Harvard Kennedy School
Senior Director of Communications and Engagement, Bloomberg Center for Cities
Harvard Kennedy School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, us, 02140
Senior Director of Communications and Engagement, Bloomberg Center for Cities
Join to apply for the Senior Director of Communications and Engagement, Bloomberg Center for Cities role at Harvard Kennedy School. Overview
The Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University seeks a Senior Director to lead its global communications, engagement, and dissemination efforts. This role will raise the Center’s profile, expand its reach among scholars and practitioners, and promote the use of research-based insights and tools for urban leadership and problem-solving. Job Responsibilities Develop and lead a global communications strategy that advances the Center’s mission, including digital engagement, field-building, and dissemination.
Serve as a senior advisor to the Director, other senior leaders, and affiliated faculty on media inquiries, announcements, and high-priority communications.
Shape and steward the Center’s narrative to ensure consistency, clarity, and resonance across platforms, audiences, and geographies.
Identify and support individuals (e.g. faculty, students, city leaders) and entities (labs, cities, partner organizations) who can amplify impact and visibility of the Center’s work. Design and implement strategies to engage scholars across disciplines in co-producing and utilizing high-quality research on cities.
Promote the adoption of research-based curricular materials by educators, institutions, and learners focused on cities worldwide.
Lead strategies to elevate public discourse on urban problem-solving and city leadership.
Guide the creation of compelling content that draws on the Center’s research, reports, teaching materials, events, and impact stories to drive engagement across channels, networks, and platforms.
Create and execute a robust media relations and social engagement strategy positioning the Center as a global hub for research on cities and a trusted resource for current and future city leaders.
Plan and execute high-profile announcements, campaigns, and initiatives in close coordination with Harvard collaborators, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and other key stakeholders.
Develop and lead a high-performing team and manage relationships with vendors, creative partners, Harvard-affiliated faculty and labs, and internal Center teams.
Design and manage organizational infrastructure and working processes to execute the global plan and support high standards quality.
Manage the communications budget and propose allocation of resources and assets to maximize impact.
Track and analyze performance across core areas (communications, engagement, and dissemination) to demonstrate impact, drive continuous improvement, and inform future strategy.
Establish systems, calendars, and protocols to ensure coordination and timely delivery across all communications activities.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree and a minimum of 8 years of increasing responsibility in communications and/or public engagement roles. Additional Qualifications and Skills:
The ideal candidate combines strategic thinking with strong tactical execution and a demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality communication and engagement efforts across a range of formats and audiences. They will also possess the ability to perform well across arenas and organizations with different standards, interests, cultures, and practices. They are comfortable working independently and collaboratively, balancing long-term planning with day-to-day responsiveness. With a strong editorial instinct, political and organizational sensitivity, and a relentless commitment to excellence, they can quickly produce clear, compelling content—from practical communications to complex, research-informed narratives. They understand how to build and sustain impactful platforms and channels and have the skills to design and manage all business processes associated with high performing communications systems. They thrive in dynamic environments, bring sound judgment to sensitive issues, and remain calm under pressure.
Proven success designing and executing sophisticated media strategies—across national, regional, and local contexts—ideally within government, academic or policy-oriented organizations, or large public affairs or communications agencies.
Exceptional writer, editor, producer, and storyteller with a sharp instinct for institutional voice, audience engagement, production value, and public positioning.
Self-starter who thrives in a collaborative team environment and takes pride in delivering high-quality, timely communications.
Experience designing and managing content strategies that support platform-building, field dissemination, and the uptake of research-based materials by external institutions.
Ability to support and engage with high-profile public officials; strong grasp of city, state, and national policy landscapes, domestically and internationally.
Fluent in traditional and digital media tools, with a track record of securing media coverage and managing journalist relationships nationally and internationally.
Experience developing and scaling communications infrastructure, including owned media channels.
Proficiency in the use of generative AI and knowledge of the strategic use of genAI tools in organizational settings.
Understanding of the political, social, and civic contexts that shape urban governance in the U.S.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and composed under pressure; able to manage sensitive issues with discretion and judgment.
Collaborative and inclusive team leader who builds strong relationships, mentors others, and works well across diverse teams.
Additional Information This position is a fully benefits eligible term appointment through June 30, 2027, with the strong possibility of renewal.
Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
Other Information: This is a full-time, on-campus position based in Cambridge, MA. Flexible remote work arrangements may be available with supervisory approval.
Work Format
This position is based on-site at a Harvard campus location. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment. Salary and Benefits
This position is salary grade level 060. Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package to support work-life balance and wellbeing, including:
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
EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment
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 prohibits 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. 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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Join to apply for the Senior Director of Communications and Engagement, Bloomberg Center for Cities role at Harvard Kennedy School. Overview
The Bloomberg Center for Cities at Harvard University seeks a Senior Director to lead its global communications, engagement, and dissemination efforts. This role will raise the Center’s profile, expand its reach among scholars and practitioners, and promote the use of research-based insights and tools for urban leadership and problem-solving. Job Responsibilities Develop and lead a global communications strategy that advances the Center’s mission, including digital engagement, field-building, and dissemination.
Serve as a senior advisor to the Director, other senior leaders, and affiliated faculty on media inquiries, announcements, and high-priority communications.
Shape and steward the Center’s narrative to ensure consistency, clarity, and resonance across platforms, audiences, and geographies.
Identify and support individuals (e.g. faculty, students, city leaders) and entities (labs, cities, partner organizations) who can amplify impact and visibility of the Center’s work. Design and implement strategies to engage scholars across disciplines in co-producing and utilizing high-quality research on cities.
Promote the adoption of research-based curricular materials by educators, institutions, and learners focused on cities worldwide.
Lead strategies to elevate public discourse on urban problem-solving and city leadership.
Guide the creation of compelling content that draws on the Center’s research, reports, teaching materials, events, and impact stories to drive engagement across channels, networks, and platforms.
Create and execute a robust media relations and social engagement strategy positioning the Center as a global hub for research on cities and a trusted resource for current and future city leaders.
Plan and execute high-profile announcements, campaigns, and initiatives in close coordination with Harvard collaborators, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and other key stakeholders.
Develop and lead a high-performing team and manage relationships with vendors, creative partners, Harvard-affiliated faculty and labs, and internal Center teams.
Design and manage organizational infrastructure and working processes to execute the global plan and support high standards quality.
Manage the communications budget and propose allocation of resources and assets to maximize impact.
Track and analyze performance across core areas (communications, engagement, and dissemination) to demonstrate impact, drive continuous improvement, and inform future strategy.
Establish systems, calendars, and protocols to ensure coordination and timely delivery across all communications activities.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree and a minimum of 8 years of increasing responsibility in communications and/or public engagement roles. Additional Qualifications and Skills:
The ideal candidate combines strategic thinking with strong tactical execution and a demonstrated ability to deliver high-quality communication and engagement efforts across a range of formats and audiences. They will also possess the ability to perform well across arenas and organizations with different standards, interests, cultures, and practices. They are comfortable working independently and collaboratively, balancing long-term planning with day-to-day responsiveness. With a strong editorial instinct, political and organizational sensitivity, and a relentless commitment to excellence, they can quickly produce clear, compelling content—from practical communications to complex, research-informed narratives. They understand how to build and sustain impactful platforms and channels and have the skills to design and manage all business processes associated with high performing communications systems. They thrive in dynamic environments, bring sound judgment to sensitive issues, and remain calm under pressure.
Proven success designing and executing sophisticated media strategies—across national, regional, and local contexts—ideally within government, academic or policy-oriented organizations, or large public affairs or communications agencies.
Exceptional writer, editor, producer, and storyteller with a sharp instinct for institutional voice, audience engagement, production value, and public positioning.
Self-starter who thrives in a collaborative team environment and takes pride in delivering high-quality, timely communications.
Experience designing and managing content strategies that support platform-building, field dissemination, and the uptake of research-based materials by external institutions.
Ability to support and engage with high-profile public officials; strong grasp of city, state, and national policy landscapes, domestically and internationally.
Fluent in traditional and digital media tools, with a track record of securing media coverage and managing journalist relationships nationally and internationally.
Experience developing and scaling communications infrastructure, including owned media channels.
Proficiency in the use of generative AI and knowledge of the strategic use of genAI tools in organizational settings.
Understanding of the political, social, and civic contexts that shape urban governance in the U.S.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and composed under pressure; able to manage sensitive issues with discretion and judgment.
Collaborative and inclusive team leader who builds strong relationships, mentors others, and works well across diverse teams.
Additional Information This position is a fully benefits eligible term appointment through June 30, 2027, with the strong possibility of renewal.
Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
Other Information: This is a full-time, on-campus position based in Cambridge, MA. Flexible remote work arrangements may be available with supervisory approval.
Work Format
This position is based on-site at a Harvard campus location. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment. Salary and Benefits
This position is salary grade level 060. Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package to support work-life balance and wellbeing, including:
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
EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment
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 prohibits 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. 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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