Public Affairs and Strategic Communications Manager

Company Description
By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world‑changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health?
The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is a world‑renowned institution dedicated to advancing public health through cutting‑edge research, education, and global collaboration. Our school is a special place to work because of its vibrant, mission‑driven community, interdisciplinary approach, and commitment to addressing some of the most pressing health challenges worldwide. We foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment where innovation, continuous learning, and work‑life balance are valued.

Job Description
Job Summary
The mission of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is to advance the public's health through learning, discovery and communication. To pursue the mission, the School produces knowledge through research then translates this knowledge into evidence that can be communicated to the public, policymakers, and practitioners to advance the health of populations.

The François‑Xavier Bagnoud (FXB) Center for Health and Human Rights at Harvard University was founded as the first university‑wide center committed to exploring the interdependence of health and human rights. For more than 30 years it has sought to uphold the rights and dignity of every individual, paying special attention to children and their families.

Our scholarship evolves as do global challenges—continuing to focus on urgent and overlooked priorities that keep our work relevant, impactful, and at the forefront of the health and human rights discourse. Yet our founding mission—to champion health and human rights for the world’s most vulnerable with a special emphasis on children– remains as vital as ever.

The Manager of Public Affairs and Strategic Communications will support the FXB Center's Leadership as a thought partner on strategic communication including writing, presentation assistance, website maintenance, media relations, coordination support on new initiatives, and day‑to‑day administrative support.

Job‑Specific Responsibilities
The Manager of Public Affairs and Strategic Communications will be responsible for a wide range of complex and confidential communications and administrative duties to support the management and smooth operations of the Center and the FXB Executive Director. This individual will proactively anticipate and resolve problems and update the FXB management accordingly.

Support key public relations and communications needs of the FXB Leadership. Lead writer for the Center’s website and communications products. Ensure timely and relevant communication to outside constituents.

Through social media and other communication tools, promote the concept of health and human rights, particularly in the Center’s core areas of focus. Draft press releases and coordinate outreach to media in close communication with the FXB Executive Director. Keep current on trends, research and scientific news in health and human rights to create timely social media and also to alert the FXB Executive Director (and others as designated) on critical breaking news and research.

Provide communications support to key strategic initiatives. Designated point person for communications related to FXB‑led research and scholarship. Anticipate needs and provide brainstorming and thought leadership support: map potential funders and engage in fundraising activities, including grant application and proposal writing.

Support the FXB Center Executive Director and Leadership in fostering and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders across the university. Review, assess, route, answer and monitor follow‑up action steps on correspondence for FXB Leadership. Serve as a key source of information for stakeholders (faculty, students, staff, journalists, funders and other external partners) as needed.

Aid in finalizing speaker documents, coordinating with event organizers on locations, times, prep work and expectations. Ensure seamless engagement logistics for FXB Leadership.

Prepare memos, presentations, draft talking points, and provide research support as needed to assist the FXB Leadership in finalizing speeches, presentations, articles, etc. Familiar with the research areas and able to make recommendations on content to include as needed.

Perform other duties as needed.

PLEASE NOTE: This position has a term appointment of one year from date of hire with the possibility of extension. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit a writing sample. More details will be shared in the interview process.

Qualifications
Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.

3+ years of related experience required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Experience and skill with Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), WordPress, Social Media (Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube), Google Analytics, and Zoom.

Strong editing, proofreading and fact‑checking skills.

Canva.

Adobe.

Strong oral and written communication skills.

Self‑motivated, strong organizational and interpersonal skills.

Experience prioritizing and managing multiple deadlines.

Experience managing projects from inception through completion.

Demonstrated experience problem solving independently.

A conviction to the FXB Center's overarching mission.

Additional Information

Appointment End Date: One year from date of hire.

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.

Join the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to support our mission of health research and education, and to be a part of the oldest institution of higher learning in the country!

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

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.

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