Program Coordinator, Events and Communications

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Why join the Harvard Kennedy School?

The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University is one of 12 graduate and professional schools at the university. Harvard Kennedy School’s mission is to improve public policy and leadership so people can live in societies that are more safe, free, just, and sustainably prosperous. By combining cutting-edge research, the teaching of outstanding students, and direct interaction with practitioners, we have an impact on solving public problems that no other institution can match. When you work at Harvard Kennedy School, you make a difference.

About the Organization   

The Middle East Initiative (MEI) at the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs is Harvard University’s principal forum for policy-relevant research and teaching on the contemporary Middle East and North Africa. Through the integration of scholarly research, policy analysis, executive and graduate education, and community engagement, MEI aims to advance public policy and build capacity in the Middle East, with the goal of enhancing the lives of all the region’s peoples.

As part of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, MEI believes that being a diverse and inclusive organization is not only morally right, but also central to our ability to achieve our mission. We do not discriminate against any person based on race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, disability, income, or status as a veteran.  

About the Position 

MEI is seeking an enthusiastic and resourceful Program Coordinator, Events and Communications, to support the program’s high-profile public engagement, research dissemination, and community-building efforts. Reporting to the Associate Director, this role is responsible for coordinating and executing events with faculty, senior policymakers, and scholars, while also managing MEI’s communications channels, including web, social media, publications, and email outreach. This is an early- to mid-career role ideal for someone with 2-5 years of experience who is eager to support communications and events in a mission-driven academic environment.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Communications:

• Under the direction of the MEI Associate Director, develops and implements MEI communications strategies aligned with program priorities.
• Maintains MEI's website content, ensuring it is up-to-date, accurately curated, and aligned with best practices.
• Manages MEI’s social media channels through content planning, posting, and engagement to effectively communicate MEI’s research and activities.
• Coordinates production and distribution of publicity and outreach materials for MEI events and programs, including social media, email campaigns, press releases, annual newsletter, YouTube channel, and website content.
• Coordinates with Belfer communications on the production of MEI publications, including reports, briefs, and papers.
• Drafts content for new proposals and stewardship reports. 
• Facilitates MEI blog, podcast, and related public-facing initiatives to bolster faculty and fellows’ public engagement.
• Uses analytics, metrics, and industry best practices to assess communications performance and recommend continuous improvements to MEI leadership.
• Maintains and updates MEI contacts database and special lists.
• Develops and maintains targeted student outreach strategies, including student group lists and tailored communications, to increase student engagement with MEI programming. 
• Manages relationships with external vendors, including graphic designers and printers, ensuring high-quality deliverables.
• Attends relevant Center-wide meetings related to communications on behalf of MEI and briefs MEI Associate Director.
• Monitors and maintains MEI’s general email account and Salesforce Marketing Cloud inbox.

Events:

• Coordinates and executes MEI’s events with visiting dignitaries, scholars, and other speakers. Events include seminars, study groups, formal dinners, high-profile public events, conferences, and special meetings. 
• Manages all event logistics, including but not limited to drafting invitations and other correspondence; booking event spaces; working with internal and external vendors; preparing travel arrangements (including visas as needed) and detailed visit itineraries; managing day-of event production; coordinating post-event production and follow-up; processing payments and reconciling related costs. 
• Prepares internal and external event briefings, coordinating with the Executive Assistant, fellows, or student RAs to prepare event memos for the faculty chair. 
• Coordinates logistics for January-term course in the Middle East in collaboration with the Executive Assistant (and potentially including 2 weeks in country). 
• Helps identify potential speakers and subjects for MEI programming, in coordination with MEI leadership.
• Fosters relationships across campus to identify opportunities for program collaboration.
• Organizes MEI student-focused activities and events.
• Works with confidential information to assemble and manage guest lists, biographies, and briefing materials for high-level events and school leadership.

Administrative:

• Processes invoices and other expenses related to events and communications activities.
• Helps manage office suite inventory and equipment (e.g., office supplies, printers).
• Other duties as required. 

We are looking for someone who is:

• Collaborative, humble, and eager to learn and contribute to a small team.
• Highly detail-oriented and reliable, with a strong sense of ownership and a solutions-oriented mindset.
• Calm, diplomatic, and professional in high-pressure or high-visibility settings.
• Comfortable working closely with the Associate Director and MEI leadership, following guidance and supporting program priorities, while coordinating communications and event activities.
• Comfortable juggling multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, and able to embrace frequent change with professionalism, self-assurance, and composure.
• Mission-driven and genuinely interested in the Middle East and public policy. 

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum of two years demonstrated work experience in logistics, administration, or communications.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Master’s degree in relevant field preferred; relevant job experience will be considered with equal weight. 
• Experience with social media management, website content management systems, and email marketing platforms.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize effectively and meet deadlines.
• Experience creating and editing reports, publications, and professional correspondence.
• Familiarity with analytics tools and data-informed communications strategies.
• Understanding of branding principles and the ability to maintain consistent messaging across various communication channels.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Salesforce (including Marketing Cloud), website management tools, and design software (InDesign, Photoshop, and/or Canva). 
• Interest or experience working in higher education or in the Middle East/North Africa a plus.  
• Working knowledge of Arabic or other Middle Eastern languages helpful but not required.

We encourage candidates who meet most—but not all—of the qualifications to apply.

• Appointment End Date: This is a benefits-eligible term appointment for one year from date of hire, with the strong possibility of renewal.
• 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 all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 055. 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.