Chief Communications and Engagement Officer

Chief Communications and Engagement Officer

Job ID: 72176

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States

Employment Type: Full time

Posted: 02.12.2025

Job Description

Job Summary

The Chief Communications and Engagement Officer (CCEO) at the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE) will oversee a coordinated, dynamic communications and external engagement strategy to advance the school’s mission, vision, and impact. As part of the senior leadership team and reporting directly to the Interim Dean and the Executive Dean, the CCEO will cultivate and ensure that the communications and engagement strategies are consistent and aligned around strategic goals, in service of the organization’s mission, goals and objectives, and therefore serve to elevate HGSE’s impact and visibility among diverse audiences, including donors, alumni, prospective students, policymakers, and educators. The CCEO will also serve as the primary spokesperson for the school.

Position Description

• Develop and guide strategy, plans, and day-to-day operations of communications, engagement, and marketing work that align with HGSE’s strategic goals.
• Identify synergies amongst HGSE units’ efforts that have common agendas and develop coordinated engagement and marketing tactics to ensure consistent, coherent, and efficient communication to relevant constituent groups.
• Oversee the HGSE Communications and Marketing team in the creation of compelling content across various platforms that will elevate the school’s brand and reputation through storytelling, marketing campaigns, events, media relations, and digital communications channels to expand HGSE’s constituent base.
• Design and implement infrastructure and a strategic action plan for collaboration across relevant units to drive towards collective impact.
• Leverage data analytics to evaluate engagement opportunities and successes as well as to refine strategies for continuous improvement.
• Lead the development and implementation of communications that inspire engagement and support from donors, alumni, prospective students, and educators in the field working closely with the relevant offices.
• Shape and create a comprehensive, compelling institutional narrative about HGSE’s presence and identity as a forward-looking, world-class school of education.
• Provide strategic counsel to the dean, including reviewing recommendations, reports, and requests from central University offices and drafting communications as needed.
• Serve as primary spokesperson and Public Information Officer (PIO) for the school, as well as the lead on crisis communications.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• A minimum of 10 years serving in positions connected to leading strategic communications, community relations, and/or external campaigns and initiatives to drive social change.
• Applicants invited to interview may be asked to submit writing samples and/or participate in a strategic communications exercise.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Demonstrated high-level of creativity, strategic thinking, and problem-solving ability.
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with a demonstrated ability to develop high-performing inclusive teams.
• Strong knowledge of the education sector, early education through higher education.
• Proven record of developing and executing successful communications and marketing strategies.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex ideas into accessible, compelling, and creative narratives.
• Familiarity with branding and visual identity standards, particularly in academic or mission-driven organizations.
• Experience in media relations, crisis communications, and serving as a public spokesperson.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and translate it into actionable impactful strategies.

Job Function

Communications

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

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.

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.

Apply Here: https://www.click2apply.net/kGxrwxcDYgDlQHXO7S2goK