Outreach Coordinator

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Job Summary:

One of the primary activities at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA) are the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT)  and next-generation EHT (ngEHT) projects.  The EHT operates a global network of radio dishes that combined to make images of black holes for cutting edge astronomy research.  The ngEHT is working to design and implement improvements to the EHT that will allow the global array to make the first movies of black holes, which will be a significant new capability for astronomy and physics research.  Much of the EHT and ngEHT activities take place at the Harvard Black Hole Initiative (BHI). 

Because of the strong public interest in black holes, there are excellent opportunities for science outreach.  This includes generation and dissemination of educational materials, production of materials to describe the projects, and planning events to convene various audiences to engage with the EHT and ngEHT.

This position fits within the CfA and BHI organizations by providing dedicated resources for EHT/ngEHT public outreach, which is currently being supported on an ad hoc and bare bones basis by graduate students and postdocs.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

1. A primary responsibility will be to distribute public outreach materials for the EHT and ngEHT projects via social media, online channels, and through the EHT and ngEHT websites.  This will include

• Maintaining the website and social media accounts and starting new accounts as needed. 
• Posting material on the websites and social media channels.
• Working with the EHT organization on the posting of press releases that are timed to the publication of new results.
• Monitoring social media and website traffic, and working with the CfA EHT/ngEHT principal investigator on coordinating solutions to improve the scope and reach of social media accounts and websites.
   

2. Generation of outreach materials.  This includes

• Coordinating and generating, press releases and social media posts for EHT and ngEHT news topics and updates.  In this, the incumbent will work with project scientists to translate science to engaging public content.
• Coordinate with project scientists on new ideas for public outreach content (e.g., videos, posters, animations, merchandise for distribution, on-line social events, informational pamphlets, etc…), and implementing these ideas.
• Coordinate with external vendors and personnel who the projects contract with to generate specific content.

3. Website design and organization.  The EHT and ngEHT websites require periodic structural updates, as well as new material.  The incumbent will be responsible for these updates, and/or overseeing website work done by others.

4. Coordinate and create tailored outreach materials and activities to engage new partners, and organization of related events.  The EHT and ngEHT projects need to generate materials that are tailored for various audiences, which can include potential donors, new institutes who wish to join the projects, or for specific events. 

• Create powerpoint or keynote slides that for presentations.
• Coordinate and assist with organizing events to engage new and existing EHT/ngEHT stakeholders.
• Create additional materials for these audiences and events.

Working Conditions:

• Work is typically performed in an office setting in Cambridge, MA.
• This position is based on campus, with the possibility of some hybrid flexibility. The selected candidate will be expected to work on campus as business needs require
• All remote work must be performed in a state in which Harvard is registered to do business (CA, CT, GA, IL, MA, MD, ME, NH, NY, RI, VT, VA, and WA).

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of computer use.
• Light lifting (approximately 10–20 lbs).
• The primary work location is the Black Hole Initiative building. While the main building is accessible, access to the Black Hole Initiative space involves navigating stairs.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in either a communication or science field.
• 3+ years of relevant experience in science public outreach, science journalism, or science education.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Relevant experience will include some (not necessarily all of the following): translating scientific concepts into outreach-appropriate language, designing public-facing materials, and building out public outreach efforts, website maintenance and content updates, managing social media platforms, and drafting press releases or other communications materials, organizing and advertising events or announcements, graphic design of outreach materials, video production of outreach materials.
• Strong organizational and communication (written and oral) skills are key to success in this position.

• This position is a 1 year term appointment from the 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 and Reference Checks
• Other Information:
  • Applicants must submit a cover letter in addition to their resume in order for their application to be reviewed.
  • All formal written offers will be made by FAS Human Resources.

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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 054. 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. 

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