategic Communications and Initiatives, reports to the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer (CDIO), whose portfolio includes the Office for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (OEDIB), Office for Community Conduct (OCC), and University Disability Resources (UDR). Working across these three units, the successful candidate will be an experienced leader able to drive strategic planning, manage organizational priorities, and facilitate relationships with stakeholders across the University. The Senior Director provides hands-on strategic guidance and oversight related to managing and preparing CDIO communications and presentation materials, scheduling, meetings, briefings, and coordinating events. The Senior Director provides strategic counsel on a range of issues and activities, distilling and summarizing key information in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. The Senior Director will supervise members of the administrative team to ensure the timely preparation of briefing materials while tracking a high volume of email correspondence. In support of the broader team, they will offer insights to inform the direction of programming, streamline team-wide communication, and work to coordinate strategic progress across the university. This individual supports the CDIO in monitoring the implementation of the campus’ strategic diversity agenda, and helping to support schools, units, and central leadership by helping to align offices and programs with the University’s strategic EDIB priorities. The Senior Director will need to be knowledgeable and responsive to the interests of partners at Harvard’s schools and across units. This role stands-in for the CDIO, providing representation on working groups, councils, and other meetings as needed.
Responsibilities:
Serve as a core member of the CDIO’s leadership team, providing strategic advice to inform decision making and optimization of resources to meet the overarching goals and priorities of the office and University.
Lead correspondence on behalf of the CDIO, ensuring accurate and timely production of written and reference materials as requested by leadership across the University.
Working closely with the team, prepare CDIO for University-wide interactions by drafting briefings, talking points, and presentation decks to showcase the work and priorities of the office.
Develop team-wide systems and structures to support the functions of the office to enhance collaboration, steer project management, and facilitate decision-making.
Support the development of staff to foster professional development and learning opportunities for individuals and the team at large.
Lead the development of strategic initiatives and programs to support the University’s overall Inclusion and Belonging Goals.
Represent the CDIO and team on a variety of University working groups, councils, and other meetings as needed.
Contribute to the creation of a healthy, supportive, and inclusive organizational culture that promotes trust, comradery, and collaboration
School/Unit:University Administration 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.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.Benefits:We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) 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) LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only):#LI-MT1Work Format Details:This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
Advanced degree required (e.g. MPP, MPA, JD, MBA, or related degree)
Minimum of 10 years of professional experience, including a minimum of 5 years of prior management and staff supervisory experience is required.
Additional Qualifications and Skills:
Experience strategically assessing priorities, managing change, and effectively juggling multiple complex activities in a time-sensitive environment
Experience working with members of senior management teams within higher education or related industries
Proven track record of managing institutional change, leading staff, and developing partnerships with key stakeholders within and outside the organization.
Experience developing trusting long-term relationships with constituents and creating and maintaining a team culture
Ability to work collaboratively across all levels of an organization
Experience working with faculty, staff and students preferred
Flexibility, adaptability, and resourcefulness to meet ever-changing needs
Strong verbal and written communication skills, especially presentation skills.
Department:OEDIBPre-Employment Screening:Education, IdentitySchedule:Full time. Monday through Friday. 35 hours per weekJob Function:Communications Position Description:
The Senior Director, Strategic Communications and Initiatives, reports to the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer (CDIO), whose portfolio includes the Office for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (OEDIB), Office for Community Conduct (OCC), and University Disability Resources (UDR). Working across these three units, the successful candidate will be an experienced leader able to drive strategic planning, manage organizational priorities, and facilitate relationships with stakeholders across the University. The Senior Director provides hands-on strategic guidance and oversight related to managing and preparing CDIO communications and presentation materials, scheduling, meetings, briefings, and coordinating events. The Senior Director provides strategic counsel on a range of issues and activities, distilling and summarizing key information in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. The Senior Director will supervise members of the administrative team to ensure the timely preparation of briefing materials while tracking a high volume of email correspondence. In support of the broader team, they will offer insights to inform the direction of programming, streamline team-wide communication, and work to coordinate strategic progress across the university. This individual supports the CDIO in monitoring the implementation of the campus’ strategic diversity agenda, and helping to support schools, units, and central leadership by helping to align offices and programs with the University’s strategic EDIB priorities. The Senior Director will need to be knowledgeable and responsive to the interests of partners at Harvard’s schools and across units. This role stands-in for the CDIO, providing representation on working groups, councils, and other meetings as needed.
Responsibilities:
Serve as a core member of the CDIO’s leadership team, providing strategic advice to inform decision making and optimization of resources to meet the overarching goals and priorities of the office and University.
Lead correspondence on behalf of the CDIO, ensuring accurate and timely production of written and reference materials as requested by leadership across the University.
Working closely with the team, prepare CDIO for University-wide interactions by drafting briefings, talking points, and presentation decks to showcase the work and priorities of the office.
Develop team-wide systems and structures to support the functions of the office to enhance collaboration, steer project management, and facilitate decision-making.
Support the development of staff to foster professional development and learning opportunities for individuals and the team at large.
Lead the development of strategic initiatives and programs to support the University’s overall Inclusion and Belonging Goals.
Represent the CDIO and team on a variety of University working groups, councils, and other meetings as needed.
Contribute to the creation of a healthy, supportive, and inclusive organizational culture that promotes trust, comradery, and collaboration
School/Unit:University Administration 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.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.Benefits:We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) 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) LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only):#LI-MT1Work Format Details:This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.