Chief Communications and Engagement Officer

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Job Category: Academia
Job ID: 72176
Employment Type: Full time
Salary:
Posted: 02.12.2025

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Occupations:

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, 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.

We regret that the Harvard Graduate School of Education does not provide Visa Sponsorship for this position. 

 

Please note that applications will be accepted through February 26, 2025. 

 

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.

 

Work Format Details

HGSE is a residential community supporting primarily on-campus degree program students along with faculty and staff. Our commitment to a vibrant campus culture relies on robust connections; we believe in-person work brings enhanced collaboration and innovation, strengthened organizational culture, and a stronger student experience. It also improves our ability to engage in teaming and shared work to advance the HGSE mission: to prepare education leaders and innovators who will change the world by expanding opportunities and outcomes for learners everywhere. In contributing to our on-campus community, this position requires an on-campus presence four days per week with the possibility of additional flexibility during certain times of the year. Evening and weekend work may also be required either in person or remotely. If available, 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.

 

About Us

HGSE is a diverse community of learners, teachers, and employees who are passionate about changing the world through education and striving for maximum impact in the field of education.

 

HGSE Human Resources values diversity in all forms, and believes that each employee brings a set of diverse experiences and identities to the workplace that makes us stronger, encourages innovation, and enhances our collective contributions. We continue to develop and support a workforce that reflects the diversity of those we serve; fosters an environment that allows each individual to belong and to bring their best self to work; and creates the conditions that empower employees to contribute their full potential to advancing the work of the school.

 

We do this by:

•   Hiring and retaining staff reflecting the diversity of those we serve;

•   Providing employees opportunities to learn, grow, and be challenged;

•   Reviewing and ensuring fairness and equity in HR practices and policies including but not limited to hiring, promotion, and compensation;

•   Developing strong relationships and partnerships internal and external to our community to advance diversity and inclusion;

•   Communicating transparently and respectfully; and

•   Fostering an inclusive, respectful, and professional work environment 

 

About the Harvard Graduate School of Education

Many choose to work at the Harvard Graduate School of Education because they believe in our mission and are excited by our vision for the future. We have a reputation as a great place to work, for our excellent leadership, and we are a strong community that values diversity. For more information about HGSE, its programs, research, and faculty, please visit: www.gse.harvard.edu

 

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.

 

Job Function

Communications

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

CM0461 Communications Management Dir

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit

------------

Salary Grade

061

Department

Communications and Marketing

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

 

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.

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

PI262029150

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