Communications Specialist Jobs in Massachusetts

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The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) is the historic heart of Harvard University. It is the home of Harvard’s undergraduate program (Harvard College, founded in 1636) as well as all of Harvard’s Ph.D. programs (the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, founded in 1872), Harvard Athletics and the Division of Continuing Education. The 40 academic departments and 30+ centers of the FAS support a community unparalleled in its academic excellence across the broadest range of liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Together, the FAS seeks to foster an environment of ambition, curiosity and shared commitment to knowledge and truth that elicits excellence from all members of our community and prepares the next generation of leaders through a transformative educational experience.

Job Summary:

The Communications & Marketing Services Specialist provides strategic communications and marketing support to departments across the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS). Working in partnership with departmental leaders and stakeholders, the Specialist advises on effective communications approaches, develops and executes content and marketing initiatives, and manages digital communications channels to enhance visibility, engagement, and audience reach.

The role is responsible for planning, creating, and maintaining a wide range of communications materials, including web content, e-newsletters, event promotion, and digital campaigns. The Specialist manages communications workflows, prioritizes incoming requests, and coordinates projects to ensure timely, high-quality delivery aligned with institutional goals, accessibility requirements, and brand standards.

Reporting to the Associate Director, Communications & Marketing Services, this position serves as a trusted communications partner to assigned departments and operates with a high degree of independence in managing projects and stakeholder relationships.

This position is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with an expectation of a minimum of three (3) workdays per week on campus.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Communications and Marketing Strategy

• Advise departments on communications and marketing strategies, tactics, and channels to increase awareness, engagement, and effectiveness.
• Consult with stakeholders to understand communications objectives and recommend appropriate approaches and solutions.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen outreach, storytelling, audience engagement, and brand visibility.
• Support departmental communications planning and campaign development.

Content Development and Execution

• Lead the development, writing, editing, design coordination, and distribution of communications materials, including:

• E-newsletters
• Website content
• Event promotion
• Digital communications
• Marketing collateral

• Develop compelling content tailored to diverse audiences and communications channels.
• Ensure all communications reflect institutional priorities, brand standards, and editorial best practices.
• Coordinate review and approval processes with stakeholders as needed.

Website and Digital Content Management

• Manage and maintain departmental websites using Drupal or similar content management systems.
• Ensure content accuracy, relevance, accessibility, and usability across digital platforms.
• Implement web content updates and improvements based on communications priorities and user needs.
• Apply digital communications best practices, accessibility requirements, and brand standards to all online content.
• Monitor website content and recommend enhancements to improve user experience and engagement.

Workflow and Project Management

• Serve as a central point of contact for communications and marketing requests.
• Triage, assess, and prioritize incoming projects based on urgency, impact, and available resources.
• Identify and engage appropriate stakeholders, subject matter experts, and communications partners to advance projects.
• Develop and maintain project schedules, communications calendars, and workflow tracking processes.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while ensuring deadlines and quality standards are met.

Stakeholder Engagement and Client Service

• Build strong working relationships with departmental leaders, faculty, administrators, and colleagues.
• Provide responsive, customer-focused communications support and consultation.
• Collaborate with internal communications, marketing, digital, and creative teams to coordinate communications efforts.
• Present recommendations and communications solutions to stakeholders in a clear and effective manner.

Communications Operations and Continuous Improvement

• Support implementation of communications standards, policies, and best practices.
• Utilize data, analytics, and stakeholder feedback to improve communications effectiveness.
• Explore and leverage AI-enabled tools and technologies to enhance productivity, content development, and workflow efficiency.
• Stay current with communications, marketing, digital content, and accessibility trends and best practices.

Working Conditions:

• Hybrid work arrangement with a minimum of three (3) days per week on campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support events, communications initiatives, or departmental priorities.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible communications, marketing, public relations, digital communications, or related experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Excellent writing, editing, proofreading, and content development skills.
• Experience creating and managing content across multiple communications channels.
• Familiarity with Drupal or similar content management systems.
• Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple competing priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and drive projects to completion.
• Strong client service orientation and stakeholder relationship management skills.
• Understanding of digital communications best practices, web content strategy, accessibility standards, and branding principles.
• Experience developing newsletters, website content, and promotional communications.
• Comfort using AI tools and emerging technologies to support communications and content development.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities.

• Application Materials: Include a cover letter along with a resume
• 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 056. 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.