Senior Director of Media Relations & Communications

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The Senior Director of Media Relations & Communications is responsible for developing and executing integrated public and media relations efforts to advance Harvard Law School’s (HLS) mission and key priorities. 

This role is a key member of the Harvard Law School (HLS) communications team and serves as a media and communications strategist for colleagues across the school.  

Working collaboratively alongside communications office colleagues and stakeholders across HLS, the Senior Director’s primary responsibilities include issues management and crisis communications; media relations, including serving as the primary HLS media contact and spokesperson; content creation, including community messages, talking points, news articles, and op-eds; and the development and implementation of proactive communications strategies and tactics in support of the Law School, its leadership, and its many programs and initiatives. 

As a Senior Director of Media Relations & Communications you will: 

• Manage and release news to external media, fielding day-to-day media inquiries. 
• Play a lead role in the Law School’s issues management and crisis communications efforts, responding proactively and creatively in a fast-paced media environment.  
• Serve as a vital member of the emergency and crisis communications teams. 
• In collaboration with the Associate Dean for Communications and Public Affairs, help strategize and implement communications and media relations efforts in support of the Dean and other HLS leaders. 
• Develop communications plans and key messages in support of HLS programs and initiatives.  
• Work collaboratively with a broad number of constituents within the Law School – including faculty, staff, and students – to identify and promote newsworthy stories. Work with individual faculty members to help share their scholarship and expertise. 
• Write news releases, media statements, talking points, speeches, op-eds, briefing materials, Q&As, internal communications, and other materials for internal and external audiences. 
• Develop and edit news articles and other content for digital and print publications and channels. 
• Build and maintain productive relationships with international, national, regional, local, and industry news media. 
• Serve as a member of the HLS Communications Office leadership team. 
• Perform other duties as necessary. 

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 8+ years’ experience in a related field, along with effective management/leadership experience.  

Additional Qualifications and Skills

We are looking for people who have: 

• Successful track record as a leader and strategist in a large, complex organization and experience creating and executing strategic communications plans to drive proactive narratives and to respond to complex issues. 
• Crisis communications and issues management acumen and experience. 
• Strong organizational and planning skills and an ability to set priorities and manage multiple, often competing demands and projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment and often under tight deadlines and pressure. 
• Strong judgment and an extremely high level of professionalism, diplomacy, discretion, collegiality, and problem-solving ability. 
• Strong interpersonal skills and proven success in developing collaborative relationships across diverse constituencies. 
• Ability to advise senior leaders effectively as well as to innovate, think strategically and conceptually, listen carefully, and influence and persuade others. 
• As a highly skilled writer, written news articles for both print and digital publications, press releases, op-eds, internal communications and speeches.
• Experience in government, public affairs, journalism, or in a higher education environment, and/or knowledge of, or interest in, the law is a plus. 

Standard Hours/Schedule: Full-time.

Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position

Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education, Criminal.

Other Information:

This position works a combination of on campus and remote work based on business needs and manager approval. 

All offers are made by HLS 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 059. 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.