Job Summary

Reporting to the Assistant Dean for Communications, the Science and Technology Communications Officer and News Manager serves as a primary science communicator and public information officer for the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS). The Communications Officer provides strategic communications and support to the School by telling the stories of our research, faculty and students through compelling news releases, feature stories and social media content.

Position Description

As a member of the SEAS communications team, the Communications Officer will collaborate with peers internally and across the University to advance the strategic communications objectives of SEAS. Primary responsibilities of this position are content creation and media relations. Specifically, the individual will:

• Produce, often under deadline, high-quality news releases, articles and other materials that achieve positive coverage in national, international, local, and campus media.
• As needed, produce compelling visual content to support research-related press releases, including short-form video for YouTube and social media channels.
• Produce monthly research newsletter.
• Translate science and engineering research into clearly written, technically accurate content for multiple audiences.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with SEAS faculty, administration, students, and staff.
• Work with reporters and editors at a range of external news outlets, as well as with internal campus media.
• Provide research-related content for the SEAS public website and social media platforms.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor?s degree plus five years of related experience, or a Master?s degree in a related field plus three years of related experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

Other requirements include:

• Exceptional writing and editing skills.
• Experience generating social media content.
• A proven record of working collaboratively with a wide range of constituents.
• The ability to set priorities and manage competing demands, sometimes under pressure.
• Familiarity with ? and a passion for ? science and technology.
• Video and photo editing skills.
• Experience as a print or digital journalist.preferred
• An understanding of academic scholarship (e.g. journal publication, embargoes, confidentiality) and government-sponsored research.

Working Conditions

This position may require working nights or weekends.

Additional Information

• The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences does not provide visa sponsorship for administrative and staff positions.
• Applicants must submit a cover letter and a resume to be considered for this position.
• The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

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.

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)


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.

SEAS Commitment to Diversity
SEAS is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment. Some of our core values include respect for all, serving the greater good, and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

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.

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