Senior Communications Officer - Office for Sustainability

Job Description

Job Summary:

Reporting jointly to the Managing Director, University Communications in Harvard Public Affairs & Communications (HPAC) and to the Managing Director, Office for Sustainability (OFS), this position is responsible for the communications strategy of OFS, which advances the University’s institutional sustainability vision, priorities, goals and work to scale solutions on our 27 million square foot campus located in Cambridge and Boston. As a member of the HPAC team, the Senior Communications Officer works closely with the OFS senior team and staff, as well as with Campus Services (CS) partners and HPAC colleagues, to develop and implement communications strategies to enhance the visibility of OFS’s goals, services, and resources. 

This position serves as a strategic communications advisor to, and coordinates closely with, the OFS team and OFS subject matter experts who guide priorities and content. The Senior Communications Officer develops written and visual communications and oversees OFS’s digital platforms, including website, ensuring accurate, consistent, and timely information aligned with the University’s and OFS’s brand and messaging guidelines. The individual must be a strategic thinker with excellent writing skills, a knack for website management, and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. Familiarity with, and understanding of, sustainability issues is ideal. This role is part of a broader team of communications professionals supporting OFS partner units, including the Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability, among others.

Harvard University has a long commitment to confronting the global challenges of climate change and sustainable development through its research, teaching, and institutional action. The University-wide Office for Sustainability (OFS), created in 2008, plays a pivotal role in bringing together students, faculty, and staff to use the campus as testbed for piloting and proving solutions that address sustainable development and lead to a sustainable future. Our efforts are driven by a University-wide Sustainability Action Plan, which includes goals to be fossil fuel-free by 2050 and fossil fuel-neutral by 2026. 

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Content Creation Development and Data Visualization 

• Manage the overall communications and editorial calendar, including writing, editing, and design for the Annual Sustainability Report, website, social media, and internal communications. 

• Prepare clear visualizations of sustainability data for Annual Reports and other internal reporting for Harvard stakeholders. 
• Create, edit, and disseminate high-quality content to support key priorities and initiatives, including reports, presentations, newsletters, and promotional materials, adapting as needed across channels and audiences.

• Work closely with subject matter experts to translate and convey complex topics into relevant, clear, and helpful communications for a diverse audience.

• Develop templates and establish a consistent tone and visual identity in all communications materials, aligned with Harvard’s brand and messaging guidelines.

Communications Implementation Plan

• In partnership and consultation with OFS leadership and HPAC leadership, develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive communications plan that aligns with the goals, priorities, and mission of OFS. 
• Lead OFS communications and work collaboratively with related University departments, including Campus Services units, and HPAC partners to plan and execute integrated communications efforts.
• Educate and advise the OFS senior team and staff on communications best practices and provide guidance to staff on their client-facing communications and to the OFS leadership team on internal communications, as needed.
• Develop and maintain relationships and connections with key contacts in Harvard Schools and Central Administration, and proactively coordinate on communications priorities.
• Manage communications-related projects, vendors, and other duties as assigned.
• Support the management/coordination of speaking events/conferences/award submissions for the Managing Director and OFS Senior Team

Website, Email Engagement, and Digital Content Management

• Manage the OFS website, keeping current with best practices for user experience, and regularly updating it to provide timely and accurate information.

• Collaborate with subject matter experts to create new content, including news articles, resources, and event information.

• Lead website redesigns and projects.

• Lead development of Harvard’s Annual Sustainability Report, working with OFS team and other stakeholders to curate content.

• Build and manage email distribution lists.

• Plan, write, design, and send regular email newsletters and announcements to various stakeholder groups, including students, scholars, faculty, and partners.

• Manage OFS’s social media accounts, and develop and implement strategies to foster community engagement and enhance OFS’s online presence.

• Use analytics tools to assess the impact of overall communications strategies, produce reports on content performance, inform content strategy, and make recommendations to improve reach and engagement.

Media/PR 

• Work collaboratively with media relations staff within HPAC, both the University Communications and the Public Affairs teams, and related stakeholders to support media response, proactive media outreach and content considerations by University spokespersons.

• In partnership with HPAC media and public affairs staff, advise the OFS Managing Director, Vice President for Campus Services, and OFS senior leadership team on media and issues-related communication strategies as needed.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, or related field

• At least six years’ experience in communications

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Preference for prior experience in higher education, specifically focused on sustainability issues

• Understanding of branding, integrated marketing communications, strategy development, and implementation within large organizations serving diverse populations

• Exceptional written, verbal, and visual communication and editorial skills

• Adept at translating complex information into relevant, clear, and helpful communications

• Ability to effectively visualize data for internal and public-facing communications materials

• Outstanding organizational skills and the ability to think strategically and creatively

• Strong attention to detail

• Excellent customer service skills

• Self-motivated and directed, with a proven ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing a high volume of work with competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment 

• Displays good judgement, knowing when to loop people in and escalate matters

• Experience leading and facilitating meetings

• Demonstrated cultural competence and ability to work effectively with diverse populations

• Demonstrated experience in writing for the web, content strategy, and website management, particularly Drupal and WordPress

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365, email marketing platforms, social media management tools, and analytics

• Graphic design skills and experience with Adobe Creative Suite and Canva are useful

Additional Information

Please include a cover letter as a part of your application to help us better understand your qualifications and background. This can provide valuable insight into your experience and interest in the role.

• Orientation and Review Period: 3 months
• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 058. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• 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 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

Salary Grade: 058